Deputy Chief Minister of Manipur, Shri Y Joykumar Singh inaugurated 11th Science Communicators’ Meet at the 105th Indian Science Congress at Manipur University, Imphal on March 19, 2018.

In his inaugural speech Shri Joykumar Singh urged scientists to open Science Centres in villages which can facilitate in communicating the basic concepts of science amongst the common people. He further narrated that the theme “Reaching the Unreached”, does not merely mean having access to high-end technology, but also embeds explaining science themes, to masses, that are useful in day-to-day life of people.

Former ISCA president Dr A K Saxena said that around 70 percent population in rural area of the country have little knowledge of science & technology and hope that the Science Communicators’ Meet can play a key role in developing simple way to communicate with masses.

The Vice Chancellor of Manipur University, Prof. Adya Prasad Pandey said that science communicators have a very vital responsibility. “Their responsibility is not only to build scientific temper amongst masses but to make the common man capable to use technology”, he added.

The aim of the two days meet is to encourage, popularize and inculcate scientific temper among the science communicators and make science communication more simple, more vernacular, and also providing correct perspective without sensationalizing. 

In his lecture, former Scientist & Head, Radiocarbon Laboratory, Birbal Sahni Institute of Paleobotany, Lucknow Dr. C.M Nautiyal, said that the media and science communicators’ can play an important role in shaping the thoughts of the society. He added that science communicators’ should not over-glamorize. “They should not entirely be dependent on online sources of information while reporting and should verify the sources before reporting”, Dr. Nautiyal pointed out.