CSIR-NIScPR Hosts Workshop on Science Communication in Indian Languages

New Delhi: The Council of Scientific & Industrial Research – National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR) successfully organized a one-day workshop on the “Need and Significance of Communicating Science in India.” The event, held at its premises in New Delhi, aimed to assess existing efforts in science communication in Indian languages and explore strategies to enhance public engagement with science across the country’s diverse linguistic communities.

In her welcome address, Prof. Ranjana Aggarwal, Director of CSIR-NIScPR, emphasized the crucial role of science communication in bridging the gap between scientific research and society. She highlighted the need to promote science in regional languages for greater inclusivity, stating, “True scientific progress is inclusive. Promoting science in regional languages ensures that knowledge reaches every corner of society.”

The workshop featured several expert sessions. Dr. Naresh Kumar, Head of PME, CSIR-NIScPR, reinforced the importance of disseminating scientific knowledge in local languages. Dr. Manish Mohan Gore, Senior Scientist and Principal Investigator of the Indian Language Project, stressed the importance of public engagement in spreading authentic scientific information to the masses.

Among the notable sessions, Deepak Kumar, Assistant Director of the Commission for Scientific and Technical Terminology, discussed the current state and challenges of science terminology in Indian languages. Balendu Sharma, Digital Media Communication Head at Microsoft, provided insights into the future of AI and its impact on science communication. Dr. Santosh Kumar Shukla, Executive Secretary of the National Academy of Sciences, India, spoke about the importance of science writing and popular literature in Indian languages, while Neha Tripathi, a Digital and Social Media Expert, explored the authenticity of scientific content across different media platforms. Dr. Krishna Nand Pandey, Former Scientist-F at ICMR, discussed health communication’s role in creating awareness, while Ankita Mishra, Editor at NRDC, talked about the relevance of print media in popularizing science in the digital age.

The afternoon session focused on regional perspectives of science communication. Shivanandan, Programme Executive at All India Radio, shared insights into radio’s role in spreading agricultural science, especially in rural India. Samir Ganguly, a Science Writer, highlighted how science fiction stories can inspire scientific curiosity and engagement.

The workshop served as a platform for experts, communicators, and participants to engage in meaningful dialogue. Discussions yielded policy recommendations aimed at strengthening science communication in Indian languages. Key suggestions included fostering greater collaboration between academia, government, and media and implementing capacity-building programs for science communicators.

The event attracted 40 participants, including faculty and students from Banaras Hindu University, Central Sanskrit University, and Gurugram University, as well as scientists, researchers, and policymakers. Eight speakers, including six who participated online and two in person, contributed to the discussion, ensuring a broad and diverse exchange of ideas.

The event concluded with an interactive session and a Q&A round with students. Dr. Manish Mohan Gore, Senior Scientist at CSIR-NIScPR and coordinator of the workshop, delivered the closing remarks. The workshop reaffirmed CSIR-NIScPR’s commitment to promoting accessible, inclusive, and impactful science communication across India’s diverse linguistic and cultural landscape.