New Delhi, Jan 5 : The Children''s Science Congress opened today at the North Eastern Hill University (NEHU), providing an opportunity to hundreds of students to have a glimpse of the Science and Technology scenario in the country.

Held on the occasion of the 96th Indian Science Congress, it was inaugurated by renowned scientist, Professor M. G. K. Menon, who is also the Chancellor of the NEHU.

In his written message on the occasion, former President Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam appealed to the young minds to ''Observe, Experiment and Think".

He called upon students to pursue science as a career with passion to meet the challenges and derive happiness through providing better quality of life to their brethren.

Dr. Kalam said that it should be the mission of our budding scientists to see that they make scientific discoveries, which will lay the foundation for future technologies of the country leading to new cost effective products for our people and also increase the wealth of the nation.

The Children''s Science Congress is supported by the Rashtriya Vigyan Evam Prodyogiki Sanchar Parishad (NCSTC) of the Ministry of Science and Technology.

About 23 states are participating with over 200 students putting up more than 100 stalls, representing states such as Uttarkhand, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, as well as the NE states.

Various subjects being projected in the exhibition include space technology, environmental awareness projects, NCERT science exhibits and planet earth and our home-explore and care and share. (ANI)