Breaking Barriers: CSIR-NIScPR Conducts Workshop To Promote Science Communication In Assamese

New Delhi, March 12 (TNA) CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (NIScPR) organised on Monday a virtual workshop on “Interactive and New Approaches to Communicate Science in Assamese” covering popular science writing, video, podcast and social media. The workshop sought to connect aspiring and experienced science communicators in Assamese to establish a network within the field. Leading and budding science communicators, teachers and researchers representing various universities, institutions and colleges from Assam attended the workshop.

The workshop commenced with an introduction by Dr. Paramananda Barman, Scientist, CSIR-NIScPR and coordinator of the workshop. Prof. Ranjana Aggarwal, Director, CSIR-NIScPR delivered the welcome address. Prof. Aggarwal elaborated on CSIR-NIScPR's endeavours in science communication and its advocacy for science communication in Indian languages.

She discussed the national initiative SVASTIK (Scientifically Validated Societal Traditional Knowledge), disseminating validated traditional knowledge in 17 Indian languages, and the popular science magazines by CSIR-NIScPR. Additionally, Prof. Aggarwal emphasised the significance of science communication in languages such as Assamese, Bodo and Manipuri.

The technical session I of the workshop was on “popular science writing”. This session included talks by leading Assamese science communicators Dr Ramesh Chandra Goswami, Dr PC Tamuly and Dr Paban Kumar Sahariah. Dr Ramesh Chandra Goswami mentioned the importance of popular science writing.

He also shared his experiences in improving popular writings. Dr PC Tamuly emphasised the importance of writing science fiction to engage and attract a large readership. He stressed the need to read a large variety of books to improve his writing skills. Dr. Sahariah further elaborated on the need to encourage science writing in Indian languages.