Several Science Communicators were honoured today on the eve of National Science Day as Union Minister of Science &Technology and Earth Sciences, Shri Kapil Sibal presented National Awards to them for their outstanding contribution. The Rashtriya Vigyan Evam Prodyogiki Sanchar Parishad (National Council for Science & Technology Communication), Dept. of Science and Technology has instituted the national awards for S&T communication for outstanding work done in past 5 years by institutions and individuals. Following is the list of Awardees:

• National Award of Rupees 2,00,000/- for Outstanding Efforts in Science & Technology Communication has been given to Vikram A. Sarabhai Community Science Centre, Ahmedabad for developing science teaching-learning material, conducting training programmes on science education and motivating young students towards scientific discovery.
  
  
• National Award of Rupees 1,00,000/- for Outstanding Efforts in Science & Technology Communication through Books and Magazines has been given to Dr. Pramod Kumar Mohapatra, Cuttak for writing a large number of popular science books, science encyclopedia and bringing out popular science magazine.
  
  
• National Award of Rupees 1,00,000/- for Outstanding Efforts in Science & Technology Communication among Children has been given to Shri G.S. Unnikrishnan Nair ‘Anjana’, Trivandrum who has published a number of science books and written a variety of articles for children.
  
  A similar award has been given to Jidnyasa Trust, Thane for mobilizing thousands of students towards science activities and setting up Science Activity Centre and producing several educational multimedia CDs for children.
  
  
• National Award of Rupees 1,00,000/- for Outstanding Efforts in Science and Technology Communication through Electronic Media to Ms. Meenu Khare, Lucknow for her exemplary contributions in science communication through radio including a number of science serials, documentaries and features, etc.

Dr. V. L. Chopra, Member (Science, Technology & Environment), Planning Commission delivered this year’s National Science Day Lecture. Dr. T. Ramasami, Secretary, Dept. of Science & Technology, also graced the occasion.

Er. Anuj Sinha, Adviser & Head of the Rashtriya Vigyan Evam Prodyogiki Sanchar Parishad said that various science communication activities, such as science exhibitions, quiz competitions and science activity camps are being organized in various parts of the country to mark the National Science Day and spreading scientific awareness at grass root level. A Science Exhibition has been organized on this occasion at Amity International School, New Delhi. The focal theme for this year’s National Science Day is “Expanding Horizon of Science”.

Source: Press Information Bureau
Date: 27 February 2009