Mangaluru : ‘Pilikula Sambhrama 2016,’ a science, cultural and sports festival will be held at Dr Shivarama Karanth Pilikula Nisargadhama on February 28. The programme intends to create awareness on science and technology among students.

Addressing mediapersons here on Wednesday, Deputy Commissioner A B Ibrahim said the National Science Day will be celebrated on February 28 and the theme for this year is ‘Make in India: Science and Technology Driven Innovations.’

Pilikula Regional Science Centre Director Dr K V Rao said a quiz, a pick-and-speak and a painting competitons on this theme will be organised for high school students as part of the programme. A lecture on robotics and biotechnology, an exhibition and a visit to science galleries and Tharamandal at the Pilikula Regional Science Centre will also mark the day, he added.

Engineering students from 14 engineering colleges will also take part in an idea presentation on the theme to solve various societal problems. The students will also present an exhibition of their projects. The best ideas and exhibits will be awarded on the occasion.

To give impetus to culture and tradition of the land and also promote artistes, Kannada and Culture Department will organise ‘Suggi-Huggi’ in front of Pilikula Zoo from 9.30 am, Kannada and Culture Department Assistant Director Chandrahas Rai said.

He said programmes like folk songs by Mime Ram Das and team, ‘Kangeelu Kunitha’ by Navada and team, Lambani dance by Chaitra, Kodava dance by Shruthi Attavara and team, Suggi Kunitha by Srinivas and team, folk dance by Praveen Jaya and team, Yakshagana by Sharath Kumar Kadri, ‘Karangolu’ by Sugipu folk team, ‘Geegipadagalu’ by artistes from Shivamogga, ‘Dollu Kunitha’ by team from Sagar, ‘Nagari’ by a team from Mysuru, ‘Veeragase’ by women team from Chikkamagaluru, ‘Jogathi dance’ from Gadag, ‘Pooja kunitha’ from Mandya, and ‘Huli Vesha’ by Deepak and team will enthral the visitors to Pilikula throughout the day.

To promote sports, Dakshina Kannada district Volleyball Association will organise an open volleyball tournament for men and women.

The tournament will be held in two courts on knock out basis. A total of nine teams in men and six teams in women are likely top take part in the tournament. The winners in men’s category will get Rs 7,000, Rs 6,000, Rs 5,000 and Rs 4,000 respectively and in women category, the winners will get Rs 6,000, Rs 5,000, Rs 4,000 and Rs 3,000 respectively. Apart from this, individual prizes of Rs 1,000 each will be given to best attacker, best all rounder, best setter and best libero. For details, those interested can call 9880239854.