: Mumbai, September 3, 2025

The Nehru Science Centre (NSC), Mumbai, in collaboration with the National Centre for Science Communication (NCSC), Mumbai, organised the Dr. Saroj Ghose & Dr. V. S. Venkatvardhan Memorial Lectures in hybrid mode (online and offline) on Monday, September 1, 2025 morning, to mark Dr. Saroj Ghose’s birth anniversary.

The programme commenced with a welcome address and opening remarks by the Director of Nehru Science Centre, Mumbai Shri Umesh Kumar. He paid homage to the invaluable contributions of Dr. Ghose and Dr. Venkatvardhan, recalling their pioneering roles in science popularization and museum development in India. He also provided a thoughtful summary of the lectures delivered during the event.

The Dr. Saroj Ghose Memorial Lecture, titled “Science Centre Movements in India – The Paradigms of Change”, was delivered by Shri G. S. Rautela, Advisor, DST, Government of Uttarakhand, and Former Director General, NCSM, Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
In his lecture, Shri Rautela presented a comprehensive overview of the science centre movement in India, tracing its evolution from its inception to its present role as a vital medium of public engagement with science. He highlighted several key paradigm shifts, including:

• The shift from passive observation to participatory, interactive learning.
• The establishment of Mobile Science Exhibitions (1965), Science Parks (1979), and the Nehru Science Centre, Mumbai (1978; operational since 1985).
• The evolution of science communication—from knowledge transfer to knowledge construction, and from individual learning to community engagement.
• The integration of technology, emphasis on sustainability, inclusivity, social responsibility, and global scientific challenges.

Shri Rautela also paid rich tribute to Dr. Saroj Ghose, remembering him as a visionary leader, institution-builder, and pioneering force in science communication, who remained committed to his mission until the age of 85.

Dr. Saroj Ghose Memorial Lecture, titled “Science Centre Movements in India – The Paradigms of Change”, was delivered by Shri G. S. Rautela, Advisor, DST, Government of Uttarakhand

The Dr. V. S. Venkatvardhan Memorial Lecture, titled “Dialling into the Past, Connecting the Present, Shaping the Future”, was delivered by Prof. Prabuddha Ganguli, CEO, VISION-IPR.
Prof. Ganguli engaged the audience with an insightful exploration of human society's evolution, cultural development, and the creation of inclusive communities. He emphasised how historical knowledge systems and human ingenuity can guide present actions and help build a sustainable, innovation-driven future. This lecture further underlined the importance of global collaboration, responsible application of science and technology, and alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Dr. V. S. Venkatvardhan Memorial Lecture, titled “Dialling into the Past, Connecting the Present, Shaping the Future”, was delivered by Prof. Prabuddha Ganguli, CEO, VISION-IPR.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Shri Suhas B. Naik-Satam, Convener, National Centre for Science Communication, Mumbai. The memorial lectures witnessed enthusiastic participation from more than 150 attendees, including scientists, educators, students, and members of the science communication community.

Source: NSC Mumbai

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Sriyanka Chatterjee / Parshuram Kor

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