A two-day inter-collegiate competition ASTER-Galaxy of Scientific Knowledge organised by the Science Rostrum of JSS College for Women commenced this morning at the College premises in Saraswathipuram here.

Hundreds of students from various colleges are participating in the competition which includes debate, quiz, poster presentation, crazy idea presentation and scientific rangoli.

Inaugurating the programme, Dr. B.G. Sangameshwara, Vice-Chancellor, JSS Science and Technology University, said that Science and Technology had developed well in the country and sought innovative research in the field. He regretted that none of the Indian Universities figured in the top 200 Varsities in the world.

Blaming the education system, he sought a radical change with thrust for practical knowledge instead of just academic knowledge. He advised students to be inquisitive in a subject to elicit ideas and knowledge from teachers.

Prof. K.S. Rangappa, former VC, University of Mysore (UoM), presided. Dr. S. Srikantaswamy, Director, College Development Council, UoM, was the chief guest. College Principal Prof. K.V. Suresh and Rostrum President Lathamani were present.