Today, the CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (NIScPR) organized a virtual workshop focused on “Interactive and New Approaches to Communicate Science in Assamese.” The workshop aimed to enhance science communication skills among aspiring and experienced communicators in Assamese, covering various mediums such as popular science writing, video, podcast, and social media. Participants included leading and budding science communicators, teachers, and researchers from various universities, institutions, and colleges across Assam.
The workshop commenced with an introduction by Dr. Paramananda Barman, Scientist at CSIR-NIScPR and coordinator of the event. Prof. Ranjana Aggarwal, Director of CSIR-NIScPR, delivered the welcome address, highlighting the institute’s efforts in promoting science communication in Indian languages. She discussed initiatives like SVASTIK (Scientifically Validated Societal Traditional Knowledge) and the publication of popular science magazines in multiple languages, underscoring the importance of communicating science in regional languages such as Assamese, Bodo, and Manipuri.
The Chief Guest, Dr. Dinesh Chandra Goswami, Scientist G (Retd.) from CSIR-NEIST and a prominent science communicator in Assamese, stressed the importance of using simple language in popular science writing and advocated for financial support to nurture budding science communicators.
The first technical session of the workshop focused on “popular science writing” and featured talks by leading Assamese science communicators Dr. Ramesh Chandra Goswami, Dr. PC Tamuly, and Dr. Paban Kumar Sahariah. Dr. Goswami emphasized the significance of popular science writing and shared insights to enhance writing skills.
Dr. Tamuly highlighted the importance of science fiction in engaging readers and improving writing proficiency, while Dr. Sahariah discussed the need to promote science writing in Indian languages and cautioned against the pitfalls of AI translations. Ms. Arati Halbe, Managing Editor of Research Matters, provided insights on writing stories in English and Marathi, emphasizing the use of local examples and cultural references.
The second technical session focused on “Science filmmaking, social media & podcasts for SciComm.” Shri Vivek Kannadi from Science Media Centre, IISER Pune, highlighted the role of films in science communication and covered aspects of filmmaking such as scriptwriting and storyboarding. Dr. Barman and his team demonstrated how to create infographics, short videos, reels, and podcasts using free online tools, drawing examples from the SVASTIK program.
The workshop concluded with a brainstorming discussion on strengthening science communication and outreach strategies in Assamese, underscoring the importance of effective communication in promoting scientific awareness and literacy.
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