800 Students Visit ICMR-NIN in Tarnaka for SHINE Science Programme

Around 800 students representing nine schools, including government institutions, visited the ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition (ICMR-NIN) located in Tarnaka on Tuesday. The visit gave the young learners firsthand exposure to scientific research during the opening day of the two-day Science & Health Innovation for Nextgen Explorers (SHINE) Programme 2026.

The initiative was officially inaugurated by ICMR-NIN director Bharati Kulkarni, who was joined at the launch by scientists, technical staff members, and accompanying teachers. The SHINE initiative was created with the primary aim of introducing schoolchildren to the critical fields of science, nutrition, and public health through engaging, interactive learning experiences.

While addressing the attending students and educators, director Bharati Kulkarni emphasized the critical importance of exposing children to scientific concepts and research environments at an early stage of their education. She stated that structured outreach programmes such as SHINE play an essential role in fostering curiosity, developing a scientific temper, and encouraging an appreciation for evidence-based approaches to health and nutrition among the youth.

The overall event incorporates a wide variety of interactive exhibits, practical demonstrations, and hands-on educational activities designed specifically to render science engaging and easily accessible for young learners. Among the major attractions made available to the visiting students were interactive nutrition games, diet surveys, and practical demonstrations showcasing how to detect food adulteration using simple, home-based techniques.

Furthermore, the event schedule featured work physiology demonstrations, period awareness educational sessions, health-focused anaemia testing, a dedicated mobile laboratory, and specialized food chemistry analyses designed to showcase practical scientific testing.

Beyond the central event held at the Tarnaka facility, corresponding SHINE activities were simultaneously conducted at affiliated Model Rural Health Research Units linked with ICMR-NIN. These regional sessions took place at Janampet in the Mahbubnagar district of Telangana as well as Chandragiri in Andhra Pradesh, as confirmed in an official press release.