Art and Culture

Bengaluru-based Param Foundation unveils plan for centre to promote science, art and culture

by TRANS WORLD FEATURES | @twfindia 11 Sep 2024, 11:46 am

Bengaluru: Param Foundation, a not-for-profit community-driven social organisation based in Bengaluru, has unveiled plans for a multi-experience, trans-disciplinary centre aimed at promoting experiential learning, history, art, culture, and collaboration.

The announcement was made at ParamCon, a science festival hosted by the foundation at Yuvapatha in Jayanagar, which attracted 1,500 visitors in a single day.

The event featured interactive exhibits, games, challenges, talks, workshops, and shows that drew a diverse audience of students, educators, innovators, and community leaders.

The festival highlighted the importance of combining science and creativity to foster a spirit of inquiry and learning.

The Param Experience Centre, a 1.2 million-square-foot flagship facility, is set to open to the public in phases starting in the summer of 2025 on Magadi Road in the city. This centre is designed to provide immersive experiences through hands-on learning, crafting journeys in the realms of science, history, art, culture, and more. It is expected to attract over 8,000 visitors daily.

Additionally, the Experience Centre aims to build state-of-the-art labs, providing innovators and researchers with access to facilities where they can develop prototypes and create ground breaking products that offer revolutionary solutions. The centre is poised to become a global hub for learning and innovation. Param will serve as one of Asia's largest transdisciplinary hubs and meta-ecosystems, dedicated to creating transformative and sustainable impact.

This initiative is driven by passionate individuals and supported by patrons who share a vision for a better future. The foundation is collaborating with a diverse group of artists, engineers, architects, designers, and other professionals from India and around the world to bring this vision to life.

It aims to create a collaborative environment where creativity meets technology, enabling the development of unique learning experiences. As part of this effort, the centre will also support 1,000 emerging entrepreneurs each year, providing them with access to state-of-the- art labs and resources. These initiatives underscore the foundation’s commitment to fostering creativity, inclusivity, and accessibility for all.

One of the highlights of the event was the Cobot Exhibit, featuring a futuristic robotic arm from Denmark. This exhibit demonstrated how cutting-edge technology can merge with human safety and precision in the manufacturing industry.

The cobot, designed for safe human interaction, gave attendees a firsthand look at how industrial-grade robotics are transforming workplaces, making them safer and more efficient.

The event also featured the "Scale of Universe Gallery," which takes visitors on a fascinating journey through the size of the universe. The exhibit, themed "Yotta to Yocto," explores the vast range from the smallest particles to the largest cosmic structures.

Through interactive projections, kiosks, and simulations, guests engaged with the wonders of the universe, gaining insights into the secrets of the cosmos in a visually immersive way.

Another standout was the IIT Kanpur Exhibit, "Hive," an innovative tool that visualises brain activity using EEG technology. Visitors wore special headbands that transformed their brain waves into dynamic patterns and colours, creating a stunning science-art installation.

This exhibit allowed participants to explore the inner workings of the human mind, blending scientific exploration with artistic expression.

Param Foundation is collaborating with visual artists, engineers, architects, designers, and other creative professionals from across India and globally.

These exhibits were part of ParamCon's commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and curiosity. By bringing these state-of-the-art experiences to the public, Param Foundation continues to lead in providing learning opportunities that inspire and inform.

“We are honoured to collaborate with leading institutions such as Nehru Science Centre, Mumbai; Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum; ISRO; NCBS; IIT Kanpur; IIT Gandhinagar; and many other reputed organisations.

These partnerships allow us to combine diverse expertise and knowledge, enhancing our ability to offer innovative and educational experiences,” said a spokesperson for Param Foundation.

“Param changed my perspective on science in just 30 minutes,” said a visitor. “The exhibits are so engaging and interactive that they make complex concepts easy to understand. I left feeling inspired and more curious about the world around me,” he added.

“In today’s world, it’s essential to create spaces that encourage collaboration and community engagement,” a spokesperson for Param Foundation said. “We want to provide environments where people can learn, innovate, and work together to solve problems,” he concluded.

Guided by a shared vision, Param Foundation empowers individuals from every walk of life by seamlessly blending modern technology with the rich cultural heritage of India. Param operates at the intersection of cultural, experiential, and creative economies by building a transdisciplinary, collaborative digital ecosystem and physical spaces.