As a part of the 7th edition of India International Science Festival 2021 (IISF 2021) during 10-13 December 2021, Vigyanika — International Science Literature Festival was organised on 11 & 12 December 2021. The programme was coordinated by CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR), National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) and Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA). The programme was organised at the Institute Menezes Braganza, Panaji, Goa, which was streamed online. The programme included various thought-provoking sessions, lectures & discussions on science literature and communication to inspire the young generation.
During the programme, Dr Shekhar Mande, Director General, CSIR and Secretary, DSIR, in his address said that the number of science communicators in India is very few compared to European countries. Dr Mande noted that we need to scale up science diplomacy, science policy, and science communication in the country so that ordinary people are involved in the enterprise of science.
The first panel discussion was on "Indian Freedom Movement – Science, Scientists & Science Diplomacy", during which the role of various well-known Indian scientists was highlighted who contributed to promoting science during British time when even condition was not that favourable.
In the second panel discussion on "Science Literature in Regional Languages – Challenges & Initiatives" speakers discussed their efforts in communicating science scientific in Maithili, Telugu, Bengali, and Kannada.
The day ended with Vigyan Kavi Sammelan with well-known poets delighting the gathering with poetry in Hindi, English, and Marathi on different aspects of science.
The very first session on the second day began with five CSIR Young Scientist Awardees sharing their views on "Inspiring Scientists – Road to Scientific Success".
Eminent science authors Prof. Hari Pulakkat, Ms Shweta Taneja, Dr Dinesh Sharma, Shri Devendra Mewari, and Dr Pranay Lal joined the 'Meet the Author' session. The session was chaired by Dr TV Venkateswaran, Vigyan Prasar.
Science Drama/Folk Art was also organised in the session 'Science through Performing Arts
The final session of Vigyanika was a Panel Discussion on 'Scientific Literature for Scientific Engagement – Issues, Challenges'.
The valedictory session had Prof. B.K. Mishra, Director, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Goa, Prof. Harilal Bhaskara Menon, Vice-Chancellor, Goa University, Dr Gopal Iyengar, Scientist G, Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) and Ms Indira Murthy, Joint Secretary, MoES as Guests of Honour.
Shri Hasan Jawaid Khan, Chief Scientist and Chief Coordinator of Vigyanika summarised the deliberations of the two days.
Mr Debobrat Ghose, Editor, Science India, proposed the vote of thanks.
