Science communication facilitates to impart the scientific knowledge to common man and brings the excitement of scientific research outcomes to the society. Vigyanika is an event which connects science with literature.

Scientific establishments in India have supportive scientific programmes and systems to retain talent by providing world-class facilities. Five CSIR Young Scientist Award winners shared this view, who were the speakers in the session, "Inspiring Scientists – Road to Scientific Success." Eminent scientist Dr Vijay P Bhatkar chaired the session that youngsters should use imagination and be creative and innovative in their scientific pursuits.

The five scientists shared their personal stories of how they overcame challenges of being differently-abled, navigated maternity, gave up opportunities to work abroad, etc., to pursue science in India successfully. They encouraged the youngsters to follow their dreams with determination, resolve, and hard work. They shared stories of how the system and establishments have supported them in overcoming the challenges.

Five eminent science authors joined for the 'Meet the Author' session. They include Prof. Hari Pulakkat, Ms Shweta Taneja, Dr Dinesh Sharma, Shri Devendra Mewari and Dr Pranay Lal. Dr T V Venkateswaran of Vigyan Prasar chaired the session.

It emerged that the context, players and medium of science communication are changing. In the present age of 'over information, the job of a science communicator is very challenging. More scientists are now taking to science communication, a positive trend. Social media offers an opportunity for two-way communication. The new-age social media need to be exploited for scientific communication.

Scientists and science communicators should join hands to share science stories interestingly and engagingly. Sharing entertaining stories is essential. It is required to connect scientists and communicators. Subscription-based content is the future of science communication content.

In the session 'Science through Performing Arts', artists shared complex aspects of astronomy in an easy to understand manner through multifaceted storytelling. Puppeteers demonstrated science communication through the entertaining medium of puppetry.

The final session of Vigyanika was a Panel Discussion on 'Scientific Literature for Scientific Engagement – Issues, Challenges'. Eminent science communicators of the country, including Dr Shivprasad Khened, Former Director, National Science Centre, Mumbai, Dr Geeta Vani Rayasam, Head, Directorate of Science Communication & Dissemination, CSIR, Shri Pallava Bagla, Science Journalist, Dr Somdatta Karak, Science Communication & Public Outreach Officer, CSIR-CCMB, Hyderabad were the panellists. Dr Frederick Noronha, Technology Journalist, Co-Founder BytesForAll, Goa chaired the panel discussion.

The valedictory session had Prof. B.K. Mishra, Director, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Goa, Prof. Harilal Bhaskara Menon, Vice-Chancellor, Goa University, Dr Gopal Iyengar, Scientist G, Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) and Ms Indira Murthy, Joint Secretary, MoES as Guests of Honour.

Shri Hasan Jawaid Khan, Chief Scientist and Chief Coordinator of Vigyanika welcomed the gathering and summarised the deliberations of the two days.

Mr Debobrat Ghose, Editor, Science India, proposed the vote of thanks.

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VK/PK

 

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