2004 : The Year of Scientific Awareness
There is hardly an aspect of our lives which is not affected or
impacted by science. It is therefore imperative to inculcate in
the people a habit of being scientific in approach and attitude
and to be able to participate in decision-making process on
issues which concern them. Accordingly, Government of India have
designated 2004 at the Year of Scientific Awareness (YSA). The
intent here is clearly to focus attention on scientific
awareness and spread it far and wide in the country, actually
much faster, much farther and much wider than has been possible,
ordinarily via efforts made in the normal course by
organisations, partly or fully mandated to do so.
National Council for
Science and Technology Communication, NCSTC/RVPSP, (Rashtriya
Vigyan Evam Pradyogiki Sanchar Parishad), Department of Science
& Technology, the apex government body for science communication
since 1982, has been given the responsibility of giving shape
and meaning to this intent through formulation and execution of
a coordinated country wide project (YSA-2004).
The NCSTC/RVPSP has, in
the past, executed successful and highly acclaimed campaigns,
such as the Bharat Jan Vigyan Jatha (BJVJ) in 1987 and the
Bharat Jan Gyan Vigyan Jatha (BJGJ) in 1992. These project had
short, long and very long term impacts on the science
communication scene in the country. The insights and experience
gained during these two large projects would be brought to bear
on the YSA-2004 campaign.
The objective of
organising this mega project is that all sections of society
should become more scientifically aware. The campaign will
encourage capacity for seeking answers to question and
strenghten the ability of the common man to take informed and
rational decisions. This perhaps is the basic characterisation
of scientific temper, which would reflect on rational behaviour
of all sections of a society. This project is also intended to
demonstrate changes that can be brought about in improving the
quality of life of the rural population, including women and the
weaker section of the society. The logo of the campaign shows an
artistic lamp with a DNA and electronic model of an atom. The
theme is symbolic of dispelling darkness and creating awareness.
The YSA-2004 has been
conceived of as a campaign of one full year of multiple
activities to be conducted across the length and breadth of the
country. These activities will reach crores of people and many
more through the mass media. All the activities will be built
around selected issues of major concern.
-
Water & Sanitation
-
Soil & Cover
Management
-
Health & Nutrition
-
Biodiversity
Conservation
-
Disaster Preparedness
-
Empowerment of people
through information technology.
In order to highlight
the regional aspirations and deeper coverage the entire country
has been divided into eight regions with common issues and
problems. In addition to specific regional issues, issues that
are common across the country will provide it all India
character. The eight regions are :
-
Western Himalayan
Region
-
Eastern Himalayan
Region
-
Eastern Coastal Region
-
Western Coastal Region
-
Arid Region
-
North Central Region
-
South Central Region
-
Central Region
The YSA activities would
be executed in three phases - pre jatha, main jatha and post
jatha. The duration of the these three phases could vary from
region to region due to a number of factors including weather,
etc. Activities would be carried out on issues, which are more
relevant locally. Regional and national concerns will also be
taken care of. A brief description of jatha activities are as
follows :
Pre-jatha :
These activities are basically meant to sensitize people and to
prepare them for the main jatha. All information material
related to dissemination will be prepared during this period.
Main Jatha :
Jatha – a group of resource persons will move from one place to
another and that halt at one place where street plays, training,
IT Mela, internet / E-mail demos, books exhibition would be
organised. During this period mobile vans carrying exhibition on
different dissemination softwares would be taken to surrounding
villages.
Post jatha :
The activities begun during jatha period would be continued
after the jatha period by competent local organisations,
institutions interested in working in the area of science
communication.
A range of activities
are planned for districts covered and in particular those not
covered by the jathas. There are :
-
Public debates on
issues of science and development.
-
Theme based
exhibitions
-
Radio & television
programmes, multimedia CDs, publications, posters & wall
charts.
-
Awareness & training
programmes for decision makers/Gram panchayats
-
Puppet shows, folk
performers & popular lectures
-
Contests and
competitions
-
Features & articles in
news papers
-
Activity Corners for
children