Kolkata-born Professor's trust makes science and technology fun for city students
Times of India | 7 June 2024
An educational trust, founded by a Kolkata boy now teaching mathematics at a US university, is transforming the learning experience of science and math for city school students. The trust, led by an alumnus of Presidency College, recently conducted an engaging workshop on artificial intelligence and cyber security for students from prominent city schools.The students participated enthusiastically in the interactive, experiment-based sessions, quizzes, and scientific discussions.
Kanad Basu, a Presidency College alumnus and Professor of Practice at Arizona State University, along with his wife Treena Basu, an associate professor and department chair of mathematics at Occidental College, USA, established the Mira Basu Education and Charitable Trust. Named after Kanad's late mother, the trust aims to popularize science and reasoning in schools and colleges across Bengal.
"We are overwhelmed by the interest and excitement with which students took part in the workshop. I think it is time to familiarize high school students with these emerging technologies and their far-reaching consequences—both good and bad," said Syantan Das, headmaster of Mitra Institution (Main).
The recent workshop at Mitra Institution (Main) featured speakers such as Shubhabrata Roychowdhury and Parijat Chakraborty from the Science Association of Bengal, trustees Kanad Basu and Treena Basu, and Calcutta High Court lawyer and cyber security expert from CyberGuru Rajarshi Roychowdhury.
The key objective of the trust is to make science, mathematics, and emerging technologies accessible to students studying in vernacular languages, providing them with the latest knowledge and resources. With artificial intelligence and cyber security becoming unprecedented game changers, the trust aims to equip students with the necessary skills and understanding to navigate and contribute to these fields.
Through such initiatives, the Mira Basu Education and Charitable Trust hopes to inspire a new generation of students in Bengal, fostering a deep interest in science and technology and preparing them for future challenges.