Excelsior Correspondent
NEW DELHI, Nov 29: Emphasising the importance of effective science communication, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh said here today that effective science communication is critical for translating innovations into societal benefits.
Specialised science journalism and specialised science journalists can play a vital role in this, he added.
While presenting “Dr. Mangalam Swaminathan National Awards for Excellence 2024” instituted in the memory of late journalist Mangalam Swaminathan, Dr Jitendra Singh said, Mangalam was one of the early initiators of the trend of science reporting and science journalism in India, which was already prevalent in the western media. He said, Mangalam was a familiar figure in Delhi’s media and cultural circles, and even at the time of her untimely death in 2017, she was writing a book on legendary scientist Homi Bhabah.
The Minister announced the ‘Dr. Mangalam Swaminathan National Awards for Excellence 2024’ in a ceremony that celebrated the legacy of the late Dr. Mangalam Swaminathan, a trailblazer in science journalism and communication. The event, attended by distinguished personalities, underscored the importance of science outreach in fostering innovation and public awareness.
The Dr. Mangalam Swaminathan National Award 2024 honoured distinguished individuals across various fields for their outstanding contributions. P. Narayanan received the award for Excellence in Journalism, while Umendra Dutt was recognized for Excellence in Science Reporting. Sathyanarayana Raju was celebrated for Excellence in Art and Culture, and Jeejo John Puthezhath was awarded for Excellence in Medical Malpractices Investigation. Maneka Sanjay Gandhi was conferred with the Dr. Mangalam Swaminathan Foundation Dattopant Thengadi Seva Samman 2024.
Other notable awardees included H.H. Rev. Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis, G. Rajamohan, and Hareesh Kumar P., who were also honoured with the Dattopant Thengadi Seva Samman, alongside Nazeer V. Koyakutty and Ajith Nayar, recipients of the Pravasi Bharatiya National Excellence Award 2024.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized the pivotal role of specialized science journalism in India’s progress. “In a rapidly evolving world, effective science communication is critical to translate innovations into societal benefits,” he remarked. Highlighting Dr. Mangalam Swaminathan’s contributions, he noted her pioneering work in science journalism during a time when the field was still nascent in India.
The Minister underscored the necessity of building a culture of specialized science journalism in India. He lamented the lack of expertise in this area, noting, “Unlike in the West, where specialized journalists focus on niche areas like science or war reporting, in India, the same journalist often covers diverse topics, diluting the depth of expertise.” Dr. Mangalam Swaminathan, he added, had begun to change this narrative by fostering a nascent tradition of specialized reporting.
The Minister also called attention to India’s strides in science and technology under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He referred key initiatives such as advancements in quantum technology and the bio-economy policy, which he described as “cornerstones of the next industrial revolution.”
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