19th Uttarakhand State Science and Technology Conference 2024 Highlights Science Communication in the Himalayan Region
Media professional, social Media professionals, Educationist, science communicators discussed about Science communication for himalayan region
19th Uttarakhand State Science and Technology Confrence 2024, organized by the Uttarakhand State Council for Science and Technology (UCOST), brought a significant focus to the importance of science communication, especially in the context of the Himalayan region. Held at the Dr. Nityanand Auditorium, Doon University, the session emphasized the role of accurate and impactful science communication in bridging the gap between scientific advancements and public understanding.
The session was coordinated by Amit Pokhriyal,Manager public Relations UCOST. He welcomed all the panelist and told about the session and panel discussion that what is the importance of science communication and how by using different tools how scientific temperament can be inculcated in the society. He said that our state Uttarakhand is blessed to have so many central and state level scientific institutions. But the need of hour is to make proper collaboration with media so that scientific findings or research can go downline to society easily and can build scientific tamper, for that these type of panel discussion are important.
UCOST Director General prof. Durgesh Pant, who highlighted the need for documenting scientific projects and promoting accurate information. Dr. Pant stressed that science communication serves as a powerful tool for societal development, as it aids in combating misinformation and bridging the digital divide. He also announced that UCOST provides internships in scientific projects for young journalists to enhance their understanding and participation in science communication.
Chair of the session Dr. Ajit pathak, National President, PRSI about the challenges and potential solutions for effective science communication in the Himalayan region.
Dr. G.S. Rautela co chair spoke about the impact of science and technology on everyday life, noting that scientific awareness helps dispel superstitions and promotes rational thinking in society. He highlighted examples such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the Green Revolution as instances where science communication played a pivotal role in addressing societal challenges.
Addressing the unique challenges faced by the Himalayan region, several panelists emphasized the need to make scientific information accessible to remote areas.
Rajat Shakti from Red FM 93.5, Dehradun remarked on India’s rich history of scientific accomplishments, urging a revival of traditional scientific approaches while integrating modern communication tools.
Shivani Azad, Senior journalist from The Times of India underlined the importance of fostering scientific curiosity among students and building a scientific temperament at the grassroots level.
Dr. Brijmohan Sharma, secretary, SPECS sharing his experience of over three decades in science communication, reiterated the moral responsibility of media professionals to report accurate and verified information. He highlighted the issue of misinformation, pointing out that its simplicity often makes it more appealing than complex scientific truths.
Addressing this, Deputy Director of Information Ravi Bharjaniya called for strategies to make scientific language more accessible and relatable to the general public, particularly in local languages.
Several speakers, including Dr. Rashi Mishra, professor and head science communication, Doon University and Kishor Rawat from NDTV, emphasized the need for robust collaboration between researchers and media professionals to ensure accurate and timely dissemination of scientific information.
Dr. Rashi Mishra, whose research focuses on the Chipko Movement, stressed the importance of fostering a culture of science communication at the primary education level.
The session also explored the potential of leveraging digital platforms and social media as effective tools for interactive science communication. However, challenges like misinformation and the digital divide were discussed in detail, with experts suggesting strategies to overcome these barriers.
Amit pokhriyal, Manager PR UCOST in his closing remarks, underscored the global interest in the Himalayas and the vital role science communication plays in bringing its unique challenges and opportunities to the forefront. He emphasized the need to create curiosity-driven environments and entrepreneurial opportunities at the village level, rooted in scientific advancements.
The session concluded with a strong consensus on the necessity of building a comprehensive science communication framework that integrates traditional and modern methods, encourages grassroots engagement, and ensures the dissemination of factual and accessible information. As Uttarakhand hosts over 30 nationally recognized scientific institutions, this collective effort could serve as a model for the rest of the country.
The event was attended by eminent personalities from the fields of science, education, and media, including Dr. Ajit Pathak, Shakti from Red FM, and Vidushi Nishank from Sparsh Himalay Foundation, pooja pokhriyal, MD sunrise academy,poonam sharma among others. Their insights further enriched the discussions, providing a clear vision for the future of science communication in the Himalayan region and beyond.
