Abstract

In a region replete and rich with age-old multi-cultural ethnic traditions, the response to modernity through modern science and technology (MST) is destined to be slow with the possibility of initial rejections in certain quarters; even though MST is the only path for paving the way for inculcating scientific temper, one of the most powerful tool/ agenda for social change. This is a truism not only for the North East, but also for the country and the third world. If people are not exposed to the benefits and the challenges of MST, the desired quantum jump from traditional to modern social infrastructure may perhaps be, either not achieved at all, or be delayed for ages together. Amalgamation of MST in different media has necessitated four distinct formats for communication of science – oral, written, visual and audio-visual to cater to all the three target groups – illiterate, semi-literate and literate and all the three formats should be in the regional languages, dialects and dowans (oral communication form without written alphabets). Assamese, seems to be better placed so far as modern science literature (MSL) and modern science journalism (MSJ) are concerned in the NE. By now MSL in Assamese may be said to have graduated to a time-tested, effective model, which can be emulated by others. ‘Science Journalism and Popularisation of Science and Technology (SJPST)’ should be devised as a mission, with an initial work plan for two years only; to be supported by political will and determination and with full financial assistance to dedicated Science Activists (SAs) and voluntary organizations. Regular feedback should be utilised for modifications and better implementation.

Key Words

Modern science and technology, Science activists, Science literature, Science journalism, Scientific temper

Introduction

The present topic ‘Science Journalism and Popularisation of Science and Technology in North Eastern India (SJPST)’, encompasses various disciplines and parameters and may be treated as an independent inter-disciplinary stream with scope for detailed studies in various aspects, a few of which may be as follows :

1. Science journalism (SJ) - definition and objectives, scope and utility and the ends it can achieve, SJ as a catalyst for social change

2. Present status of SJ in the NE region - pros and cons

3. Challenges of SJ in the NE region and ways/ work plan to meet the challenges

4. 4. Various tools/ agenda for popularisation of science and technology (ST) in the NE region and SJ as one of them

5. Existing models if any, for SJPST in the NE, its history, merits and demerits, etc

6. In search of a unified model for SJPST in the NE, present work-plan and outline for the immediate future, etc.

As evident from the above outline, all these aspects cannot be dealt upon in detail in this brief endeavour and hence efforts will only be made to present a general discussion touching upon a few of the salient aspects of the subject, for interacting with the science activists (SA), who in my opinion, will have to shoulder lion’s share of the responsibilities for the proposed line of action in SJPST.

Tradition vs science and technology

The NE is a region replete and rich with age-old, multicultural ethnic traditions and compared to the other parts of the country, the inroad of western culture through British system of education was a much-delayed phenomenon in the NE. Further, it has, all along been felt and given vent to in different quarters, both academic and non-academic, that even after the independence, due weightage and importance were not attached for the developmental work in this region. Juxtaposed with the two major factors/ causes, are several inherent geographical, historical and social parameters that may be said to have imposed upon a state of delayed influence in almost all aspects and spheres external to this region. Whatever changes have been brought about, seem not only insignificant but slow as well, and are restricted to a limited cross-section of the population and for majority of them, stagnancy seems to be the key word while traditions reign supreme in their socio-cultural foundation.

This, in brief and perhaps, with a few rare exceptions is the present scenario, for and in which we are going to talk about SJ and introduce the same as a part of our programme to popularise ST or in other words, bring these masses closer to the concepts and practices of ST for their own benefits. If this is not bravado, what else could be, seems to be the pertinent question at this juncture of time. Under no circumstances, this could be termed timely and we are, in fact, very late in what should have been initiated decades ago. Even then, kudos should be reserved for the initiators for taking up the same at this juncture, when everything is moving with an undreamt speed in the 21st century. We shall have enough scope to congratulate ourselves, if we can pursue this venture with earnestness and impart through it, the required momentum for social change.

The basic questions however, still remain unanswered. No doubt we, the SAs have felt the need for bringing the people closer to ST; so far, so good; but do they have really asked or opted for it? Or, are they mentally prepared to get rid of the ill effects of their age old traditions in favour/ lieu of what we are going to offer them?

Need for inculcating scientific temper

These down to earth questions bring us to what we term as the concept and practice of scientific temper which, generally in many ways, is opposed to blind any irrational attachments to traditions.

Traditions too, are a double-edged ‘weapon’, which could be no less powerful or harmful than ST, and it is here that the real challenges in popularising ST amongst the people crop up. Unless the challenges in popularising ST are properly identified and met with proper perspectives, the response to ST is destined to be slow with the possibility of initial rejections as well, in certain quarters. It need not be over emphasized that recourse to ST is the only panacea for inculcating scientific temper, which in turn, can be utilised as one of the most powerful and effective tool/ agenda for social change. This is a truism not only for the NE, but also for the country as a whole and the third world in general.

The concept and practice of SJ through the ages have been initiated, evolved, continued and expanded out of social commitment of the scientists and SAs and the urge for communicating what has been achieved through studies and experimentation. No doubt, all over the world in different countries, all along the ages till the advent of modern ST (MST), traditional ST (TST) and its communication was existing with all their limitations, but the basic concept and philosophy of taking the benefits of ST whether traditional or modern, to the masses had all along been there and in doing so the greater cause of service to humanity reigned supreme.

Fortunately enough, with little aberrations in a few quarters, this still persists in modern times as well and it seems that the need for the same has all along been ever-increasing, because of the challenges posed by the rapid growth rate of MST.

There has, all along been, a gap, sometimes in some fields an ever widening one, between the growth rate of MST and the response rate of the societies of the NE and reasons for such gaps are too obvious to be pointed out. It is here that the role of SJPST assumes unprecedented importance because unless a minimum level of response to MST can be attained and maintained, a society, however rich it might be, traditionally and/ or culturally, cannot expect to have a befitting existence.

Catalytic role of SJ for social change

In view of the recent widespread concerns about eco-consciousness, there might be reservations regarding heavy and widespread industrialisation; but if people are not exposed to the benefits and the challenges of MST, the desired quantum jump from traditional to modern through semi modern social infrastructure may, perhaps be, either not achieved at all or be delayed for ages. In general, all the NE states have been suffering from this malaise, and it is here that the role of SJPST acquires priority and importance.

voluntary organisations through the existing infrastructure of the mainstream journalism in the RLs, and creating new avenues where such infrastructures do not exist. The work plan must also envisage and attach due weightage to the oral, visual and audio visual formats where communication with the people will have to be achieved not only through identified languages but through dialects as well.

One must, however be cautious enough to chalk out the work plan to be cost effective and frequent interactions of the SAs should be organised and regular feedback should be utilised for modifications and better implementation.

Reviews of the so called successes and failures after two years, may well be expected to pave the way for timely endeavours for all concerned, for a definite, time tested working model in this emerging field. If this can be achieved, perhaps the NE would be able to acquire the position of a charismatic leader in the new horizon for the rest of the country in inculcation of scientific temper among masses and realisation of a ST based society.

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