The Vigyanika: Science Literature Festival one of the most prominent events of the IISF 2024, commenced on 1^stDecember with an inspiring inaugural ceremony. This two day event was specifically focused on the theme “From Folklore to Future: An Indian Literary Exploration”.

The session began with introductory remarks by Dr. Paramananda Barman, Scientist, CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR) and Coordinator, Vigyanika. Prof. Ranjana Aggarwal, Director, CSIR-NIScPR, delivered the welcome address, underlining the importance of Indian languages in science communication and the role of literature in shaping the Indian Science Narrative. Distinguished guests, including Dr. Dinesh Ch. Goswami, Dr. Jaideep Baruah, Director, Assam Science Technology & Environment Council, Dr. R. Vijay, Director, ARCI Hyderabad shared their valuable insights.Dr. Goswami discussed the journey of science communication in Assam, by drawing support from historical texts, books, and science fiction. Dr. Vijay commented that science communication is must needed in Indian languages and should be interactive.

The first scientific session of the festival, “Shaping Indian Science Narrative with Literature”, was chaired by Prof. Shekhar C. Mande, former DG CSIR. Esteemed speakers included Prof. Ramakrishna V. Hosur, Padma Shri awardee and Distinguished Professor at IIT Bombay, who delved into ancient Indian knowledge systems, and Prof. Avinash Chandra Pandey, Director, IUAC discussed the inclusivity of Indian knowledge. Prof. Ganti Murthy, IIT Indore presented a philosophical view on science dissemination in different forms.

A panel discussion, titled Apni Bhasha Apna Vigyan: Communicating Science in Indian Languages, was chaired by Prof. Madhav Govind, JNU, New Delhi. Panellists included prominent science communicators across India representing diverse languages such as Assamese, Manipuri, Bodo, Dogri, Hindi, Marathi, Telugu, and Gujarati. The panel deliberated on the need to communicate science in Indian languages and promote inclusivity and wider reach. In a parallel session, a workshop on popular science writing was conducted by Dr. Manoj Kumar Patairiya, Former Director, CSIR-NISCAIR and Ms. Arati Halbe.

The second day of Vigyanika: Science Literature Festival commenced with an engaging panel discussion on “Science Writing in the Age of Artificial Intelligence (AI),” chaired by Dr. Neel Sarovar Bhavesh, ICGEB New Delhi. The session explored the intersection of AI and science communication. Dr. Ruchir Gupta from IIT BHU, Varanasi, highlighted the growing importance of AI in science writing, particularly in preserving and promoting traditional knowledge in Indian languages. Dr. Mantu Bhuyan, Principal Scientist at CSIR-NEIST, Jorhat, Assam, discussed the need for AI-powered translation tools for various Indian languages, highlighting its role in verifying the authenticity of scientific information. In a parallel session, Dr. Paramananda Barman and Team SVASTIK from CSIR-NIScPR led a workshop on “Interactive and New Approaches to Communicate Science,” covering innovative methods such as videos, podcasts, and social media.

The day continued with Scientific Session II, titled “From Folklore to the Future – An Indian Literary Exploration,” chaired by Dr. Ruchir Gupta. Panelist, Dr. Purnima Devi Barman, a globally renowned conservationist from Assam, shared her work on Hargila bird conservation, emphasising the importance of integrating culture with conservation efforts. Dr. Manoj Kumar Patairiya, former Director, CSIR-NISCAIR, and Shri B. K. Tyagi, focused their talks on blending folklore with science. Prof. Neera Raghav, Kurukshetra University, Haryana, stressed the significance of making science accessible to the general public. The session was followed with an entertaining Science Puppet show. The day was capped by much-awaited “Vigyan Kavi Sammelan”, chaired by Prof. Ranjana Aggarwal, Director, CSIR-NIScPR. Poets Ms. Radha Gupta, Shri Pankaj Prasun and Shri Manukhbhai Nariya captivated the audience with their poetic expressions of science, blending art and scientific information beautifully.

Vigyanika concluded the day with its Valedictory Session and an interactive Q&A session with the coordinators of Vigyanika. Dr Neel Sarovar Bhavesh, VIBHA, Dr P. Jayamurthy, CSIR-NIIST, Dr Paramananda Barman and Dr Dinesh Velip from CSIR-NIScPR, Dr Rajneesh Gaur, DBT, Prof Manish K Kashyap, VIBHA and Dr Manabendra Sarma from IIT Guwahati, interacted with the delegates for feedbacks and recommendations.

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