Science Popularization 2 Popularizing Science, Inculcating Scientific Temper

OPULARIZATION of science, role for the country by disseminating scientific Pinculcation of scientific temper and information to the country’s citizens, inculcat- dissemination of scientific information to the ing scientific temper and attracting students masses in a language they can easily understand towards science. is an important mandate of CSIR. This mandate is Under its Science Popularization being fulfilled by CSIR-NISCAIR, which realizes Programme, CSIR-NISCAIR has also brought that the rapid pace of progress today makes it out a large number of popular science books, imperative to equip citizens with information which remain much in demand years after their in a manner that helps them comprehend the publication. scientific developments around them. The institute also publishes the Council’s CSIR-NISCAIR takes science to the people R&D newsletters, viz. CSIR News and CSIR through its three well known popular science Samachar, which serve as purveyor of news magazines: Science Reporter (English monthly), regarding activities and accomplishments of Vigyan Pragati (Hindi monthly) and Science-ki- CSIR. Duniya ( quarterly). The magazines find CSIR-NISCAIR has recently forayed into wide circulation throughout the country. Riding the world of multimedia and cyberspace in on their high quality of content, exquisite pro- an effort to take science to the masses with the duction quality, and timeliness the magazines establishment of the Science Communication have today become the largest selling popular through Multimedia Division. science magazines in the country. With their wide coverage of scientific issues, SCIENCE REPORTER latest scientific updates and by providing a Launched in 1964, Science Reporter entered very good opportunity for young and budding into its 50th year of publication in 2013. During science writers to display their writing talent, 2010-2013, it continued with its objective of the magazines are playing a very important providing to its readers topical coverage of

CSIR-NISCAIR Triennial Report 2010-13 15 scientific issues from around the world as well as light reading material such as humour, amazing scientific facts, profiles of scientists, inventions, discoveries, debates, science fiction, puzzles and much more. Concerted efforts are made to give a contemporary look to the magazine by covering topical issues of major significance and also by inviting special articles from experts. Some of the important topics covered during the Garden, Search for the Higgs boson, CSIR@70, period 2010-2013 are Water scarcity, Combating 100 Years of X-ray diffraction, etc. hunger, 350 Years of Royal Society, Fusion, 50 Years of Laser, 50 years of the first man in space, Special Issues Indian science through the ages, 100 Years To provide an added focus on certain topics of of ICMR, Insight into Kudamkulam, Unsung national concern, special issues of the magazine heroes in science, 225 Years of Indian Botanic were brought out from time to time:

Special issues of Science Reporter

2010 - 2011 2011 - 2012 2012 - 2013

1.International Year of Biodiversity 1. International Year of Chemistry 1. International Year of (May 2010): Articles on biodiversity (April 2011): Interview with Prof. Mathematics conservation, protecting wild varieties, C.N.R. Rao, chemistry in daily life, (April 2012):Indo-Arabic frozen zoos, wetland conservation, Green Chemistry, discovery of oxygen, numerals, powerful zero, restoration ecology. materials of the future, fun with maths in art, world of chemistry. mathematicians, Ramanujan, 2. Environment (June 2010): Articles Turing. on killing fields of Alang, plastic 2. Nuclear disaster (May 2011): waste, volcanic ash, green computing, Fukushima disaster, interviews with 2. Higgs boson eroding beaches. Dr. R. Bhattacharya, Secretary, Atomic (November 2012): Search for Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) and Higgs boson, ’s CERN 3. Global warming (September 2010): Dr. Baldev Raj, Director, connection, India in ALICE. Articles on mechanics of global Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), warming, rising seas, methane Kalpakkam, radiation alert. 3. Wildlife emissions. (January 2013): Importance of 3. International Year of Forests (June zoos, interview with Dr. Asad 4. Science of sports (October 2010): 2011): Preserving forest biodiversity, Rahmani, Director-BNHS, Technology in sports,sports nutrition, urban forests, bamboo craft, saving wildlife conservation, Kawar doping in sports, sports exercises. screwpines. lake sanctuary under threat, disappearing wild species. 5. Nanotechnology (February 4. Women in science (January 2012): 2011): Promise of nanotechnology, Women in space, female science nanomedicine, nanotechnology and stars, women science communicators, energy crisis, nanotechnology in interview with Dr. Geeta Bali, defence. President-99th ISC.

