Teacher's tributes to
scientists
Science teacher M. Ashok showing around the scientist corridor'
at Chilakaluripet.
A
teacher has given shape to his enthusiasm for science by erecting statues of
scientists on his estate. Maddukuri Ashok, who teaches physical sciences at
Zilla Parishad High School at Yallamanda, has put up statues of 19 eminent
scientists in what calls a “scientist corridor.”
“The
statues of Albert Einstein, Charles Darwin, Madam Curie and Sarvepalli
Radhakrishanan, etc, made of fibre glass have been put up in a row amidst green
fields by this ardent enthusiast of science. A plaque carrying their names and
the distinction they achieved is installed on the pedestal. Each bust-size
image is erected on a granite pedestal and Mr. Ashok is now laying a BT road so
that students can visit the place.
“I
do not believe in God or religion. Science is life and the scientists, who have
made our lives better, comfortable and healthy should be revered,” Mr. Ashok
says. His keen interest in science prompted him to make fibre glass bust
portraits and distribute them free to government schools. In 2004, he organised
a procession of statues in Vijayawada and Hyderabad, catching the attention of
the public. He published calendars and posters with details of important
scientific discoveries in the last few centuries. “I suffered monetary losses
when I stretch my enthusiasm a bit too far. The rising cost of production has
made my job difficult. But I could resume my interest after my real estate
business picked up,” Mr. Ashok says.
Having
set up the Maddukuri Foundation recently, Mr. Ashok is planning to set up a
mini theatre to screen short films about the lives of scientists and origin of
man.
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