Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurated the Mega Science and Technology Exhibition after the inauguration ceremony of the 8th India International Science Festival at Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology (MANIT). Union Minister for Science and Technology, Jitendra Singh and State Science and Technology Minister, Omprakash Sakhalecha were also present on the occasion.
Chief Minister Chouhan lauded the iron ore prepared by Agaria tribe of Dindori by hand furnace. He M.P. Visited the stall and exhibition put up by the Council of Science and Technology (MAPCOST). It is worth mentioning that Agaria tribe is famous for making non-rusting iron. The iron made from them is soft. It was used in ancient times to make round shaped swords. The Chief Minister himself understood the entire scientific process by operating the bellows.
The director of MAPKAST present at the stall explained that the reason for India’s supremacy on the iron market across the world is the skill of Agaria tribe in iron craft. This tribe lives in Mandla, Balaghat and Sidhi districts. The Agarias add charcoal ore in equal proportion to the furnace. The blast is carried out by a pair of bellows. The mixture is conveyed to the furnace through bamboo tubes. As soon as the flow of metal feces stops. It is considered that the process is completed. According to historical information, the Agaria tribe has played an important role in the construction of the famous Iron Pillar of Delhi. Union Science and Technology Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh observed the traditional scientific method of making iron by the people of Agaria community and also saw himself operating the bellows.
The Chief Minister visited several stalls and interacted with young scientists and entrepreneurs associated with startups. The Union Minister for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Jitendra Singh inaugurated the Startup Conclave by cutting the ribbon at MANIT itself. He also launched new products and released the booklet of the conclave.