16 CSIR-NISCAIR Triennial Report 2010-13 Science Popularization

Interactive Columns 6. Safe Haven: Featuring forest reserves, To enhance its appeal and attract more readers, national parks and sanctuaries in India. Science Reporter lays great stress on keeping the contents dynamic by introducing new columns Science Fiction and Science Cartoon Competitions from time to time, such as: To involve the readers more closely and 1. Puzzle Corner, attracts mass appeal judging also to inculcate the habit of thinking by hundreds of entries received every month in scientifically, especially among the younger response to the prize puzzle. The winners of the readers, Science Reporter initiated the Science prize puzzle are finalized after a draw of lots Fiction and Science Cartoon competitions from among the huge numbers of correct entries during the year 2008. These competitions have received every month. become annual events and are attracting 2. Point Counterpoint, featuring a debate widespread participation of readers from all on issues of concern every month, has been walks of life. attracting wide participation. Some of the issues dealt with during 2010-2013 included: Politics VIGYAN PRAGATI and crime are given more coverage in the Launched in 1952, Vigyan Pragati has entered media than science; Keeping animals in zoos is the 59th year of its publication in 2010. Vigyan unethical; Sports should be made compulsory in Pragati endeavours to familiarise its readers schools; A dedicated science channel is necessary with important current to disseminate authentic scientific information events/issues in the field and create scientific temper; Mining is necessary of science in an easy- for development, people owning such mining- to-understand manner. rich lands should be relocated; Science has The keen interest of the perverted the fundamental basis of human readers is well evident relations. With the advent of inventions such by their feedback through as the Internet, television and computer games, the incessant inflow of we are now communing with a lifeless collection letters. of microchips, not each other; Can science & Articles from technology help tackle corruption?; Is it morally experts were acceptable to experiment on animals to develop published on products and medicines that benefit human several topical beings; All politicians need to be scientifically issues to apprise aware, etc. readers of the latest 3. What’s New: This column features new developments. Some gadgets, inventions, innovations, software, etc. of the important topics covered during the period 4. Indian Scientists: Featuring brief articles on 2010-2103 are Sunspots, the life and times of Indian scientists. Global warming, Large 5. Ingenious Inventions: Featuring innovations Hadron Collider, Organic and inventions that have marked the progress farming, 40 years of ISRO, of science over the years. Water on moon, Wildlife conservation, etc.

CSIR-NISCAIR Triennial Report 2010-13 17 Special issues of Vigyan Pragati magazine on thematic topics as given below:

