The country’s excellence in modern Science and Technology dates back to
more than hundred years. The vision of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was to apply
Science and Technology to provide better living to millions of poor, hungry and
ignorant. In recent times applications of Science and technology have
multiplied touching every aspect of our lives. Advances made in communications,
production technology, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medicine, space technology
and so on has made differences to the
lives of most people. No doubt science has contributed to economic development
of the country but if these scientific contributions and inherent possibilities
are not promoted and popularized, the countrymen will be deprived of possible
benefits. Hence, the efforts were needed to popularize the benefits of
scientific knowledge and practical appropriation.
National Science Day
On the
initiative of Rashtriya Vigyan Evam Prodoyogiki Sanchar Parishad (RVPSP) (National
Council for Science & Technology Communication), February 28 was designated
as National Science Day (NSD) for this purpose by Government of India in 1987. Since then this day is
celebrated throughout the country with great enthusiasm. The programmes range
from a day to a full month either beginning or culminating on February 28. The
activities include debates, quiz competitions, exhibitions, lectures, etc.,
involving college and school students and teachers. Research
institutions/laboratories have been organizing “Open House Day/Week” for
creating awareness among public as part of NSD. All programmes and activities
revolve round a theme selected for focus every year. The theme for the 21st National
Science Day on February 2007 is “More Crop Per Drop”.
Significance
The
National Science Day is observed every year on 28th February
to mark the novel discovery of Raman Effect by the great Indian Physicist Sir
C. V. Raman on this day in 1928. Raman
Effect is a phenomenon in spectroscopy discovered by the eminent physicist
while working in the laboratory of the Indian Association for the Cultivation
of science, Kolkata. After two years of this discovery, Sir C. V. Raman brought
the first Nobel Award for the country in 1930. Hence the National Science Day is
a great day for Indian Science and scientific community. Besides, National Science Day offers
an opportunity to bring issues of science on to centre stage. The activities
organized on the occasion provide public with an occasion to personally attend
various programmes and be aware of the emerging issues of immediate concern.
Organizing activities with the
involvement of large number of people
results into purposeful interaction between the science fraternity and
the common people for mutual benefit.
Basic Objectives
The basic
objective of observation of National Science Day is to spread the message of
importance of science and its application among the people. This is essential
to accelerate the pace of development. Even in the 21st century and despite
many significant achievements certain
sections of our society are still guided by blind faith and beliefs,
which is reflected in the quality of decision making on developmental issues.
Observation
of NSD attempts at generating scientific minded citizens. Science has
contributed a great deal to human welfare. Through the gospel of reason and
experimental observation, by which it works, it has enabled man to acquire
intellectual and mental excellence. From the materialistic point of view,
ranging from environmental issues, disease eradication, space exploration,
energy production, information highway to name a few, science and technology
has broken barriers to bring peace and prosperity with a cleaner environment
with sustainable use of resource for the benefit of mankind. Biotechnology is
making a major impact on agriculture, health, environment, industry and
pharmaceuticals. Communication at lower costs, with greater accessibility, is
another product of technology.
It helps
inculcate scientific temper among school children. Health and hygiene issues are prime concerns for the common
people. The daily application of science like the use of clean drinking water,
knowledge to eradicate contagious disease, the know how of various agricultural
practices to increase crop production, the usefulness of biodiversity
conservation, etc., should be disseminated to the future generation.
Building
of science communicators is another component of the NSD celebrations.
Modus Operation
All the
NSD activities are planned around a theme suggested by RVPSP. Some of the
recent themes are:
· 2000: Recreating
Interest in Basic Science
· 2001: Information
Technology for Science Education
· 2002: Wealth from
Waste
· 2003: 50 years of
DNA & 25 years of IVF – The blue print of Life
· 2004: Encouraging
Scientific Awareness in Community
· 2005: Celebrating
Physics
· 2006: Nurture
Nature for our future
· 2007: More Crop Per Drop—The Theme’s focus
is on efforts to build a eco-water-literate society that values water. It
advocates the Optimum use of water in all aspects of human activity and water
conservation by all means.
Secretary, DST has been inviting Scientific Departments/Research
Institutions of Government of India and aided institutions to organize
activities built around the theme. S&T Councils/Departments from
states/union territories are encouraged to celebrate NSD in a purposeful and
befitting manner.
The RVPSP presents six
awards every year:
1. National
Award for Outstanding Effort in Science & Technology Communication (Cash
Rs.2.00 Lakh).
2. National
Award for Outstanding Effort in Science & Technology Communication through
Books & Magazines (Cash Rs.1.00 Lakh).
3. National
Award for Outstanding Effort in Science & Technology Popularization among
Children (Cash Rs.1.00 Lakh).
4. National
Award for Outstanding Effort in Translation of Popular Science & Technology
Literature (Cash Rs.1.00 Lakh).
5. National
Award for Outstanding Effort in Science & Technology Communication in the
Print Medium (Cash Rs.1.00 Lakh).
National Award for Outstanding
Effort in Science & Technology Communication in Electronic Medium (Cash
Rs.1.00 Lakh).
Importance of Water
The
National Common Minimum Programme assigns priority to the water sector and
water management. Irrigation and drinking water are also two important
components of Bharat Nirman. Emphasis has been given to water resources
development and management by the Central Government. For successful
implementation of water resources development programme, it would be essential
to bring all the stakeholders viz policy makers and decision makers, project
managers and local authorities, NGO’s communities, social workers and
individuals and also the private sectors to ensure successful implementation of
the policies and programmes for better management and development of the water
sector. With a view to generate the required response from all stakeholders and
to involve them in drawing up more appropriate strategies, the Government of
India has declared the Year 2007 as “Water Year” with the focus on:
a) Developing
consensus on appropriate measures including legislation on better management of
the water sector including participatory irrigation management, regulated use and
conservation.
b) Timely completion
of irrigation projects and maintenance of existing projects to ensure water
availability to farmers.
c) Awareness
programmes for the masses;
d) Organization of conferences, workshops on important
development and management issues.
During
the Water Year 2007, the CGWB proposes to take up 50 Mass Awareness and 50
Water Management Training Programmes, ground water studies in 1.5 lakh sq. km
area in various ground water problem specific areas, 15 demonstrative
artificial recharge and rain water harvesting studies, release of 50 block wise
ground water booklets for dissemination of information to stakeholders.
The water availability for the country
as a whole has been assessed as 1869 billion cubic metres (BCM). However,
it is estimated that only about 1123 BCM can be utilized which includes 690
BCM of surface water and 433 BCM of replenishable ground water resources.
*Senior
Media Communications Officer, PIB, New Delhi
(Release ID :24596)