Madras (India). On 24 January 2024, Auxilium Group of Schools of Our Lady of Snow Province (INT) at la Our Lady’s Higher Secondary School, at the Campus of Tiruvottiyur, organized the “AUXISTEM Robotics League 2024”.
This competition is a unique event, first of its kind, organized at school level in the Schools run by the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians in the State of Tamilnadu, designed with the desire to generate curiosity about the field of robotics among young students, to find and cultivate talents for the future of this sector.
“Creativity meets Logic” is the slogan chosen for the tournament, with the intention of helping young people to develop their creativity and the ability to solve problems in a fun and engaging way
The day began in the presence of Dr. Mylswamy Annadurai, Indian scientist, former director of the Indian lunar exploration program Chandrayaan 1 and 2, the former director of the ISRO Satellite Center; the Provincial of INT, Sister Majella Fernando; and other personalities in the field of education and technology.
The event was sponsored by ASSIST, the Office for Social Development of the Province, which for 9 months made a commitment to support STEM education, which through scientific, technological, engineering, and mathematical disciplines aims to develop students’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
122 students from eight schools and an evening study center had the opportunity to show and exercise their skills in the STEM sector (Science Technology Engineering Mathematics) through the exhibit of models created by them.
Dr. Mylswamy Annadurai then addressed about 4000 students from 8 schools run by the FMA and 5 other schools in the area. In his discourse, he said that STEM, which stands for Seek, Think, Explore, and Make (searching, thinking, exploring, and realizing), is the strategy to be adopted to achieve successful results.
Citing anecdotes drawn from his experiences of lunar missions, he explained that in this era of constant technological evolution countries that know how to adapt and redevelop reach the top of development. He therefore encouraged children and young people to prepare for the future as creative persons and not remain mere consumers of technology. Students asked challenging questions, proving that young minds are eager to learn and have role models.
In addition, students competed with functioning robots built and designed by them in different stages, and the winning team received medals and trophies. Junior level students participated in the following competitions: 3D structures built with 3D pens, simulators and models of electrical circuits made from cardboard.
The spirit of Don Bosco guides educators in allowing young people to dream according to the signs of the present time and in giving them the opportunity to realize dreams that bring good fruits for a better future.
