Trivandrum : Research has shown that participating in science-related activities can help children with special needs develop their cognitive and social skills, as well as enhance their confidence and self-esteem. SCIENTIA - the advanced research centre was inaugurated by S Somanath, Secretary, DOS/Chairman, ISRO at the Different Art Centre, Trivandrum. The research centre was inaugurated by moving the robot made by differently-abled children. After pressing the switch, the robot moved forward and touched the sensor wall placed on the path, and the Scientia logo appeared on the screen.
S. Somnath exclaimed that it is impossible to believe that all these arrangements were made by differently-abled children and that Scientia is the confluence of scientific talents. He added that he was literally shocked by the talent of the children and that the initiative would mold many talents and the services of ISRO scientists would be made available to the research centre.
On the occasion, he honored Parvathy LS, Aparna PL and Saya Mariam Thomas, differently-abled children of the centre who participated in the Kerala Science Congress, with a memento. Different Art Centre Executive Director Gopinath Muthukad, DAC Advisory Members Ms Shyla Thomas, Fr. Vincent Perepadan and Scientia Coordinator Dr. Nisha V.M. were present for the event. SCIENTIA, The Centre for Research on Children with Disabilities is overseen by California Western University. The research centre has many sections like microbiology, space observation, robotics section, experiment labs, electronics etc.