2010 - 2011 2011 - 2012 2012 - 2013 1. World Health Day (April 2010) 1. World Health Day (April 2011) 1. World Health Day 2. Space Sciences (May 2010) 2. International Year of (April 2012) 3. World Environment Day (June 2010) Biodiversity (May 2011) 2. Nuclear Disasters (May 2012) 4. International Year of 3. World Environment Day 3. World Environment Day (June Biodiversity (July 2010) (June 2011) 2012) 5. Distinguished Scientific 4. Space Technology (July 2011) 4. From Earth to Sky (July 2012) Personalities (August 2010) 5. Biotechnology (August 2011) 5. Highly Useful Plants 6. Biotechnology 6. Articles of CSIR Scientists (August 2012) (September 2010) (September 2011) 6. 60 Years of CSIR-NISCAIR 7. World Animal Day 7. World Food Day (September 2012) (October 2010) (October 2011) 7. World Food Day 8. Children’s Day 8. Medical Sciences (October 2012) (November 2010) (November 2011) 8. Children’s Day 9. Trains (December 2010) 9. Nobel Prizes (December 2011) (November 2012) 10. National Science Day 10. Latest Information 9. Ladakh (December 2012) (February 2011) (January 2012) 10. Nobel Prizes 11. International Year of 11. National Science Day (January 2013) Chemistry (March 2011) (February 2012) 11. Fossils (February 2013) 12. Scientific Conferences 12. Means of Transport (March 2012) (March 2013) Articles published on CSIR Laboratories in Deamask Rose; Bamboo Museum (CSIR- Vigyan Pragati IHBT) 2010-2011 4. Flowers for Employment (CSIR-CIMAP) 1. Attractive Plants and Pollution Control; Moss 5. Headup Display; Jute; Tea: From Garden to House & Moss Garden (CSIR-NBRI) the Cup (CSIR-CSIO) 2. Aesculus indica; Ginkgo biloba; Carnation; 6. Our Brain & Ailments based on Life-style; Ferns; Gerbera (CSIR-IHBT) Wild animals and their sustainability 3. Kangaroo; Armadillo; Herbarium & Museum (CSIR-CCMB) (CSIR-NISCAIR) 7. Seahorse (CSIR-NIO) 4. Wikipedia (CSIR-NISTADS) 8. Iguti & Kiwi (CSIR-NISCAIR) 5. CSIR Technofest - 2010 (CSIR) 6. Highlighting Central Electronics Engineering 2012-2013 Research Institute (CSIR-CEERI) 1. Bamboo and its uses; Apple Pomace and its 7. Science Poetry (CSIR-ITRC) Uses; Saffron and its Uses; Calla Lily and its Uses (CSIR-IHBT) 2011-2012 2. Scientific Poem “Infection of Hybridization” 1. Natika & Science Poem (CSIR-ITRC) (CSIR-CDRI, Lucknow) 2. Beautiful Gerbera; Algal Biomass; 3. Management: The Wealth of Future (CSIR- Ornamental Plants: Campferia (CSIR-NBRI) NISTADS) 3. Flowers: CSIR’s contribution to Lahul; 4. Green Chemistry; Horticulture: Ornamental Seabuckthorn; Potentila fulgens; & Unique Trees (CSIR-NBRI)

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SCIENCE-KI-DUNIYA The newsletters are Science-ki-Duniya, the quarterly popular science intended to serve as journal in Urdu, is among the most widely read a useful link among Urdu popular science magazines in the country. the various CSIR Entering into the 39th year of publication in establishments. They 2013, it continued to disseminate information on also showcase the current scientific topics in an easy-to-understand achievements of CSIR and attractive manner. laboratories to other R&D organizations, universities, S&T agencies/departments, industry, mass media, and also foreign agencies. CSIR News and CSIR Samachar publish news pertaining to R&D Some of the major articles published accomplishments, during the period 2013-2014 include Hayatyati technology Taknique (Bio-technology), Haldi bimariyon transfers, marketing, ke ilaj ke liye mufeed nuskha, Kia Sayyara commercialization/utilization, sponsorships, Sagheer dehsatgard hai?, Zamin ke Asrar (Earth collaborations, IPR, etc. Also covered are Science), Plutonium 238 Khalai Safar keliye abstracts of high impact factor papers published Twanai ka munbah, Nabatat main paye janewale by CSIR scientists in journals, new facilities, maadniyat, Khala main doosri zamin ki talash, important conferences/seminars/workshops/ Parindon ki pehchan aur mahulyati tawazun training programmes, various MoUs signed, main unka role, Zalzala aur Tsunami. Almi important events such as Foundation Day Mahereen arziyat keliye lamha-e-fikar, Engineer and Technology Day celebrations, lectures, Shamsuddin ka Zalzale ke tadaruk, Sayyarah appointment of Directors, announcements Mirrikh ki janib Hindustan ke badhte Kadam, regarding forthcoming events, etc. Dr. Salim Ali Ek Azeem Sciencedan. From the January 2013 issue onwards, CSIR News and CSIR Samachar have been given CSIR NEWS & CSIR SAMACHAR a new professional look in line with CSIR’s corporate ambitions. Efforts are also being CSIR-NISCAIR brings out two newsletters that made to improve the contents of the newsletter showcase the achievements and events taking through interaction with nodal officers of labs. place in CSIR laboratories. While CSIR News (English) was launched in 1951 and is now Full text of CSIR News and CSIR Samachar running into its 63rd year of publication, the are hosted on the NISCAIR website (www. CSIR Samachar (Hindi) was launched in 1984 niscair.res.in) with link to CSIR website (www. and is now into its 26th year of publication. csir.res.in).

