Sensibly Religious Observant

"Sometimes we might reach the places we never planned for"

My flight was about to land Trivandrum. But what I could see from the top was Arabian Sea, backwaters and the thick coconut forest. I could not believe that there was actually a city amidst the coconut trees until the flight landed safely on the runway. It was a relatively calm, rustic and small city compared to other cities of India. The journey onwards had to be towards Kanyakumari where I had to catch Science Express. But sometimes we might reach the places we never planned for.

I thought I should visit this old and famous temple called Padmanabha Swamy.  This temple is very close to the bus stand. As I strolled towards the temple, few people stopped me and took me inside the cloak room. They took away my laptop and other belongings. No personal belongings were allowed inside the temple. Then they asked me to take off the jeans and put on dhoti. I did the same. Later they asked me to even take off t-shirt and proceed to the temple with bare chest and dhoti. It was quite odd for me when somebody took all my clothes off before entering the temple. There was a small pond near the temple for the holy bath if you want.

The air was filled with the chanting of holy words. The temple had a huge entrance. I could see everyone outside and inside the temple with a bare chest and a dhoti. As I entered the temple, one of the priests handed over some flowers and worship material and asked for 50 rupees. There was no scope to say no. I proceeded further with the flowers. I was trying to analyse how old this temple would be. What is the meaning of the hymns and holy words?  Why the deities are in particular position? The mind was brimming with questions of religions and it was searching for the souls who could answer some of them. Or they could at least provide a lead to those questions. I met a couple of priests in the temple and read the book on history of the temple. If I believe the book and the local people, then this is the temple of all the temples in India. The walls and roofs had turned black and all the figures had lost their details.

The interior buildings of the temple gave a rustic charm. The wait for the most awaited moment was over. I saw Lord Padmanabha in his full glory in the central sanctum; I was stunned to see the deity which was almost 20 feet long, visible through two small doors. Lord Vishnu was in reclining position on Sheshnaga. From his naval came out the flower of lotus on which Lord Brahma was sitting. His fingers of right hand were pointing towards the Lord Shiva. The priest took the flowers from me and offered it to the eternal. It was a wave of belief and logic sweeping in counter direction in my mind.

Outside the main sanctum, there was another temple of Lord Krishna. This temple is considered to be older than Padmanabha temple. The priests estimated that it was some 5000 years old. It has been mentioned in some religious documents that the temple was formed on 950^th day of Kaliyuga. Another interesting and unknown thing about this temple is that it caught fire in 1686 A.D. after which it all turned into ashes. It was then rebuilt by the king of Travancore. Since then the royal family of Travancore takes care of this temple and considers itself to be servant of Lord Padmanabha.

In March 2011, the six secret cellars of the temple were opened on the order of honourable Supreme Court of India. What was found created a world record and blinded the people with its glitter. Gold deities and animals, jewellery and other precious things were found. The total value of the gold was estimated to be $22 bn. Padmanabha Swamy temple became the richest temple in the world after the disclosure of the information.

Thiruvananthapuram word finds the history of its name in this temple. Thiru means respect, Anantha means infinite or God, Puram means Abode. Thiruvananthapuram means "Abode of respectable God" (Padmanabha Swamy). A must visit place for anybody who comes down to Trivandrum and wants to understand the history and firmness of Indian religion.

- Ankit Kapoor

(one of silently-sincere Science Communicator of Science Express-Biodiversity Special 

- found of ancient places, good observer and keen learner for   surrounding nature and culture)

Science Express runs by fuel of such young people, who loves to fly high beyond such boundaries and sharing vast Biodiversity of India.   

needless to explain: "वसुधेव कुटुम्बकम |"

Science Express' Curious visitors ...

"Science is our food"

In Brahmapur, Odisha, the Science Communicators on the SEBS had a unique experience. Being in coach 1, I witnessed a trio of interested young boys making the journey through our train for the second time that morning. One thing lead to another, and soon, I was impressing upon them the need to care for their surroundings, and most importantly, find out the details regarding the biodiversity of Brahmapur and the problems facing it.

