Days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for a strong research ecosystem in the State universities and colleges, the Union Science and Technology Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan on Tuesday launched two science communications initiatives — DD Science and India Science — with an aim to develop a scientific temperament among people particularly children here.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Harsh Vardhan said while there was no dearth of ideas, talent and potential in the country, developing a scientific temperament was a “critical necessity” and the ultimate aim was to launch a 24/7 channel dedicated to science.
A pact was inked between Vigyan Prasar, an autonomous organisation under Department of Science and Technology (DST) and Doordarshan on the occasion.
Director General, Doordarshan, Supriya Sahu said that during a survey in villages it was found that youth wanted science related programme and it is hoped that the new initiative will be meet their needs. “The channels will have science based documentaries, studio based discussions, virtual walkthroughs of scientific institutions, interviews and short films and will be completely free to access,” she said. While DD Science is a one hour slot on Doordarshan National channel, India Science is an internet based channel. Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Amit Khare said Doordarshan reaches over 3 crore houses in the country and would be an impactful medium for the popularisation of science.
Khare also said that Doordarshan would be an ideal platform to send the scientific findings across.
CEO Prasar Bharati Shashi Shekhar Vempati said the channels were dedicated to science and will “enhance the spirit of enquiry in children” while Ashutosh Sharma, Secretary, DST said pointed out that DST ranks number five in the world in the research publications.
The Prime Minister early this year after inaugurating the 106th Indian Science Congress in Jalandhar had said that India needs to emerge among top three economic superpowers and it can happen only through science and innovation.
Emphasising the need to make big strides in the field of science and research, had added ‘Jai Anusandhan’ to the popular phrase ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyan’. He urged the science, technology and innovation advisory council to formulate an action plan to encourage research and innovation in colleges and universities.