SHRI SHIVAJI SCIENCE COLLEGE, AMRAVATI
DBT STAR COLLEGE PROJECT ACTIVITY
ACTIVITY REPORT
Online Essay Competition for UG and PG Students: “Exploring the Horizons of Physics”
Activity Dates: 05/09/2024 to 25/09/2024
Type of Activity: Other
Organizing Department: Department of Physics
Program Coordinators: Dr. R.G.Korpe and Dr. P.A.Fartode
Head of the Department: Dr. P. A. Nagpure
External Collaborator (if any): No
Objectives:
- To promote critical thinking and in-depth analysis of the importance of physics in modern society.
- To encourage students to reflect on career opportunities in physics and how the discipline shapes future innovations.
- To inspire students to explore the connections between physics, technology, and real-world applications.
- To enhance academic writing skills by encouraging participants to present well-researched and thoughtful essays.
- To foster an appreciation of the diverse career paths that physics offers across industries and academia.
No of Beneficieries: 46
Classes Involved: B.Sc. I, B.Sc. II and B.Sc. III
Venue of the Activity: Department of Physics
Activity Report:
Introduction
From September 10 to September 25, 2024, an online essay competition was held for undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) students under the theme "Exploring the Horizons of Physics." The aim of this event was to engage students in critical reflection on the role of physics in shaping the future, fostering technological advancements, and uncovering diverse career pathways. Through this competition, students were encouraged to examine how physics influences society and impacts fields such as research, innovation, and industry.
Essay Topics
Participants were given the opportunity to choose one of the following thought-provoking topics:
The Role of Physics in Shaping the Future: Career Opportunities and Beyond
Physics: The Cornerstone of Technological Advancements
Exploring the Universe: Career Pathways in Physics
The Vital Importance of Physics in the Modern World
Physics and Innovation: How the Science of Today Shapes the Technology of Tomorrow
The Future of Physics: Bridging Science and Technology for a Better Tomorrow
Physics as a Foundation for Diverse and Impactful Careers
From Theory to Application: The Expanding Horizons of Physics Careers
These topics were designed to allow participants to explore various aspects of physics, including its significance in advancing technology, shaping career paths, and addressing real-world challenges. The diversity of topics enabled students to connect their academic interests with broader societal implications, making the essays both engaging and relevant.
Objectives of the Competition
The primary objectives of the competition were:
To promote critical thinking and a deeper understanding of the importance of physics in modern society.
To encourage students to reflect on career opportunities in physics and how the discipline shapes future innovations.
To inspire students to explore the connections between physics, technology, and real-world applications.
To enhance academic writing skills by encouraging participants to present well-researched and thoughtful essays.
To foster an appreciation for the diverse career paths that physics offers across industries, academia, and research.
Participation and Submission Details
The competition attracted 46 students from UG and PG programs across six colleges. The call for entries was disseminated through various channels such as email, social media, and institutional websites. Students were required to submit their essays by September 25, 2024, via Google Forms. Each submission was expected to be between 4000 and 6000 words, with students encouraged to support their arguments through research, personal insights, and case studies. The essay submitted by students for the competition are available on https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Z2jFglGWPRXvgKTjBJy4AOwrz7OgfHc-8MwYlgGjrlD5r4vJwNHM03-3Hg5BOfwaWFX7sxTl?usp=drive_link
Evaluation Process
A panel of esteemed experts, comprising Dr. W. S. Barde (Retired Professor and Head, Department of Physics) and Dr. S. S. Arsad (Associate Professor, Department of Physics), evaluated the essays based on the following criteria:
Relevance to the Topic: How effectively the essay addressed the chosen topic.
Originality and Creativity: The uniqueness of the perspective or approach.
Depth of Analysis: The level of insight, research, and critical thinking demonstrated.
Clarity and Coherence: How clearly and logically the ideas were presented.
Language and Style: Quality of writing, including grammar and vocabulary usage.
The evaluation process was rigorous, ensuring that the top essays demonstrated not only academic excellence but also a deep engagement with the subject matter. Each submission was thoroughly reviewed to assess the students' critical thinking, creativity, and ability to communicate complex ideas effectively.
Results
After careful evaluation, the following students were selected as the winners of the competition:
UG Category:
First Prize: Ms. Vedika Dongare, B.Sc. I, Shri Shivaji Science College, Amravati.
