First Indian team for International Chemistry Olympiad

EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE

MUMBAI, JUNE 20: Four students were today selected to constitute the first Indian team entering the International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) being held at Bangkok from July 4 to 11. Representation at the event is part of a comprehensive olympiad programme in the natural sciences launched in the country this year, supported by the Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Human Resource Development.Following a nation-wide examination conducted jointly by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE) and the Indian Association of Physics Teachers last month 35 students were selected. The two-day examinations are said to be `the most challenging pre-university tests available in the country.' A fortnight of intensive problem-solving and experiments at the Centre followed, with faculty from across the country training the young chemists. Vikas Bansal from Panchkula (Haryana), N. Chandrashekhar from Coimbatore, Deepak Garg from Delhi, and Gurgaon's Vineet Goyal arethe excited 17 year-olds participating in the IChO. Says a jubilant Vineet, ``It is just a matter of luck, like the IIT merit lists. We are all just one per cent more or less than the others.'' He has also got an honorary mention as `Best Performance in Theoretical Programme'. Another feather in Vineet's cap is his No 1 position in the IIT entrance exam this year.

Sreeja Gopal, one of the two girls selected for the camp, was awarded a certificate for `Best Performance in Experimental Programme'.

The Kishore Vaigyanik Scheme has been launched this year for Std X students.Consisting of a fellowship and interaction with leading scientists, lab work at the HBCSE, and participation in national science projects, the scheme will include aid to students till a Master's degree. Those who qualify for the Olympiads are eligible for the scheme automatically.

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