E-Paper
Doing all to inculcate scientific temperament among youths
ACKNOWLEDGING THE significance of science in the development of nation, the government has been constantly striving for it popularity among youths. National Academy of Sciences, India (NASI) is one of its important wing, created to develop scientific temperament among the youths.
ACKNOWLEDGING THE significance of science in the development of nation, the government has been constantly striving for it popularity among youths. National Academy of Sciences, India (NASI) is one of its important wing, created to develop scientific temperament among the youths.
Dr MS Sinha, executive secretary, NASI, in conversation with Shivani Chaturvedi, discusses how and what all important body does to achieve its goal.
What is the academy doing for developing the scientific temperament?
We have initiated several revolutionary steps to create scientific awareness among the students. These includes organising science extension lectures in schools and colleges in the city and also in nearby districts like Pratapgarh, Amethi, Faizabad, Sultanpur and Chitrakoot. Besides, we also hold science communication programmes at regular intervals. Apart from this, state level science contests (quiz, debate, oration, exhibition, essay, scientific creative writing and painting), talent search, is held every year where the winners are awarded on the National Science Day on February 28. The academy also gives an award (The National Academy of Sciences, India-Science Teacher Award) to a science teacher of an intermediate college every year for his/her keen interest in out of the class science activities and also for generating scientific temper among the students.
Any specific plans to identify the upcoming scientists?
To recognise the talent of young scientists the academy gives 'Swarn Jyanti Puraskar' for the best research paper presentation in the sections of physical and biological sciences at the annual session each year. Each award comprises of Rs 5000 cash and a citation. The academy has also instituted NASI-Young Scientist Platinum Jubilee Award from this year. Young scientists are encouraged to present their research papers during the annual session and interact with the senior scientists. Young scientists who have documented evidence of high quality research publications and the potential to excel in future are inducted as members of the academy.
What is the academy doing for the scientists who have excelled in their field?
The academy awards MN Saha Distinguished Fellowship to an Indian scientists for his/her most distinguished contribution to science.
The fellowship comprises of Rs 26,000 per month along with allowances. Foreign scientists who are associated with the development of science in India and associated with Indian scientists are also honoured by electing them as foreign fellows of the academy.
The council of the academy has also instituted Platinum Jubilee Award for application oriented innovations covering both physical and biological sciences whose liability will be borne by Reliance Industries Limited.
The academy also honours distinguished scientists by electing them as honorary fellows or fellows on the basis of their distinguished scientific contribution.
What steps are being taken to take the study of science to rural areas?
To create awareness of science among rural populace, the academy conducts Vigyan Chaupal. Besides, the academy also displays scientific kits relating to food adulteration and quality of water. Apart from this, science extension lectures are organised in villages. With the practical application of science we try our best to make villagers aware of the subject.
How successful has NASI been in achieving its aim?
The academy is working hard to achieve its objective. It is publishing proceedings, journals, memoirs, transactions and other works.
It has set up a science library which caters to the needs of research scientists as well intermediate level science students. Recently, the academy has also opened 13 chapters in different cities of the country.
