An
effective communication strategy is very important to take science to the
masses, said Minister for Science & technology, Earth Sciences and
Environment, Forests & Climate Change, Dr. Harshvardhan while releasing the
book “Bridging the Communication Gap in Science and Technology: Lessons from
India”, in New Delhi today. Dr Harsh
Vardhan, released the book at the CSIR Auditorium and spoke about the
current status of science communication in India.
Dr.
Harshvardhan while appreciating the efforts of the writers in bringing out the
book said that the book provides a snapshot of
existing science communication policy and practice in India across different
S&T sectors, and offers solutions to building effective communication. It
has contributions from stalwarts in the areas of research, policy, and media
across the S&T spectrum in India.. The volume includes academic, policy and practice-driven papers by
scholars, practitioners and bureaucrats who have in many cases formulated or
been at the helm of S&T communication strategies in independent India, and
who offer innovative and new solutions for improving public communication on
science and technology in the country
The
release was followed by a panel discussion on theme, ‘When Science Meets the
Public, How Do You Bridge the Gap?’. Secretary, Department of Science and
Technology (DST) Prof. Ashutosh Sharma, Dr Girish Sahni, Director General of
CSIR, Professor Deepak Kumar, a former professor and historian of science from
JNU, and Mr Pallava Bagla, a long-time senior correspondent with Science
magazine and science editor for NDTV. Mr Hasan Jawaid Khan, who is the editor
of Science Reporter (NISCAIR) moderated the panel discussion.
Secretary,
DST, Prof. Ashutosh Sharma said that Science
communication and Journalism are too important to be left either to Scientists
or to journalists alone. He announced that the Department will launch an
internet TV, 24×7 Science TV channel, and web portal for Science &
Technology to reach out and increase science awareness and building the
scientific temper amongst common people. He also talked about the scientific
social responsibility. He said that scientists are responsible and accountable
to people about what they are doing and how their work affects common men’s
lives.
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