"Planting trees is level one", I said. "You boys must upgrade to level two." The boys soaked in every word about Government efforts, about the necessity of biodiversity and dependance of humans on biodiversity. After spending quite some time with them, the trio moved on to the second coach. Much later, when I was leaving for my lunch break, I found them talking to Ankit Kapoor (a fellow Science Communicator) in coach 7. Apparently, they had reached coach twelve when they had a doubt regarding radiation, so they walked back to coach four to talk to Rubul Borah. After wishing them the best, I went on my way. Imagine my surprise, then, when I returned from lunch and the boys were still in coach twelve. They had not yet exited the train! I asked them whether they had lunch, and one of the boys replied with all the innocence and honesty that only childhood bestows, "Sir, the science and information we have learnt on this train itself is sufficient. We don't need lunch."

I've always been amazed by nature and matters related to the scientific disciplines, but to hear that this trio of boys had been waiting outside our train from 9 am that day, and were yet to leave the train well-past three pm was a shock even to me. The determination, desire and simplicity with which these boys approached our train made me look at our train in a whole new light. It inspired me to believe that there can be young folk out there who are passionate enough to spend time to educate themselves about the world around them. Definitely, such young people can take this world to a better place.

Oh, and I almost forgot to mention. Two of the boys were back again that evening, by half-past six at the railway station, and stayed till about half-past eight to "see us off". We just couldn't believe the respect and admiration these boys showed for our train, and the science communicators aboard the train.

- Daniel Divyakumar H (Science Communicator)

The Celebration time...

Science Express – Biodiversity special’s visit to Chennai came up with many celebrations.  SEBS exhibition was held up for four days from 11^th to 14^th August.  At Chennai SEBS was innograted by Dr. G.Narayanan, additional general manager of southern railway Chennai on 11^th August.  Department of Science and Technology head Mr.Chandar Mohan and Director of VASCSC Mr.Dilip Surkar made their presence during this time.

11^th August, 2012

Science Express hit 7 lac visitors of its Vth phase Biodiversity Special at Nellore, Andhra Pradesh location during 7th to 10^th August. It is the total number of general visitors, students and teachers who actually took the benefit of Science Express Biodiversity exhibition. That truly demanded a party; so there it was. Mr. Chandar Mohan, Mr.Dilip Surkhar  host a dinner party for Science Express Team on a very first day of exhibition at Chennai on 11^th August, 2012. Mr.Chandar Mohan and Mr.Dilip Surkar congratulated entire SEBS team for this big success and shared a small speech for Science Communicators; which turned out a real boost for them.

For SEBS staff, the joy of welcoming more than 7 lac visitors, when Science Express is yet to complete its half of the journey; was not less than a milestone. Everybody celebrated the joy of it by singing their likely song. Science Communicators, K.C.Joshi and Puskar Samant were the rockstar of event. After dinner Dr. A.P.Singh joined and was welcomed by Chaitrshri’s semi classical dance performance. She presented such an energetic and expressive performance on the rytham of “Radha kaise na jale”. The party was called off nearly after a small motivational speech by Dr. B.P.Singh. He also added that, “this is such a remarkable moment in Science Express’ history, and a proof of Science express’ popularity and demand of Science knowledge nowadays”.

12^th August, 2012

Science Express celebrated the 7 lac visitors at Chennai. On second day 12^th August, exhibition made open after celebrating Dr.Vikram A Sarabhai’s birth anniversary. Dr. Vikram A Sarabhai was a very famous scientist and also the founder of Community Science Center (VASCSC) at Ahmedabad. As VASCSC has contributed major in designing and functioning Science Express; Mr. Dilip Surkar, Director of VASCSC and Mr. Chandar Mohan shared his tribute with the SEBS team.

15^th August, 2012

Science Express exhibition was closed on Independence Day. But the Science Express staff decided and met at early morning sharp at 7:30 for flag hoisting ceremony. Everybody came in their regular Science Express dress and salute Indian flag and recite Indian anthem. The team dispatched after sharing sweets.

As it was an off for an exhibition, departing from there science express team took a chance to visit Chennai. Mahabalipuram, Crocodile bank, Daxinadrusti and Marina beach were the places, explored more. Some famous market places were also been visited by the team.

After Chennai visit the SEBS team is again as on trek like earlier, it has reached to Kudal Nagar (Madurai) and Kanyakumari and Enarkulum are the next planned destinations. 

Some thing like this also happens...

Say Quiz.. 

Confused??..

Straight from Science Communicator's diary..

Being Mumbaikar, local train is part and parcel of my life. Though office was 45 minutes away from home via local, for assignments and other stuff I had to travel by local train. At that time I never thought of having a job on Indian Rail Tracks. But all of sudden life took a sharp turn and I landed on meter gauge.

But this journey is something different. It is not just any tour or trips neither picnic. It has proper route which is taking each and every individual attached to this train. I don’t know what route others will choose but I have not decided any of them; so just decided to note down different routes.

Journey started on 5^th June for train, but for me it started on 27^th May. I and one of my colleagues from Times, were going home. Usually, train is the mode of travel in city. But sometimes four wheels are better than 36. So we decided to go by taxi. Journey to this place and coming one started that day. Got a call from Vikram A. Sarabhai Community Science Centre offering post of Science Communicator on Science Express; a train dedicated to promotion of science. It travels across the India to popular science among youth as well as school children. I had given a test and interview but could not make it. I was on waiting list since it is a train. But I guess I got RAC i.e. reservation against cancelation. Andrenaline Rush was at its peak again and it never got down till the last word I typed in this sentence.

As soon I came to know about this offer, further decisions and procedures geared up. It was not easy though. Leaving an organization like Times was really difficult task for me. It was official agreement of course but emotional particles were densely occupied my whole body. Cutting that connection might have made me little matured though. I never wanted to leave those people that corner seat and lots of human bodies filled up with emotional fluids. Somehow it happened. Sudden exit.

That taxi dropped me at my place but took totally different route. I told each and every thing to Mr. Arvind Mishra, driver of that taxi. That middle aged fellow couldn’t believe it. I took his blessings, hugged him and got down to take new route.

I was completely unaware of till the date science express was inaugurated. Being studied IT and Masters in Communication and Journalism with two years experience in media house like Times, I had pinch of knowledge about biology and related stuff. Somehow I started studying, reading and asking colleagues about various stuff. Slowly I started grasping and understanding the things. But to explain them one has to be clear with concepts. That took and is still taking some time.

We are here to explain content given coaches, give some knowledge or gyaan, clear few concepts and above all spread awareness and message of save biodiversity to janata coming for exhibition. Apart from that SEBs i.e. Science Express Biodiversity Special provides is Joy of Science lab, outreach activity and platform activity. Explaining is the domain for each and everything on board. Making people aware about losing biodiversity, saving trees, water, energy and more on suggesting them some new and innovative ways to help them in making this world a better place; is fun, enjoyment, entertainment, experience, learning-teaching and sometimes frustrating also.

Two months are passed and we have come to Southern India from North via North-east. We have not only crossed and passed just directions or states but also the way of communication. Many of us use innovative ways and ideas to convey the message and spread awareness. Planting a tree, recycling plastic, starting eco-clubs, adopting some trees or endangered animals are few examples which many of science communicators have used. Whenever I get coach of climate change, I tell students to save paper. School children have this strange impression in their mind that in exams, more number of supplements means more marks. So I keep telling them that no teacher gets impressed with number of supplements but with quality of answer. If one starts improving quality then there will be no need of quantity.

Explaining and other things are there but one of the best parts which I have had till now is quiz competition on platform at Cuttack with Rishabh Asthana. We both were assigned platform activity. Our plan was to start something new other than climate captain, who am I etc. We just came up with idea of quiz and we implemented it. We used to go into each coach and ask that particular science communicator to give some questions about that particular coach. On second day we were ready with few questions and started it. For right answers we had bought alpanlebe chocolate to give. We also gave those chocolates as token of appreciation to kids who solved all the puzzles on platform.

On third day we were ready with more questions and that too little difficult. This time we had bought three books – Tell me Why, Puzzles by Shakuntala Devi and Crossword. We decided to give these books to a person who will answer all questions. On third day we got only one guy who could answer all questions. Not only that but he could answer the most poisonous animal in the world, which was something not there inside coaches. We were impressed by his answers and awarded him with puzzle book.

