Vikram A Sarabhai Community Science Centre
 Building of VASCSC | |
| Abbreviation | VASCSC or CSC |
|---|---|
| Formation | 1966 |
| Founder | Vikram Sarabhai |
| Type | NGO |
| Legal status | Not-for-profit Organization registered as Society |
| Purpose | STEM Education |
| Headquarters | Ahmedabad |
| Location | |
Chairman | K Kasturirangan |
Executive Director | Dilip Surkar |
| Website | www |
Vikram A Sarabhai Community Science Centre, commonly known as VASCSC, was established in the 1960s by the eminent space scientist, Vikram Sarabhai in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India.
History
[edit]VASCSC was started to give quality science education and to try new ideas and method for teaching science. [1] It started out as the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad's "Group for Improvement of Science Education (GISE)" in 1963.
In 1966, the Community Science Center (CSC) started operating as a separate workspace at its present site. After the founder passed away in 1971, it was renamed "Vikram A Sarabhai Community Science Centre (VASCSC)" to honor him.
Mandate and Role
[edit]The centre works towards popularising science and mathematics education among students, teachers and the public.[2][3] Its mandate is to stimulate interest, encourage and expose the principles of science and scientific method and also to improve and find innovative methods of science education. It is located opposite Gujarat University. VASCSC is open to all members of the community.[4]
- encourage students, teachers, and the general public to: • understand the basic concepts of science and STEM education; • acquire scientific knowledge and insights as much as possible through the process of inquiry through experiment, audio-visual media, and other means; • be able to solve problems;
- stimulate interest in the principles of science and scientific method among students in elementary and secondary schools as well as colleges by providing them with the necessary encouragement and exposure;
- be concerned with the role of education and ways to improve science education in relation to the individual and the community at large; and help
- clarify the social implications of science and technology.
Associated Scientists
[edit]- C. V. Raman
- P. C. Vaidya
- Pisharoth Rama Pisharoty
- M. S. Swaminathan
- K. R. Ramanathan
- A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
- Yash Pal
- M. G. K. Menon
- A. R. Rao
Activities
[edit]- Enhancing the capacity of schools to improve quality of STEM education
- Conducting STEM outreach programs for students
- Implementing STEM Hands-on teachers’ training programs
- Establishing STEM labs in schools to promote STEM Hands-on learning,
- Advocating the integration of emerging technologies in school education
- Developing innovative Teaching Learning Material (TLM)
Facilities
[edit]- Laboratories (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Electronics, Computers, Astronomy, Model Rocketry, Emerging Technologies)
- Library
- Quadrangle (open exhibition area)
- Science Shop
- Vigyan Drashti
- TLM Workshop
For a small annual charge, students, people, and organizations can become members of the Vikram A. Sarabhai Community Science Centre (VASCSC), which has a centrally placed STEM library. Members of the library enjoy discounts on purchases from the Center's Science Shop and have access to resources for all age groups. The Center's operating days are when the library is open.
Members can email the library at library@vascsc.org with questions. To obtain their membership card and make the payment, prospective members can download the Library Membership Form, fill it out, and come to the Center.
Subscription to Vigyan Drashti
[edit]The Gujarati biweekly science wall magazine Vigyan Drashti is produced as an eight-page, full-color newspaper. It includes science pictures, puzzles, crosswords, exercises, experiments, articles, and fascinating scientific information. The magazine is frequently used by both private subscribers and schools as an educational ool in Gujarati. Every year, six volumes are released.
Major Projects
[edit]- Science Express (2007-17)
- Mobile Science Lab
- Shri B. S. Bhatia — Member
- Prof. Barjor Mehta — Member
- Shri Chander Mohan — Member
- Ms. Pallavi Patel — Member
- Ms. Meenalochani Raghunathan — Member
- Shri Kartikeya V. Sarabhai — Member
- Shri Mohal Sarabhai — Member
- Dr. Abhijit Sen — Member
- Dr. Minal Sen — Member
- Dr. Anamik Shah — Member
- Shri Divyesh Surati — Member
- Shri Dilip Surkar — Member Secretary
- Shri Pradyumna Vyas — Member
Awards and Recognitions
[edit]- Mahatma Award 2023 for Social Good and Impact[8]
- HCL Grant 2020 finalist, selected through a competitive nation-wide process, received grant for a project to be carried out in the following year[9]
- Times of India Social Impact Award 2011 for Education
- National Award for Outstanding Efforts in Science and Technology Communication from Dept. of Science and Technology, NCSTC, Govt. of India (2008)
- National Award for Best Efforts in Science Popularization among Children’ from Dept. of Science and Technology, NCSTC, Govt. of India (1994)
References
[edit]- ^ "About Us – Vikram A Sarabhai Community Science Centre". Retrieved 24 November 2025.
- ^ "Kids explore new world at science fest - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 30 December 2022.
- ^ "Recognising Marvels Of Science - AhmedabadMirror". The Ahmedabad Mirror. Retrieved 30 December 2022.
- ^ About Retrieved on 2022-12-30.
- ^ "About Us – Vikram A Sarabhai Community Science Centre". Retrieved 24 November 2025.
- ^ "Get Involved – Vikram A Sarabhai Community Science Centre". Retrieved 24 November 2025.
- ^ "About Us – Vikram A Sarabhai Community Science Centre". Retrieved 24 November 2025.
- ^ Mahatma Award 2023 Winners
- ^ HCL Enterprise (1 March 2020). HCL Grant 2020 Finalist (Education) - Vikram A Sarabhai Community Science Centre. Retrieved 2 June 2024 – via YouTube.
