SHRI SHIVAJI SCIENCE COLLEGE, AMRAVATI
DBT STAR COLLEGE PROJECT ACTIVITY
ACTIVITY REPORT
State-Level Science Drama Festival 2025–26
Activity Dates: 28 October 2025
Type of Activity: Outreach Activity
Organizing Department: Department of Physics
Program Coordinators: Dr. P.A. Nagpure
Head of the Department: Dr. P.A. Nagpure
External Collaborator (if any): State Institute of Science Education
Objectives:
- To promote scientific temper and awareness among school students through creative and performing arts.
- To encourage students to understand and communicate scientific concepts in an innovative and engaging manner.
- To provide a platform for students from different regions of Maharashtra to showcase their creativity, talent, and teamwork.
- To integrate science education with cultural and artistic expression for effective science communication.
- To inspire students to appreciate the role of science and technology in human welfare and societal development.
No of Beneficieries: 78
Classes Involved: School Students
Venue of the Activity: Sir C.V. Raman Auditorium
Activity Report:
The State-Level Science Drama Festival 2025–26 was successfully organized on 28 October 2025 at the Sir C. V. Raman Auditorium of Shri Shivaji Science College. The event was conducted with great enthusiasm and academic spirit under the joint auspices of the National Council of Science Museums and Nehru Science Centre, in collaboration with the State Council of Educational Research and Training, State Science Education Institution (Regional Vidya Authority), Nagpur, Divisional Deputy Director of Education, Amravati Division, District Education and Training Institution, Amravati, and Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Memorial Science and Innovation Activity Centre.
The festival represented a unique and meaningful blend of science, creativity, culture, and theatre. Through dramatic performances based on scientific themes, students from different regions of Maharashtra were provided with an opportunity to express scientific concepts in an artistic and socially relevant manner. The programme aimed to inculcate scientific temper, communication skills, creativity, teamwork, and social awareness among school students while encouraging them to use performing arts as a medium for science communication.
The event was also organized as a major outreach activity of the Department of Physics under the DBT STAR College Scheme. The Department of Physics of Shri Shivaji Science College has consistently undertaken innovative outreach and science popularization activities to promote scientific awareness among students and society. The Science Drama Festival served as an excellent platform to connect science education with public engagement by encouraging students to creatively interpret scientific issues affecting society and the environment.
The inaugural ceremony commenced with a warm welcome to dignitaries, participating teams, teachers, and guests. The programme was presided over by Harshvardhan Deshmukh. The festival was inaugurated by Soumya Sharma Chandak IAS (Commissioner AMC). The welcome address was delivered by Principal Dr. G. V. Korpe, who highlighted the importance of integrating science with creative arts for holistic student development. He emphasized that scientific knowledge becomes more effective when it is communicated in an engaging and understandable form to society.
The inaugural address was delivered by Dr. Harshalata Burade, Director, RVSS, Nagpur. In her address, she appreciated the efforts of all participating schools and organizers in promoting science education through innovative cultural activities. She stated that science dramas help students develop confidence, analytical thinking, and awareness about scientific advancements and social challenges.
In her keynote address, Soumya Sharma Chandak stressed the need for nurturing a scientific outlook in society through creative educational initiatives. She remarked that science and art are not separate disciplines but complementary tools for human development. She appreciated the students for effectively presenting scientific concepts through theatre and encouraged them to continue exploring science with creativity and curiosity.
The Chief Guest, Sanjita Mahapatra IAS (CEO, ZP Amravati), interacted enthusiastically with students and participants. She emphasized that true learning emerges from real-life experiences and active participation. She motivated students to develop scientific thinking and social responsibility while utilizing their artistic abilities for positive societal transformation.
Another distinguished guest, Anil Sable, highlighted the importance of theatre as an effective medium for communicating scientific principles and social awareness. He appealed to students to use drama and performing arts for spreading messages related to environmental conservation, health awareness, technological progress, and social upliftment.
During the presidential address, Harshvardhan Deshmukh, President, Shri Shivaji Education Society, Amravati expressed gratitude to the Government authorities and collaborating organizations for entrusting Shri Shivaji Science College with the responsibility of hosting such a prestigious state-level programme. He stated that the festival aligned perfectly with the vision of Shri Shivaji Shikshan Sanstha and the ideals of Bhausaheb Deshmukh regarding holistic student development. He further emphasized that such programmes provide students with opportunities to develop leadership qualities, communication skills, creativity, and confidence beyond classroom learning.
The programme was also graced by the presence of Dr. V. G. Thakre, Secretary, Shri Shivaji Education Society, Amravati. along with several academicians, educational administrators, teachers, and invited guests from various parts of Maharashtra.
