Even if you are not a scientist through and through, you will certainly enjoy a foray into the scientific world at the Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre in Bell Village. Because the way science is explained to you there has absolutely nothing to do with the way you have been taught at school. As a result, pro-active displays and lively exposés are there to help you understand how Earth was created and a lot more? So much more! As for the ones who already have a passion for science, Rajiv Gandhi will become your sanctuary!

Concentration and big laughs

The Director of the centre, Mahaveden Parvathinathan, insists on the fact that the Rajiv Gandhi Centre is not a museum. Because a museum has a ?do-not-touch? connotation while the centre has been set up to make science more accessible.

?This is not a museum. We aim at making science fun for children. So they must be able to touch the different objects on display, so as to have a better understanding of the subject,? the director points out.

The centre is divided into five permanent galleries: the origin of Mauritius ? which actually goes back to the origin of the universe with the Big Bang ?, the Land and Environment of Mauritius, the Resources of Mauritius, the Frontiers of Technology, Fun Science and Science Park. All these sections ? which comprise either multi -media presentations, lively pictures or games ? make learning more interesting for both children and adults. Those who thought science was boring will definitely change their minds.

The enthusiasm of a group of little girls from Form I, at the centre for a visit, is palpable; they go from one activity to the other enjoying the ?games? and other tests which form part of the various exhibits. The 20-minute movie presented to the girls on the origins of the Earth is educative and entertaining at the same time. Their attidudes of concentration, punctuated by a big laugh from time to time, leave you in no doubt about how much they are enjoying the experience.

For the moment, the centre is visited by around one hundred school children every day.

However, there may well be another challenge ahead. The centre offers so much information about Mauritius ? its origins, the main aspects of its economic development ? that it could become a real attraction for all tourists coming to the island. The Rajiv Gandhi Science centre could well be an excellent platform for Mauritius to present its many facets to visitors.

The Planetarium, jewel in the crown

Close your eyes. Imagine it is becoming darker and darker. The sun sets on the horizon and stars are lighting up gradually? Until the whole sky above is beautifully studded with stars. Then, you have someone to explain to you all the secrets of the universe, the names of all these bright stars and constellations? This is what is waiting for you at the Planetarium of the Rajiv Gandhi Science centre. After your visit the sky will no longer have any secrets for you!