Prana Institute of Allied Medical Science collaborated with Pachyderm Tales in organising Prana Science Fest 2023 on the 10th and 11th of January 2023. The entire event was held over two days at the Prana Institute of Allied Medical Science. Prana Institute of Allied Medical Science is the brainchild of a team of highly-experienced and well-known medical educators and practitioners dedicated to the noble cause of medical education. Founded in 2020, Pachyderm Tales is a creative organization that helps artists’ monetise their work and promotes artists’ work. They have worked with 10,000+ students and created 1000+ books. They work on the conception of relegating arts to the fringes of education system by amalgamating entrepreneurship, art, and artists. A key objective of the event was to highlight the importance of STEAM education by integrating science with the arts. Prana Sci Fest aims at gathering young talents and creating awareness about STEAM education among the upcoming generation. It is conducted to welcome students from various institutions and provide them insightful sessions and experience on science and arts.
Day one witnessed the address of Dr. R Ashok, Founder & Chairman of Prana Institute of Allied Medical Science wherein he propagated his vision of his institution’s development and future endeavours of the management. Dr. Narmada Ashok, co founder of Prana Institute of Allied Medical Science targeted on incorporating a sense of self realisation among the students through her welcome speech. Dr. R Lakshmi Priya, Founder & CEO of Pachydermtales grabbed the attention by emphasising the influence and relevance of art and artists in every space and arena. The day was followed with intellectual sessions provided by four entrepreneurs working on a variety of aspects of integrating science, literature, the arts, mathematics, and technology. A number of startup experts took part in the event, including Ms. Hassaana, a Teenpreneur, Mr. Manojkumar S, CEO & Founder of Lemon and Spoon, Mr. Thirunavakarasu Jayaraman, Founder and CEO of Prisi, and Ms. Aparna Guhan Shyam, Founder and CEO of Tiara Haemophilia and Cancer Foundation. The talks inspired and acknowledged the students about mental health, personal hygiene, and good food habits. The sessions were highly informative and the students indulged in interactions with the speakers and gained knowledge.
Day two of Prana Science Fest was primarily aimed at high school students from Vellore and the surrounding areas. Schools have registered themselves to participate in various contests organised for students which included Quiz, Debate, and Creative Writing. Around 100, 11th and 12th grade students participated in the contests and won cash prizes and awards. Educators, speakers, and entrepreneurs like Dr. Harigopalan, Ms. Abhirami Dushyant, and Ms. Bernandet Bharathi graced the second day. Their talks were enriching in nature, covering subjects from importance of STEAM, mental health and mindfulness, along with menstrual hygiene. The contestants of various competitions were analysed and evaluated by a panel of expert judges like Ms. J. K. Shanmuga Priya and Mr. B. Vijay. School students were provided orientation on the importance of Allied Medical Professionals and their roles in the society. Ms. Sreelakshmy, Intern at Pachydermtales conducted the whole event, coordinating with Prana Institute of Allied Medical Science and Pachyderm Tales. The session ended with the valedictory address of Ms. Sarathy, Assistant Professor of English at DKM college for women, Vellore.
