Keywords :Communication in science
Science museums
Issue Date :2010-07
Publisher :National Council of Science Museums, Kolkata
Description :In an old civilization like ours, with diversity found in immense proportions and not having a so called culture of science embedded in the Indian ethos, communication of Science and Technology to the people is a difficult mission but this activity is essential for our national development particularly at this juncture when our country's economy is in transition from its resource based structure to a more open knowledge based platform. With a substantial support from the Government and an inclination for promotion of Science Communication activities observed in our Government policies, a sizable network of institutions and agencies for Science Communication has been established in India during the last few decades. But how far the mission of Creation of a scientific temper among the masses has been achieved? Are we observing any attitudinal change among Indians towards science and scientific issues because of the Science Communication activities being conducted? If so, are we trying to measure the success or failure of our missions?
In India, regular assessment and evaluation of outcomes are not practiced as essential follow up actions for science communication activities. As a result, we do not know how effective our missions are. We must understand that the number of Science Centres set up in the country and the number of visitors entering into an exhibition or a Science Train are not sufficient indicators of the achievement or efficiency of our missions. Time has come for a closer look into the issue for appropriate action.
Source :National Council of Science Museums
Type :Article
Received From :National Council of Science Museums
DC Field
Value
dc.contributor.author
Mukhopadhyay, Ingit Kr.
dc.date.accessioned
2017-06-15T05:29:49Z
dc.date.available
2017-06-15T05:29:49Z
dc.date.issued
2010-07
dc.description.abstract
In an old civilization like ours, with diversity found in immense proportions and not having a so called culture of science embedded in the Indian ethos, communication of Science and Technology to the people is a difficult mission but this activity is essential for our national development particularly at this juncture when our country's economy is in transition from its resource based structure to a more open knowledge based platform. With a substantial support from the Government and an inclination for promotion of Science Communication activities observed in our Government policies, a sizable network of institutions and agencies for Science Communication has been established in India during the last few decades. But how far the mission of Creation of a scientific temper among the masses has been achieved? Are we observing any attitudinal change among Indians towards science and scientific issues because of the Science Communication activities being conducted? If so, are we trying to measure the success or failure of our missions?
In India, regular assessment and evaluation of outcomes are not practiced as essential follow up actions for science communication activities. As a result, we do not know how effective our missions are. We must understand that the number of Science Centres set up in the country and the number of visitors entering into an exhibition or a Science Train are not sufficient indicators of the achievement or efficiency of our missions. Time has come for a closer look into the issue for appropriate action.
Government of India
