CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR) today organised a Platinum Jubilee Ceremony to mark 75 years of its popular Hindi science magazine, ‘Vigyan Pragati’. Launched in 1952, ‘Vigyan Pragati’ has played a significant role over the past 75 years in disseminating scientific information among the public in simple and accessible language, promoting scientific temper and awareness, and communicating scientific achievements to society. The ceremony aimed to celebrate the magazine’s rich legacy while deliberating on emerging forms of science communication in the era of digital technology, artificial intelligence and rapid scientific advancement. The Chief Guest, Prof. Sachin Chaturvedi, Vice-Chancellor, Nalanda University, in his address highlighted the Nalanda knowledge tradition, science in Indian culture and India’s scientific development, while underscoring the significance of important articles published in ‘Vigyan Pragati’ and its role in science communication.

Dr. Geetha Vani Rayasam, Director, CSIR-NIScPR, welcomed the guests and said that the 75-year journey of ‘Vigyan Pragati’ has been a glorious one, with the magazine strengthening science communication across every decade. She said that the magazine has played a strong role in taking science to the masses in simple and accessible Hindi and in fostering scientific awareness. Dr. Vishwa Mohan Katoch, Former Secretary, Department of Health Research (DHR) and Former Director General, ICMR, said that CSIR has played an important role in social transformation as well as in the country’s scientific and industrial progress. Describing science as an effective approach to evidence-based decision-making, he emphasised the importance of scientific temper and also shared his views on the contribution of ‘Vigyan Pragati’. Prof. K. G. Suresh, Director, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, highlighted the connection between India’s Independence, the launch of ‘Vigyan Pragati’ in 1952 and the vision of a developed India by 2047. He said that in keeping with the constitutional spirit of developing scientific temper, the magazine has continuously contributed to science communication and the development of scientific awareness over the past 75 years. Shri C. B. Singh, Head, Popular Science Division, CSIR-NIScPR, outlined the programme and highlighted the 75-year journey of ‘Vigyan Pragati’.

Ahead of the main Platinum Jubilee Ceremony, an inaugural workshop was organised at CSIR-NIScPR on 21 August 2026, in which more than 50 students from various schools in Delhi participated enthusiastically. Ms. Neha Tripathi, Science Writer, conducted hands-on activities with the students on science poetry writing and cartoons. The students also participated enthusiastically in the science quiz ‘Jigyasa’. Dr. B. K. Tyagi, Former Scientist-F and Science Communicator, interacted with the students on ‘The Exciting World of Science Stories’, introducing them to the fascinating relationship between science and imagination. Certificates were also distributed to the participants by CSIR-NIScPR.

During the main ceremony, August 2026 special issue of ‘Vigyan Pragati’, CSIR-NIScPR publications ‘Manav Swasthya Aur Nirogi Jeevan’ and ‘Romanchak Vigyan Kathayen’, along with the Institute’s bilingual information booklets, were released. The results of the ‘Vigyan Pragati @75’ Science Story and Science Cartoon Competitions were also announced, a video highlighting ‘Vigyan Pragati’ was screened, and the editorial and design teams of the magazine were felicitated. A panel discussion on ‘75 Years of Vigyan Pragati: Legacy, Discourse and Future’ was organised, chaired by Shri Mahendra Kumar Gupta, Joint Secretary, CSIR, and moderated by Dr. Manish Mohan Gore, Scientist-D and Editor, ‘Vigyan Pragati’. In addition, Dr. Pradeep Srivastava and Dr. Mukesh A. Pund shared their views in dialogue sessions on ‘Cartoons Can Also Explain Science’ and ‘Human Creativity and Machine Intelligence (AI) in Science Writing’, respectively. The sessions deliberated on creativity, visual media, human creativity and the role of artificial intelligence in science communication.

Dr. Shubhankar Mishra, Joint Director, Department of Education, Government of India and Former Deputy Secretary-General, World Hindi Secretariat, Mauritius, delivered the special guest address, while Dr. Naresh Kumar, Scientist-G, CSIR-NIScPR and Chairman, Organising Committee, Vigyan Pragati Platinum Jubilee Ceremony, delivered the concluding remarks. Dr. Manish Mohan Gore, Editor, ‘Vigyan Pragati’, while expressing his gratitude to the guests, highlighted the editorial vision of the magazine and said that the focus of ‘Vigyan Pragati’ is not on the author but on the article and its quality. He said that selecting quality and engaging topics is essential for society and has been one of the key reasons for the magazine’s popularity. Over the years, ‘Vigyan Pragati’ has communicated scientific knowledge to readers through diverse creative formats. Scientists, officers, students and employees of CSIR-NIScPR participated enthusiastically in the programme and celebrated the magazine’s 75-year journey. The speakers emphasised the need to make science communication more effective and inclusive and to adapt it to emerging technologies and new media. Shubhada Kapil, Associate Editor, ‘Vigyan Pragati’, conducted the programme.

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NKR/AK

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