Fifty physics teachers gathered for a capacity-building program organized by the Central Board of Secondary Education. The event was graced by esteemed educators, Mr. Sanjay Yadav, Principal of Ahlcon International School, who served as the key resource person, Mr. Ashutosh Mani Tripathi, Head of Physics Department, who acted as the co-resource person, Mr Puneet Duggal, Vice Principal and Dr Ekta Kandhari Ratra, Head Senior School, Ahlcon International School also graced the occasion. It was truly an honor to have the opportunity to address such a distinguished audience.
Drawing upon my own experiences as a former physics student and now a physics teacher with several years of learning, I took the privilege of sharing my profound understanding of physics, effective physics teaching methods, the role of physics in sustainability, and the invaluable contributions of Indian scientists throughout history. Here's a glimpse of my insights:
Dear Esteemed Physics Teachers,
Greetings to all the remarkable individuals seated before me, who hold the power to shape the minds and characters of the generations to come. Your dedication inspires the future scientists, engineers, and critical thinkers of our world. Today, I address those who unravel the mysteries and wonders of the universe, sparking curiosity, nurturing problem solvers, fostering innovators, and bridging the gap between theory and reality. You do it all.
Your passion instils joy of discovery, hard work, and perseverance among your students, preparing them for their future careers in Physics and beyond. Through your guidance, they embark on journeys that leave a lasting impact and kindle an unwavering passion for knowledge. I applaud the beautiful work you do unconditionally, without diminishing spirit, and in the most inclusive and non-discriminatory manner.
Let us delve into the essence of science itself. Science is not merely about providing answers; rather, it is a continuous process of questioning. When we make mistakes, we embrace them, rectify our errors, and if we falter, others promptly come to the rescue. Science thrives on integrity, values, and the pursuit of improving human lives. As teachers of Physics, we embody these values.
As we witness the marvels of scientific discovery, it is disheartening to observe some individuals cherry-pick scientific principles to suit their political agendas, disregarding the essence of true inquiry and rationality. Within our classrooms and beyond, we must nurture an environment that fosters open-mindedness, a scientific way of thinking, acceptance of diversity, and inclusion.
It is our responsibility to teach our children to wield science for the greater good and the well-being of society. Science, in itself, carries no inherent value; it is the wielder of scientific principles and inventions who determines their impact on humanity.
Let us also ponder the role of physics in the realm of AI and sustainability. Physics plays a key role in developing AI systems through data collection, sensors, signal processing, control systems and now quantum computing. Physics, in particular, plays a pivotal part in poverty alleviation, energy transformation, innovation, combating climate change, and promoting health and well-being.
In an era marked by concerns over nuclear weapons, cyber warfare, drone espionage we must not only impart the subject matter but also encourage dialogue on universal values, peaceful coexistence, critical thinking, hands-on experimentation, and research. Success of science lies in increasing the use-cases of technology and AI for greater good of the planet and its habitants.
I urge you to share the stories of contributions made by Indian scientists throughout history, from the brilliance of Aryabhata, Bhaskaracharya, and Varahamihira, Charka and Nagarjuna to the achievements of JC Bose, SN Bose (Boson fame), CV Raman, and APJ Abdul Kalam.
The recent launch of Chandranan 3 with the significant contribution by the women scientists is commendable. The role of women in science is increasingly recognized, but we must continue our efforts to promote gender equality in the scientific community. Let our students take pride in the legacies of ancient Indian scientists and intellectuals who significantly influenced fields such as medicine, astronomy, mathematics, and metallurgy.
Teaching physics is fun and a challenge. As physics teachers we have to make a shift from the traditional teaching relying on lecture and rote learning to one that develops love for learning, deploys integrated and interactive pedagogy, encourages problem solving and leverages the advancement in technology to personalise learning. The students must be given choices to present evidences of learning through a variety of assessment artefacts.
Together, we can shape a future where science serves as a beacon of peace, progress, and prosperity. I thank each one of you for your unwavering commitment to educating the minds that will shape the world of tomorrow.
With utmost respect and admiration, I remain, a Physics Teacher
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