The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-B) hosted the 75th Yusuf Hamied Chemistry Camp, a pioneering initiative for visually impaired students. This camp, supported by Dr. Yusuf Hamied and in collaboration with the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), provided a unique, inclusive science education experience.
The camp focused on sensory experiences, allowing students to explore chemistry through touch and smell, challenging the notion that chemistry is solely visual. The program, led by Dr. Swetavalli Raghavan from RSC and Professor C. Subramaniam from IIT-B, featured hands-on experiments. These included tactile molecular models and scent-based chemical identification.
The Yusuf Hamied Chemistry Camp has served over 4,500 students from marginalized backgrounds across 20 Indian states. The organizers plan to continue the camp for at least five more years. The initiative aims to make science accessible to all, emphasizing the importance of practical sessions to broaden career prospects for visually impaired students.