Vigyanika-Science Literature Festival To Showcase Science Communication Efforts

Vigyanika – an International
Science Literature Festival – is slated to showcase science communication
efforts and concepts through an interesting mix of media including drama,
poetry, panel discussions and paper presentations during the 5th India International
Science Festival (IISF) beginning in Kolkata on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. The
Vigyanika, to be held from November 5-7, 2019, will also include a science book
fair displaying scientific publications from more than 30 reputed publishers.
Vigyanika is being coordinated
by the CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Information
Resources (CSIR-NISCAIR), Vigyan Prasar, and Vigyan Bharati.
The Union Minister of Science &
Technology, Earth Sciences, and Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Harsh Vardhan,
will be the Chief Guest of the inaugural function. Prof. Ashutosh Sharma,
Secretary, Department of Science and Technology will deliver the keynote
address and Dr. Shekhar C. Mande, DG-CSIR and Secretary, DSIR will Chair the
inaugural session.
Spread across 16 multiple
sessions of Vigyan Manthan (panel discussions), Vigyan Manchan (drama and
poetry), Vigyan Spandan (scientific sessions) and Vigyan Prakashan (book fair),
Vigyyanika will see nearly 75 eminent science communicators, authors, researchers
and science journalists from India, USA, UK, South Korea, Indonesia, Vietnam
and Nepal addressing more than 200 delegates from across the country.
Vigyan Manthan will have four
panel discussions on the themes Science of Happiness, Contemporary Science
Literature: A perspective, Science Communication in Indian Languages and Taking
Science to the People – Challenges & Solutions. The panel discussions will
have 27 experts deliberating on these contemporary topics.
Vigyan Spandan will have two
scientific sessions on the theme Science Communication – Innovative Approaches
during which fourteen research papers will be presented by researchers and
scientists.
Apart from discussions on the
current state of science communication in the country and the attendant
challenges & solutions, the International Science Literature Festival this
time promises an eclectic mix of science communication media in the form of
science poetry (Vigyan Kavi Sammelan), science drama on Acharya Prafulla
Chandra Ray, and a science magic show. All these events are expected to
entertain and educate the audience on science communication through
unconventional methods.
Two competitions will also be
held as part of Vigyanika – a science debate competition and a science cartoon
competition.
The International Science Book
Fair (Vigyan Prakashan) will have 30 publishers and research institutions
exhibiting their science and technology publications and archives at Vigyanika.
Book releases, meet-up and interactive discussions with authors will be part of
the book fair. Six science books are slated for release at the book fair.
Vigyanika will
conclude with a Round Table discussion on November 7, 2019.
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