ASET Colloquium
Voice of Science in the Noise of Society: Kerala Model - A Reflective Critique
by Dr. A.P.Jayaraman (Vice Chairman, National Centre for Science Communicators, Mumbai)
Friday, May 27, 2016
from
to
(Asia/Kolkata)
at AG-66
at AG-66
Description |
The state of Kerala had undergone a societal transformation for half a century initiated catalyzed and sustained by conscious intervention of science. Beginning with the pure program of scientific literacy in the sixties, it evolved into arguably best in class impactful societal transformation. In the romantic phase, it created scientific literacy with exclusive children’s science magazines peaking 100,000 in circulation and a generation of creative science literateurs with a majestic mentor authoring over 180 children’s science books. Extrapolating this endeavor, total literacy status was secured for the state. A series of impactful interventions was made by dedicated groups of science communicators and activaists. Second phase of weaponization or arming people with scientific methodology and knowledge to eliminate exploitation under the slogan ‘science for social revolution’ was implemented. It was transformed into a mass movement with leaders drawn from teachers and workers. Health Education and quality products came within its ambit. The protection of Silent Valley was a creditable achievement. Sustainable development brought conflicts of interest within the cadre. Environmentalism and economic development were oxymoronically hot topics. This led to politicalization of the movement. Science was subservient to political paradigms and political vocabulary and grammar became the language of science. Today islands of excellence in creative science literature are flourishing with the development paradigm embroiled in quagmire. This presentation will highlight the protohistory of this movement with a pioneering early group from TIFR and BARC, its migration to and growth in Kerala, promises realized and the perils of politicalization. |
Material: | |
Organised by | Dr. Satyanarayana Bheesette |