CSIR-NISCAIR Triennial Report 2010-13 19 SCIENCE COMMUNICATION  Interaction: Interact with common citizens, THROUGH MULTIMEDIA scholars, experts and institutions on issues of NISCAIR has contributed enormously in science and science communication. spreading scientific literature - mostly through During the period October 2010 to March the print media - targeting the research 2013, CSIR-NISCAIR’s Science Communication community by way of academic journals and through Multimedia (SCM) programme has informing the masses through its popular achieved the following milestones: science magazines. In keeping with global trends, CSIR-NISCAIR enlarged its mandate to the electronic and visual media by initiating the National/International conference/workshop Science Communication through Multimedia organised (SCM) programme in October 2010. 1. One day International Workshop on the media and science channel, represented Broadly, the Science Communication by delegates from USA, UK, South Africa, through Multimedia (SCM) programme has Australia, and India, 5 December 2010. three inter-related components: 2. National Workshop on Scientific Temper:  Research and documentation: Carry out Revisiting Nehruvian Agenda, at IHBT, research in the area of Scientific Temper, Public Palampur, 15-17 June 2011. Understanding of Science, development of 3. International Conference on Science communication models, probing the shifts of Communication for Scientific Temper, New conceptual models, indicators and tools for Delhi, 10-12 January 2012. measuring public understanding of science 4. One day National Workshop on Scientific and scientific temper and administering survey Temper among Minorities in India, studies. organised at NISCAIR, on 25 May 2012.  Multimedia content: Collate existing audio- visual material and generate fresh content using Books Published multimedia, including films and web-based 1. Constructing Culture of Science: applications, and make them accessible to the Communication of Science in India and public at large. China, Gauhar Raza, Ren Fujun, Hasan

20 CSIR-NISCAIR Triennial Report 2010-13 Science Popularization Jawaid Khan and He Wei (edited), CSIR- NISCAIR Publication, 2011. 2. Quest for Scientific Temper, Hasan Jawaid Khan, Gauhar Raza, Surjit Singh (edited), CSIR-NISCAIR Publication, 2012. 3. Vaiganik Drisktikon: Ek Nai Pahal (Hindi), Surjit Singh, Deeksha Bist, Gauhar Raza, Subodh Mahanti (edited), CSIR-NISCAIR Publication, 2012.

Audio-visual Programmes country by other departments, organizations, 1. Indian Science Congress, SRM Chennai 2011 institutes and individuals. The CSIR-NISCAIR Tube also provides 2. Children Science Congress, Chennai, 2011 opportunity to scientists to upload their power- 3. Programmes on International Conference point presentations as well. The multimedia on Science Communication for Scientific content generated as part of CSIR-NISCAIR’s Temper, 2011 Science Communication through Multimedia 4. CSIR-NPL in the Service of the Nation, 2012 (SCM) programme is also uploaded on the CSIR- 5. Posters on Scientific Temper, printed and NISCAIR-Tube. circulated across, colleges, schools and Government Departments. Journal In keeping with CSIR- Research Study NISCAIR’s mandate of Survey on Public Understanding of Science science communication was carried out at Kumbh Mela, , and promotion of scientific in February 2013. The project was financially temper, the quarterly supported by National Council for Science and Journal of Scientific Temper Technology Communication (NCSTC, DST), has been initiated for New Delhi. publication of scholarly debate. It publishes research CSIR-NISCAIR Tube papers, opinion articles, book reviews and The CSIR-NISCAIR Tube was launched in conference reports on scientific temper, science August 2011. It has been launched as a platform communication, public understanding of to collate science films produced by CSIR labs. science, and social dimensions of science. The Efforts are also being made to upload scientific first issue of the journal was released on 28 audio-visual material being produced in the February 2013.

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