Science Propagation through Marathi

A Report

While writing on science subjects in mother tongue, whether one should use the terminologies derived in Marathi or in Sanskrit or use them as they exist in English is a problem for the writers. For example, for sulphuric acid should one use Gandhakmla or keep it sulphuric acid as it is. Barring Tamil, all other Indian languages are Sanskrit based, then why not have the terminology based on Sanskrit, asked Mr. M.V. Kamath, President of Vigyan Prasar, Delhi, while inaugurating a two day programme on science propagation through Marathi on December 1-2, 2001. He further said that Vigyan Prasar, could establish a Translators cell which can get best, or if possible all, original science articles written in any Indian language translated into English so that everyone has access to science articles written in India irrespective of his or her language of comunication.

Dr. Bal Phondke, former director of National Institute of Science Communication (NISCOM) and a prolific science writer, while delivering the key note address at the seminar raised few questions on the need of science communication and its effective propagation. Among the points he reaise were how to propagage science, for whom, what are the available mediums, which are more effective, are they available to Marathi population and so on. He reviewed the present status of science writing in Marathi. He also mentioned that the society respects scientists and hoped that scientists can do something positive for the cause of the society. All India Radio has played a major role in science propagation as compared to TV, he observed. Quoting a survey, he said science fiction writing in Marathi is very rich as compared to other Indian languages.

Mr. Laxman Londhe, initiating dicussions on the key note address, said merits and demerits of any scientific discovery are not projected by science writers impartially. Dr. R. M. Shewale stressed the need for reaching scientific information to the last rung of society with the help of modern means like CD-ROM. Writing should be in a simple language as practised by Shivam Karantha, advised by Mr. A.P. Deshpande, while concluding the session.

Encyclopedias is a major reference material to the science writers and hence a special session was arranged to inform people how encyclopedias are made. Mr. A.N. Thakur, former science editor of Vishwakosh, a Govt. of Maharashtra project, said that Marathi is very rich amongst all Indian languages in encyclopedias. It has 800 different encyclopedias. Dr. Suresh Nadkari, who was associated with bibliography project of medical books published in Marathi, narrated his experiences. Mr. A.P. Marathe was the chairperson of the session, who himself has undertaken a project of making encyclopedia.

All India Radio is a major contributor in propagating science in Marathi. There are different slots for different groups of listeners like farmers, factory workers, women, students and so on and AIR caters to these groups of listeners appropriately for years together. AIR has reached to 98% people. Prof. Mohan Madwanna from Solapur stated that AIR has made friendship with rural population. Dr. Anil Mahabol from Pune narrated the programme on environment titled Naate Nisargadie being broadcast from Pune. Ms.Sushama Hippalgaonkar of AIR Mumbai narrated her experiences with a successful health-based programme titled Arogyam Dhansampada. Mr. Hemant Nene who have organised many programmes on sky gazing on Radio and was happy to share his experiences. However, he expects AIR to do much more than what is being done. Mr. Jayant Erande informed the gathering while summing up the session that AIR had a serial of 124 parts on Evolution of Human and of 13 parts on Science Vision. Over a lakh of students had participated in these programmes by enrolling themselves beforehand and had participated in the examination. AIR had given awards to 10% of the student participants.

On the second day, there was a session on science propagation done by TV and other means. Mr. Nilu Damle while speaking on TV remarked that TV has to strengthen the marketing side. They are not catering to what the viewers want. Mr. Subas Naik Satam from Nehru Planetarium stated that about 90 lakh people have seen planetarium during past 25 years since it started its activities. Students like sky gazing and Nehru Planetarium meets their requirements by organising a variety of programmes. Nana Shivalkar, a graphic designer with Times of India warned that if the books do not carry sufficient illustrations and pictures, children may not like them. Hence a skillful use of pictures and illustration is necessary. Mr. Achut Dase of Nehru Science Centre took the audience to a virtual tour of science centre. Dr. S C Agarkar of Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education stressed on carrying out experiments while learning/teaching a science subject. While concluding the session, Mr. Mukesh Sharma, Director, Mumbai Doordarshan, requested audience to give their valuable feedback on science-based TV programmes so that their quality could be improved.

In a session on newspapers, Mr. Niranjan Ghate expressed his happiness that newspapers are publishing a number of science articles these days. Prof. S.P. Deshpande said he wrote more than 100 articles on mathematics and these were appreciated by common readers. Dr. Anil Lachake said that we could learn more about Anthrax through newspaper columns and newspapers give information on the latest subjects and their developments. Mr. Abhijit Mule from Sakal said, although we try to write on few subjects in science supplement, there is a lot to be covered. Mr. Sanjay Latkar, editor, Lokmat, a Mumbai daily, concluded the session by remarking that Lokmat and Marathi Vidnyan Parishad have agreed recently that material published in Marathi Vidnyan Parishads periodical Patrika be reproduced in Lokmat.

Dr. R.T. Gahukar, an agriculturist, spoke very high about Baliraja, a magazine devoted to agricultural science. Dr. Ranjan Garge, microbiologist from Aurangabad wanted to know whether magazines should inform the public about basics of science or the latest developments in science or latest development on them. Prof. R.V. Sovani praised Marathi Vidnyan Parishad Patrika which has been in print for the last 35 years. Mr. P.B. Bhosale explained that a large number of farmers in the state read Baliraja magazine.

Mr. Prabhakar Deodhar, President, Marathi Vidnyan Parishad, concluded the two day seminar by saying that Marathi Vidnyan Parishad is going to prepare a band of 5000 science propagators through out the state of Maharashtra shortly.

Dr. Subodh Mahanti of Vigyan Prasar proposed a vote of thanks.