Role of Vernacular Media in Nurturing Scientific Mind-set Unveiled at Science City

Kapurthala, August 24, 2023: Pushpa Gujral Science City organized the workshop   on Science Journalism through Vernacular media to provide a platform for budding journalists to improve their skills and develop professionalism in Science Communication. The workshop was attended by more than 150 participants including young journalists, as well as, students and teachers of Journalism & Mass Communication from different colleges across the Punjab.
 

Dr. Rajesh Grover, Director, Science City delivering introductory remarks said that our Constitution serves as a guiding light for every citizen to embrace a scientific way of thinking. By harnessing the power of science communication and journalism, we not only empower individuals with knowledge but also lay the foundation for a nation that thrives on curiosity and innovation. A skilled science journalist can interpret complex scientific breakthroughs and translate them into a language that is devoid of confusion, making the wonders of science accessible to all. Furthermore, by creating scientific content that aligns with regional educational systems, we cultivate an environment which nurtures a deeper engagement with science, fostering a community of informed individuals who are eager to explore the world through a scientific lens.

Megh Raj Mitter, the Founder of Tarksheel Society Bharat, pointed out that our society was trapped in the grip of superstitions, which were causing significant harm. He emphasized that these superstitions were fuelled by irrational beliefs amongst masses. Instead of relying on scientific facts, they often connected events to superstitions due to this irrational thinking. Mr. Mitter highlighted the remarkable efforts of the Taraksheel Society, established in 1984 by a group of science teachers. Their goal was to spread scientific thinking by publishing numerous logical scientific books in local languages. These books aimed to debunk superstitions and explain things with clear reasoning. Consequently, rural communities in Punjab began to grasp the importance of embracing scientific thinking.

 
Speaking to the young journalists gathered at this event, Baljit Balli, Editor of Babushahi Network, emphasized that a journalist must be hungry for factual information. He highlighted that a journalist's quest for accurate facts not only enhances the joy of writing but also makes news reporting simpler and more engaging. Mr. Balli underscored the role of newspapers in dispelling societal superstitions by uncovering the underlying reasoning behind them. In doing so, journalists contribute to spread knowledge and rationality, he added.
 

Varinder Singh Walia Editor, Punjabi Jagran  conveyed the urgent need to publish a greater number of articles focused on climate change and the preservation of our environment and natural resources. He voiced his apprehension regarding the insufficient coverage of scientific topics in vernacular media. To address this, he proposed the establishment of a dedicated desk for scientific publications, underlining the importance of fact-based news in the public domain.