Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh launched the theme of National Science Day (NSD) 2022 ‘Integrated Approach in S&T for Sustainable Future’. He highlighted that a four-fold integrated approach in S&T for Sustainable Future will help us come out of our culture of working in silos as suggested by the Prime Minister to play a leading role in the global arena.
Elaborated, Dr Jitendra Singh said that the four fold approach would consist of integration of all the scientific departments which can work on theme based approach; extended scientific integration encompassing engineering; medical and other institutions; extra scientific integration involving identification of the needs of other ministries like jal shakti, railways etc; and extended science driven all inclusive approach integrating startups & industry.
Addressing the launch event, Dr Jitendra Singh said “This is the best time to give a push to this integrative approach as all the ministries and departments have come together to work for the survival of humanity at the time of the pandemic crisis.”
National Science Day (NSD) is celebrated every year on 28 February to commemorate the discovery of the ‘Raman Effect’. Government of India designated 28 February as National Science Day (NSD) in 1986. On this day Sir C.V. Raman announced the discovery of the 'Raman Effect' for which he was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1930. On this occasion, theme-based science communication activities are carried out all over the country.
Many institutions organize open house for their laboratories and appraise students about career opportunities available in a particular research laboratory/institution.
“It is time to sustain this spirit and the National Science Day will be the occasion to take a pledge for this and work with the integrated approach henceforth for sustaining livelihoods, sustaining human life and for India to emerge as a leader in science,” Dr Singh said.
Highlighting the importance of National Science Day, Dr. Srivari Chandrasekhar, Secretary, DST, mentioned that the schools and colleges across the country will celebrate National Science Day on February 28, 2022 based on this theme.
Dr. Chandrasekhar emphasised on the importance science communication which he said formed a very crucial part of the new science and innovation policy. He highlighted the significance of working on creative science communication across disciplines.
Dr Shekhar C Mande, Director General, CSIR highlighted the importance of the theme's approach in working across disciplines, while Department of Biotechnology Secretary Dr Rajesh Gokhle underlined how all instititions, government and industry worked together to help India and the world overcome the challenges of the pandemic.
Department of Science and Technology (DST) acts as a nodal agency to support, catalyze and coordinate celebration of the National Science Day throughout the country in scientific institutions, research laboratories and autonomous scientific institutions associated with the Department of Science and Technology. National Council for Science & Technology Communication (NCSTC), DST has supported various programmes countrywide by giving grants to its State S&T Councils & Departments for organization of lectures, quizzes, open houses, etc.
The DST instituted the National Awards for Science Popularization in 1987 to stimulate, encourage and recognize outstanding efforts in the area of science and technology communication and popularization as well as inculcate scientific temper among masses. These awards are presented every year on National Science Day along with the SERB Women Excellence Award by the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), a statutory body of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) supporting basic research in frontier areas of science and engineering. It provides grants to women scientists below 40 years of age who have received recognition from any one or more of the National Academies such as Young Scientist Medal, Young Associateship and so on. AWSAR award, an initiative of Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India to recognize the dissemination of Indian research in Science, Technology & Innovation being pursued by PhD Scholars and Post-Doctoral Fellows in popular science writing format, is also presented on the day.
