Punjab to Promote Science in Punjabi Language

Vigyan Prasar (VP) has launched a flagship project known as Science Communication, Popularisation and Extension (SCoPE)-in-Indian Languages to enhance science outreach & popularization programmes among masses in major languages, including Punjabi. In order to launch this program in Punjab, VP has joined hands with Punjab State Council for Science & Technology (PSCST), the state level node of Department of Science & Technology, Govt. of India and the technical arm of Department of Science, Technology & Environment, Govt. of Punjab.

The SCoPE project for Punjab was officially launched on Tuesday with signing of Memorandum of Understanding between VP and PSCST in Chandigarh by Dr. Nakul Parashar, Director VP and Dr. Jatinder Kaur Arora, Executive Director, PSCST. They also released the first issue of popular Punjabi E-Science magazine ‘Jigyasa’ to be published on a monthly basis under the SCoPE project. Eminent Punjabi science writers were also present on this occasion.

Vigyan Prasar (VP), an autonomous organization under the Department of Science and Technology, Govt. of India has been working to take up large scale Science popularization tasks and kindle the public’s interest in Science & Technology since its inception in 1989. The Prime Minister has envisioned that “To promote understanding and love of science among our youth, it is vital that we promote science communication in a big way. Language should not be a barrier but a facilitator in this task.”

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Parashar and Dr. Arora informed that SCoPE project will be a comprehensive Science, Technology and Innovation popularization program and will ensure wide outreach of all initiatives of VP at State Level and encourage publication of resource material on important topics viz. Climate Change, Intellectual Property Rights, Future Technologies etc. in Punjabi. It will also document history of Science & Technology in Punjab and enthuse interest in Science and Technology through communication in Punjabi language.

Dr. K.S. Bath, Joint Director of PSCST will coordinate & execute the project wherein Popular Science Books will be brought out and short films on multifarious aspects in Science & Technology will be developed in Punjabi and capacity of teachers across the State would be built for Science Communication in vernacular language.