Gandhinagar: Vice-President Hamid Ansari inaugurates the 17th National Children's Science Congress (NCSC), one of the country's premier academic events, in Ahmedabad on Sunday.

The opening function was presided over by Gujarat Governor Kamla Beniwal with Chief Minister Narendra Modi as the chief guest.

Yash Pal, President of National Council for Science & Technology Communication (NCSTC) network, was present at the function as the guest of honour.

"Around 800 child scientists, including 100 from SAARC countries, selected through a rigorous process that involved the work of around eight lakh children countrywide, took part in the programme. Apart from this, over 50,000 students were engaged in the various scientific activities being organised as part of the conclave," Gujarat's Principal Secretary & Convener, Department of Science & Technology, Ravi Saxena, told the sources on Saturday.

"The programme is so important for the students having inclination towards science that every year, around eight lakh child scientists compete to take part in the conference at district and state level, but only a few of them can fulfill their dream of displaying their innovative models and ideas at the event," he added.

The five-day event will end on December 31.

The 17th NCSC, which will revolve around the central theme of 'Planet Earth - Our Home, Explore, Care and Share', will also focus on some important areas such as atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, biosphere and energy.

Gujarat is the 17th state in the country to host the event and 26 projects from the state will be displayed at the event.

Prominent scientists will take part in the interactive sessions and answer questions of students in order to satisfy their curiosity.

The conclave will also have workshops for teachers along with scientific exhibitions at the Science City with 60 stalls. Children will also be guided on subjects like nanotechnology, biodiversity, cutting edge of science and technology through video conferencing, Saxena added. IANS