A total of eight selected teams representing the eight divisions of Maharashtra participated in the state-level competition. These teams had qualified through divisional-level competitions conducted earlier across the state. The participating institutions included Saraswati Vidyalaya, Tamalwadi (Dharashiv) representing Latur Division; New English School, Landevadi representing Pune Division; Prabhat Kids School, Akola representing Amravati Division; Parle Tilak School (English Medium), Mumbai representing Mumbai Division; Janata Vidyalaya, Lohoner (Devla, Nashik) representing Nashik Division; Sanskar Prabodhini Vidyalaya, Kamalapur (Gangapur, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar) representing Marathwada Division; Shantiniketan Vidyalaya, Sangli representing Kolhapur Division; and Nutan Kanya Shala, Bhandara representing Nagpur Division.
The central theme of the festival was “Science and Technology for Human Welfare.” The sub-themes included Green Technology, Smart Agriculture, Digital India and Life Empowerment, Cleanliness and Environmental Awareness, Sustainable Development, and Empowered India. Through their performances, students successfully demonstrated the role of science and technology in addressing social, environmental, agricultural, and developmental challenges.
The participating teams presented several creative and socially relevant dramas such as “रिश्ता वही सोच नयी,” “किंजा इनफाइनाईट,” “कमला तुसी ग्रेट हो,” and “Smart Agriculture.” The dramatic presentations creatively explored issues such as environmental protection, scientific farming practices, technological innovation, public awareness, digital transformation, and social reform. The audience enthusiastically appreciated the performances, which combined scientific concepts with emotional appeal, humour, music, and stagecraft.
The adjudication panel consisted of eminent personalities from theatre and academics, including renowned writer-director Dr. Chandrakant Shinde, senior theatre artist Rajabhau Dakhne, and Dr. Dinesh Khedkar. The judges evaluated the performances based on scientific content, originality, acting, direction, script, stage presentation, and overall impact.
After keen competition among the participating teams, the prizes were announced during the valedictory session. Shantiniketan Vidyalaya, Sangli secured the First Prize for their outstanding drama “रिश्ता वही सोच नयी.” The Second Prize was awarded to Parle Tilak School, Mumbai for the drama “कमला तुसी ग्रेट हो,” while New English School, Landevadi won the Third Prize for “किंजा इनफाइनाईट.”
Several individual awards were also presented in recognition of exceptional talent. Ketaki Sunil Chavan from Shantiniketan Vidyalaya, Sangli received the Best Actress Award for her remarkable performance. Rudra Shrimandilkar from New English School, Landevadi was honoured with the Best Actor Award. The Best Script Award was presented to Dr. Vigyapan Gokarnkar from Parle Tilak School, Mumbai, while Shri Sanjay Bamne from Shantiniketan Vidyalaya, Sangli received the Best Direction Award.
The programme was skillfully conducted by Dr. Dinesh Khedkar, whose engaging presentation ensured smooth coordination throughout the event. The formal vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Pankaj Nagpure, who expressed gratitude to all dignitaries, participating institutions, organizing agencies, judges, volunteers, teachers, students, and supporting staff for contributing to the grand success of the festival.
The successful organization of the festival was made possible through the dedicated efforts of Dr. Pankaj Nagpure, Dr. Sangita Ingole, Dr. Rajkumar Avasare, Shri Lakshmikant Bante, officials from the State Science Education Institution, Nagpur, and all heads of departments, teaching staff, non-teaching staff, volunteers, and students of Shri Shivaji Science College. The collective teamwork, meticulous planning, and enthusiastic participation of all stakeholders ensured the smooth and successful execution of the programme.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. R. P. Awasare, who appreciated the efforts of the organizers and congratulated all participating teams for their excellent performances.
Overall, the State-Level Science Drama Festival 2025–26 proved to be a remarkable academic and cultural event that successfully combined science education with creativity and artistic expression. The festival not only encouraged scientific awareness and communication skills among students but also strengthened public engagement with science through theatre and performance. As an outreach initiative under the DBT STAR College Scheme of the Department of Physics, the programme significantly contributed toward promoting scientific literacy, innovation, teamwork, and cultural enrichment among students across Maharashtra.
Outcomes:
- Students developed a better understanding of scientific concepts through experiential and creative learning.
- Participants enhanced their communication skills, stage confidence, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities.
- The festival promoted awareness regarding the applications of science and technology for the benefit of society.
- Students demonstrated creativity and innovation in presenting scientific themes through drama and performance.
- The activity strengthened scientific outreach and encouraged the development of a scientific outlook among school students.
Photos:
 Best Actor: Rudra Shrimandilkar, New English School, Landevadi |  Best Actress: Ketaki Sunil Chavan, Shantiniketan Vidyamandir, Sangli |
 Best Actress: Ketaki Sunil Chavan, Shantiniketan Vidyamandir, Sangli |  Best Direction: Shri Sanjay Bamne, Shantiniketan Vidyalaya, Sangli |
 Third Prize: New English School, Landevadi — Drama: Kinja Infinity |  First Prize: Shantiniketan Vidyamandir, Sangli — Drama: Rishta Wahi Soch Nayi |
Attendance Sheet:
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