Mysuru: There was palpable excitement in the air as Mysuru played host to the three-day State-level 25th National Children’s Science Congress that began this morning simultaneously at the Senate Bhavan in Manasagangothri and at the nearby KSOU campus in city. But the children, who had come from across the State, were a disappointed lot as almost all VVIPs, including Chief Minister Siddharamaiah, Science and Technology Minister M.R. Seetharam, District Minister Dr. H.C. Mahadevappa, who were scheduled to be a part of the inaugural ceremony, preferred to stay away.

While there was complete lack of response from the VVIPs, the organisers, who were expecting about 1,200 students, were surprised to see more than 1,500 children, dressed in their respective school uniforms, enthusiastically attending the inaugural event at Senate Bhavan. Except for Primary and Secondary Education Minister Tanveer Sait, MLA Vasu and ZP President Nayeema Sultana, no other VIP turned up.

Interestingly, the invitation had the names of the CM, who was supposed to inaugurate, District in-Charge Minister, Science and Technology Minister, Bharat Ratna Prof. C.N.R. Rao, Mayor M.J. Ravikumar, MP Pratap Simha, Science and Technology Department Principal Secretary Gaurav Gupta, all elected representatives including MLAs, MLCs and MPs from Mysuru, Mandya and Chamarajanagar.

Though the names of 36 VIPs were mentioned in the invite, only four of them attended the inaugural ceremony.

The Senate Hall that has a capacity of 800 persons was jam-packed with more than 1,500 children.

Children and teachers were also seen in large numbers on the corridor and verandas as they did not have place inside the hall. The children were so engrossed in the event that most of them were seen discussing their innovative projects that they were to present at the meet with their teachers.

Some of the children who wanted to see the CM live in action were disappointed as they missed their chance either to see him or hear him speak. The event that was scheduled to begin at 10.30 am began at 11.10 am as children were waiting for dignitaries. It was finally inaugurated by Deputy Commissioner D. Randeep, young scientist Pavan and President of Karnataka Vijnana Parishat President S.V. Sankanur.