12th Dept. of Science & Technology, Govt. of India sponsored Innovation in Science Pursuits for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) – a Five Day Science Internship Camp organized by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University jointly with 14 Corps of Indian Army and District Administration, Leh, was inaugurated by Brig. M.M. Masur, Brigadier Administration 14 CORPS at Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre in Phayang, Leh. This is the 4th time SMVDU is hosting this academic event at Leh in Ladakh region of J&K State. This Science Camp is being attended by more than 170 participants from Leh and Kargil districts. The uniqueness of this Camp is the participation of 117 girls. The eminent scientists from premier institutions have been invited to mentor the interns during next five days. After the inaugural session, a talk on “Tunneling Phenomenon and its impact on modern Electronics Gadgets was delivered by Bhatnagar Awardee Prof. Pratap Ray Chaudhari from Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai. His session was followed by an excellent interactive lecture by a highly acclaimed scientist of international repute Ms. Nandini S. Harinath, Scientist (SG), ISRO Satellite Centre, Banglore. Ms Nandini highlighted the need of Mars Mission. All the sessions were followed by interaction with the students.

Highlight of the day was brief interaction of interns with Ms Avny Lavasa, Deputy Commissioner. It is pertinent to mentioned that Ms. Lavasa charged the interns to be honest and clear hearted and also asked the participants to choose the profession of their choice and follow their heart with great dedication while being respectful to everyone around them. Ms. Lavasa appreciated the efforts of the organizing team and assured full support of the administration in future as well and further expressed her gratitude to eminent scientist for spare the valuable time for this Inspire Science Camp. The Science Camp is being held at Leh under the leadership and guidance of Prof. Sanjeev Jain Vice Chancellor, SMVDU who has taken personal interest in this program to ensure that university plays an important role in providing the requisite exposure to the children of Ladakh region. The camp in Leh is being coordinated by Dr. Sunil Kumar Wanchoo, Dept. of Physics, SMVDU.