Second Prize: Ms. Gayatri Sardar, B.Sc. III, Shri Shivaji Science College, Amravati.
Third Prize: Mr. Ketan Chavhan, B.Sc. I, M.S.P. Arts, Science & K.P.T. Commerce College, Manora, Dist. Washim.
Third Prize: Ms. Neha Karwadiya, B.Sc. II, Shri Shivaji Science College, Amravati.
PG Category:
First Prize: Ms. Janhavi Kene, M.Sc. II, Shri Shivaji Science College, Amravati.
In addition, 12 essays received special recognition for their outstanding creativity, depth of research, and original perspectives.
Outcomes
The online essay competition successfully achieved its objectives. Students demonstrated a profound understanding of the various dimensions of physics and its crucial role in shaping careers, industries, and technological advancements. The event fostered a deeper appreciation for physics, allowing participants to consider how this fundamental science can be applied to diverse fields, from academic research to real-world innovation.
The essays also revealed the students' passion for the subject, showcasing their ability to think critically and present complex ideas coherently. Participants effectively analyzed the intersection between physics and technology, demonstrating how physics drives progress and opens new career opportunities.
The competition provided a platform for students to enhance their academic writing skills. By crafting well-researched and thoughtful essays, participants refined their abilities to argue persuasively and present information logically. Moreover, the event encouraged students to reflect on how physics connects with other disciplines, fostering interdisciplinary thinking.
Prizes and Acknowledgments
The top winners received certificates of achievement and prizes to recognize their excellent work. All participants were awarded certificates of participation as a token of appreciation for their effort, creativity, and enthusiasm.
The competition would not have been possible without the collaborative efforts of various institutions and faculty members. Special thanks are extended to the faculty members of Amolokchand Mahavidyalaya, Yeotmal; Shri Radhakisan Laxminarayan Toshniwal College, Akola; M.S.P. Arts, Science & K.P.T. Commerce College, Manora, Dist. Washim; Mungsaji Maharaj Mahavidyalaya, Darwha; and Adarsha Science, Jairamdas Bhagchand Arts and Birla Commerce Mahavidyalaya, Dhamangaon Railway, for their support and encouragement.
Conclusion
The online essay competition provided a meaningful opportunity for UG and PG students to explore the vast horizons of physics. The participants displayed a strong understanding of the subject's interdisciplinary nature, reflecting on how physics impacts careers, technological innovation, and society at large. The success of the event has led to plans for making it an annual competition, continuing to inspire students to think critically about the evolving role of physics in the world.
Acknowledgments
We express our deepest gratitude to all participants for their insightful essays and to the evaluators for their valuable time and expertise in reviewing the submissions. Special thanks to the participating institutions and faculty members who played an integral role in the successful execution of the competition. We look forward to continuing this journey of inspiring students to delve deeper into the exciting and ever-expanding field of physics.
Outcomes:
- The competition successfully met its objectives by inspiring students to explore the various dimensions of physics and its significance in shaping careers and technological progress.
- The competition fostered a deeper appreciation for the subject and prompted students to consider how physics can be applied in diverse fields, from academic research to industry innovations.
- The essays showcased the participants' passion for physics and demonstrated their ability to critically analyse and communicate complex ideas effectively.
- Improved Academic Writing and Communication Skills: Participants honed their writing abilities by producing well-researched and structured essays. They learned to communicate scientific concepts clearly and persuasively, improving their academic and professional writing skills.
- The competition encouraged originality and creativity, prompting students to explore unique perspectives on physics. This not only enriched their understanding of the subject but also fostered innovative thinking, highlighting how physics can address real-world challenges.
Photos:
 Prize distribution at the hands of Hon'ble Principal Dr. G. V. Korpe |  Prize distribution at the hands of Hon'ble Principal Dr. G. V. Korpe |
 Prize distribution at the hands of Hon'ble Principal Dr. G. V. Korpe |  Prize distribution at the hands of Hon'ble Principal Dr. G. V. Korpe |
.jpeg) Prize distribution at the hands of Hon'ble Principal Dr. G. V. Korpe |  Prize distribution at the hands of Hon'ble Principal Dr. G. V. Korpe |
Attendance Sheet:
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