Distinguished Amity Scientist Tanu Jindal, Group Pro VC, R&D, Amity University, deliberated upon “India’s G20 Priorities and Role of Science Films” during the International Science Film Festival of India, organized under the 8th India International Science Festival-2022, being held at MANIT Bhopal.
Addressing the gathering during the Panel Discussion, Co-Chair, Tanu Jindal, Group Pro VC, R&D, Amity University, averred, “Media has a great impact on the masses, and it has the power change the society. Sherpa Track, Finance Track and Engagement Groups are the three most important components of India’s G20 Presidency. Media can effectively promote clean environment, sustainability and women empowerment by making films on these relevant issues, which can help in spreading awareness and finding solutions to the existing problems. In addition, enforcement and implementation of policies should be the aim so as to ensure that the policies are effective. There are many technologies which are not known to the masses, therefore promoting those technologies is crucial and media can immensely help in promoting the same.”
Highlighting the theme of the Panel Discussion, Chair & Moderator of the Panel Discussion, US Hareesh, Senior Scientist, Materials Science & Technology Division, National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology, stated, “India holds the Presidency of the G20 from 1st December 2022 to November 2023. The theme of India’s G20 Presidency is “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”, which means “One Earth. One Gamily. One Future.”
India’s G20 priorities include Green Development, Climate Finance & Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE), Accelerated, Inclusive & Resilient Growth, Accelerating Progress on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Technological Transformation & Digital Public Infrastructure, Multilateral Institutions for the 21st century and Women-led development.”
Neha Tripathi, Sr Science Communicator and Author New Delhi, averred, “Science should be simplified through the medium of films so that the masses can easily understand the technologies and the underlying concepts”.
Mahesh Jha, Sr Journalist and Head of Hindi Department, Deutsche Welle, Germany, asserted, “We need journalists and film makers for making science films and more young journalists should come forward for the promotion of Science & Technology.”
Jalal-ud-Din Baba, Sr Filmmaker, Center for Environment & Sustainable Development, Srinagar, J&K, stated, “To be a Science Communicator, one does not have to be a commercial film maker, Science Communicators themselves are Scientists and making Science Films is the need of the hour to spread awareness in the society about burning issues.”
Jaya Jose Raj CL, Sr. Filmmaker, Kerala State Biodiversity Board, Thiruvananthpuram, said, “G20 prioritizes Science & technology for economic development. The Pandemic and Ukraine War have impacted the world economy, therefore meaningful films which can influence policy-making, should be made in order to bring a revolutionary change in the society.” The Panel Discussion concluded with an interactive Q&A Session and felicitation of the esteemed panelists.