Last and fourth day in first half we did not get good crowd. But post-lunch some interesting students started showing up. We started quiz competition and announced via microphone that winner will get some nice prizes. We were asking questions one after another, for some we were getting answers whereas for some we got silence from students. But suddenly one group of boys and another group of 3 girls came and joined the quiz. There started something like competition between boys and girls. Both groups were answering right and made tie. So we planned to ask last one question and those who answer correct will be announced as winner. Question was which – Gum of this plant is beneficial in treatment of diarrhea. Name it. We had made this question on the basis of content in coach 6 i.e. Indian desert and semi-arid zone. None of them couldn’t answer so we gave little hint. As soon as we gave a clue, girl replied with correct answer and she got the award.

We conducted other activities also but quiz was something I and Rishabh always loved and we do. It is not just answering correct but knowing things related to the answer of that question and there lies the fun as well as interest of quiz.

-          Pushkar Samant

Science Communicators: Science Express' Engineers

“Give me your hand; I’ll stumble with you,

From history to present,
Let’s unfold the lines of romantic bards,

Let them sing along..!

Let me hold you through,the times of our oceans and lands,

From the epic plateaus of ancient mountains to the deep blue waters,

Let out footprint live on green pasture and our busy asphalt roads,

During rains and sandstorms our caravan moves on in a life full rhythm,

Which will throb my guests in the womb… 

Remember 'me', the time the place the talk we exchanged,
Don't forget to smile back... it may lose my nerves,
Deeming, your buddy is listening the sum..."

Science Communicators team is a group of youth across all over India, have chosen way to travel with science express train, till 22^nd December 2012. They are student, graduates and professionals having educational/professional expertise in science. Few of them have already contributed in previous phases of Science Express. Even in fact, some of them are engaged with other profession, and have taken break; to join this unique journey. Needless to add, due to different edge of India, they represent in individual cultures at a time. In spite of all the differences, they are travelling    and cherishing time together; possibly generous and acquaintance way.

“It’s a unique, adventurous experience; one who is craving for knowledge, wants to explore different shades of India, will not let go such opportunity for sure.” – communicates a Science Communicator. Flame of energy and confidence for self are the main assets for them. Any more doubt for young India?

A question to an individual, how long one can travel by train? one, two or  three days at most,.. The longest route of Indian railway is Kashmir to Kanyakumari; which takes minimum 4 days journey. Science Express is planned to travel continuously for 7 months from 5^th June to 22^nd December (201 days, 6 Months and 18 days). For Science Communicators SEBS is home, workplace and mode of journey till 22^nd December 2012.

Before on-boarding, they were trained by the people who are directly-indirectly involved in design of train/content of biodiversity for the thought to represent them as actual bridge between the exhibition and the visitors. Now, how is it actually?

Science Express is a powerful medium to give multiphase experiences of different avenues of science. It exposes the curious learners to info, knowledge, history and present state of scientific progress. But it is the Science Communicator who personalizes, explanations, triggers pertinent questions and fill the visitor with a sense of wonder. The info gets transformed into sciencetific attitude and values. Thus the science communicator is the agent who activates the fundamental aim of science express in its true spirit. 


Science Express is for the people by the people, sharing joy of science in its own way. The whole effort and investment for Science express is to spread awareness across the country about Science, Biodiversity, Water and Petroleum Conservation, Global Challenges, Climate Change and etc. It is there; open for all, welcoming everyone equally. Anyone can come, visit, read the contents and move ahead but; A Science Communicator actually realize significance of it; standing there, assisting to be familiar with the contents, sharing additional information, answering/attending science queries, and moreover what the exhibition is all about and what is biodiversity. Apart from exhibition, science based platform activities and outreach activities are also have been carrying out for the students and schools.

“For you it may be just an easy experiment, but once you actually put it in front of student, and when they look at you with ‘wow’ surprising smiling face,, that moment your realize it is just not an experiment for them, it is one of magical moment to invest wonderful and experimental interest of science. And when you realize you are a cause of it, can you think how much obsequious is it? ” – from science communicator’s diary.

In short, the train misses its educative function without science communicators, and they can be counted as actual engineer of the train.

Isn’t it wonderful itself, seeing them together, stand side by side for significant endeavor, “Share the joy of Science and edify Biodiversity of India”… seems like they themselves is a live example of “Indian Biodiversity”, What do you say?

We wish you a very happy journey :)