The 4-day International Festival of Biotechnology ‘Quest-2011′ organized by City Montessori School, Rajendra Nagar (Campus I) got inaugurated today at CMS Kanpur Road auditorium amidst the rainbow coloured educational-cultural items that the children presented. Chief Guest, Mr Abdul Mannan, Minister for Science and Technology, UP, lit the lamp of learning to inaugurate the function ceremoniously. On this occasion, the presence of renowned personalities and students and their team leaders came from 11 countries enhanced the glory of the function. The 4-day ‘Quest-2011′ has been organized by CMS Rajendra Nagar (Campus I) at CMS Kanpur Road auditorium from 3 to 6 August in which over 500 young scientists from 11countries viz. Singapore, Russia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Gambia, Nepal, Bhutan, Japan and various states of India have arrived here at Lucknow to exhibit their skills in biotechnology during various contests organized in the festival.

Earlier, the inaugural function was resplendent with music and creative abilities of students which poured out through songs and dances sincerely promoting the spirit of Unity in Diversity and need for a peaceful world through science and technology. The programme began with the All Religion and World Peace Prayer. This was followed by a mock World Parliament in which children dressed in national dress of different countries discussed global problems and their peaceful solutions. The teams from various countries were formally introduced amidst great fanfare.
Addressing the gathering on this occasion, the Chief Guest, Mr Abdul Mannan, Science and Technology Minister, UP, said that youth should apply their energy in constructive field for the welfare of humanity. He adviced them to make practical and effective use of science for the basic needs, creativity and world unity. Today, the human beings are facing numerous global conundrums. The solutions to these conundrums lie greatly on the shoulders of future generations. He further said that biotech enables us to understand and feel each particle of the universe. He expressed his pleasure over the international festival being pioneered by City Montessori School as this significant subject will prove to be a new step towards progressive India.
Earlier, in the afternoon session today, a press conference was organized in which the students from India and abroad put forth their views before the media persons. Talking to the press reporters, the students of Jubilee School, Jordan said that this international biotechnology festival provides a golden opportunity to spread the message of world unity. Expressing their happiness, these students said that they have also come here to convey the message of love, peace and unity. Students of D. S. Senanayake School, Sri Lanka said that the study of biotech will bring about reformations in human life and will pave the way for world unity. They said that genetic engineering gives us the knowledge of DNA and is capable to cure some fatal diseases like HIV Aids, Cancer etc. Students of Buddhanilkanth School, Nepal said that biotech brings us nearer to nature. We feel happy that after green revolution India is now having gene revolution. Students of Global India International School, Singapore said that they are very happy to be in India and want to learn from this festival. Biotech can control the increasing rate of air pollution. Similarly the students arrived from Russia, Kazakhstan, Bangladesh, Gambia, Bhutan, Japan and various states of India said that we appeal to the scientists of the world to utilize science for the benefit and cause of humanity.
On this occasion, the Convenor of Quest-2011 and Principal of CMS Rajendra Nagar (Campus I), Ms Deepa Tiwari said that biotechnology is an important part of science in the 21st century which can make human life more comfortable and easy and advantageous for human welfare. ‘Quest-2011′ is organized with the view to motivate young generation for the welfare of humanity. She emphatically said that if India wants to grow in bioinformatics then it will need trained human resources in plenty. This festival is an important step in the same direction. Ms Tiwari informed that several interesting competitions viz debate, quiz, collage, poster-making, slogan writing, turn coat, website designing and powerpoint presentation will be conducted during this international festival. Several experts of various fields will judge these contests. Ms Tiwari said that renowned scientists will also register their presence and enlighten the students with their meaningful thoughts and ideas which include Dr. T. Ramasami, Secretary DST, Govt. of India; Dr. G. Choudhari, HOD, Gastroenterolgy, SGPGI, Lucknow; Prof. G. Padmanabhan, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore; Prof. D. P. Sarkar, Former Dean, Deptt. of Biochemistry, Delhi University; Dr. Sajiv Anand, Advisor, P.I. Industries, Gurgaon and Prof. S. Hasnain, IIT, Delhi, Ex. VC, Hyderabad.
Dr Jagdish Gandhi, renowned educationist and Founder of CMS gave his best wishes and thanks to all the participants and said that their presence on this international stage proves that these young scientists wish to bring the world together. Dr Gandhi said that on this international forum of biotechnology festival the young contestants will not only expand their knowledge through contests rather it will motivate them to rise above from being mere bookworms and work for the welfare of spiritual upliftment and humanity. Chief Public Relations Officer of CMS, Mr Hari Om Sharma informed that the contests will commence tomorrow from 9.30 am onwards to be concluded on 6 August with prize distribution ceremony. Tomorrow’s contest include debate, slogan writing and poster-making, quiz (written round) and website designing.

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