ECOSF jointly with National Academy of Young Scientists of Pakistan (NAYS) organized scientific activities for students/kids and families during the Mother Languages Literature Festival (MLLF) on 22-23 February 2025 at Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), Islamabad, Pakistan.

Following scientific activities were demonstrated:

• DNA Extraction: A hands-on demonstration allowing participants to extract DNA from fruits, showcasing fundamental biotechnology principles.
• Digital Microscopy: Providing a closer look at microscopic structures, enhancing understanding of biology and materials science.
• Germ  Kit  Experiment:  Demonstrating  the  presence  of  microbes  on  different  surfaces, emphasizing hygiene and microbiology.
• AgriGel  Demonstration:  Showcasing  an  innovative  agricultural  product  that  enhances  water retention in soil, supporting sustainable agriculture.
• Microbiology  Experiments:  Engaging  participants  in  basic  microbial  culturing  techniques  to explore the unseen world of bacteria and fungi.
• Science and Technology Exhibits: Showcasing various scientific advancements and innovations.
• Water Testing: Analyzing water samples for parameters like pH, TDS, and salt concentration to highlight the importance of clean drinking water

A good number of students, children, and their parents from Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and nearby areas actively participated in the activities.

The children’s engagement in the events was remarkable, and the feedback was highly positive. Parents, in particular, expressed a strong interest in organizing more such activities to inspire children and students to pursue science as a career.

Earlier, on February 21, 2025, the opening ceremony of MLLF-2025 was held at PNCA to commemorate the International Day of Mother Languages. Organized by the Indus Cultural Forum (ICF) in collaboration with the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), the festival gathered over 120 writers, poets, artists, language activists, and researchers representing more than 20 languages spoken across Pakistan. The event highlighted the importance of linguistic diversity and academia’s role in preserving indigenous languages.

Following the opening session, various discussions on mother languages took place over the next two days. Several books of prose and poetry in local languages were launched, and performances by local language musicians added to the cultural vibrancy. Additionally, books for children, provided by various foundations, were displayed and distributed.

Some glimpses of the hand-on science activities: