Science diplomacy emerges as a new paradigm

Faridabad: Science diplomacy has emerged as a new area of diplomacy. This was said by the former I&B secretary, Uday Kumar Verma. He was addressing media conclave which formed part of the ongoing India International Science Festival here.

Talking to Bizz Buzz, he said, “Science diplomacy is different from other models of diplomacy, namely such models that aimed at either territorial occupation in economic subjugation.”

This paradigm of diplomacy entails selective goals and a more equitous power distribution, he said.

The theme of India International Science Festival (IISF), which is being held in Faridabad between January 17 and 20, is ‘Science and Technology Public Outreach in Amrit Kaal’, and it unfolds through 17 events. Interestingly, several sessions are organised under each event.

The 9th edition of the IISF organized by the Ministry of Science & Technology, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Department of Space, Department of Atomic Energy, Government of Haryana, in collaboration with Vijnana Bharati.

“IISF is being celebrated for three key reasons among many others and these three reasons are the successful landing of India’s Chanrayaan-3 on the South Pole region of the Moon; Second Covid Vaccine development by India and Third Aroma Mission.” Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology (S&T) said this during the inaugural ceremony of the IISF 2023 at the Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI)-Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB) Joint Campus, Faridabad on January 17.

Prof Ajay Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor (PSA) to the Govt of India said that the vision of IISF 2023 is to ensure science not only in the books, but accessible to the public in many interesting and intellectual ways. He added that IISF provides extensive opportunities to get a deeper understanding of scientific disciplines through its events and programmes with many verticals of science and technology.

The event is a science movement spearheaded by scientists of the nation with swadeshi spirit. IISF's primary objective is to commemorate the world of science, making it accessible to all. The essential notion is to engage general populace with science in an enjoyable and entertaining manner, thereby contributing to health, prosperity and meaningful life. By means of its inventive programs and initiatives, IISF extends opportunities for people and scientific community, both within the country and internationally, to come together, collaborate and partake in the gratification of advancing scientific pursuits towards betterment of India and humanity.

“The Festival has representation from 22 countries across the globe. The festival created a new record and put a challenge for the world to break it,”said Dr Arvind C Ranade, Chief Coordinator of the Festival and Director of National Innovation Foundation-India.

The ‘Student Science Village’ had the participation of more than 500 students across the country, special emphasis is given to the first village students from the border districts, this is in sync with the call given by the Prime Minister in his speech on 15 August 2023, to call them first villages. Nearly 1000 students will be from remote places in the Haryana State. Apart from it, hundreds of S&T institutes showcased their achievements in the past 75 years. This is the biggest science and technology festival of the country, he added.

Science and technology (S&T) are pivotal drivers of national growth and a solution to global challenges. To harness the full potential of existing and emerging scientific knowledge, it is imperative that societies actively engage in this endeavour. In this context, science communication is a proven method to disseminate scientific information and cultivate scientific awareness among the general populace.

One of the important events, S&T Media and Communicators Conclave holds a special importance in this mega science festival, as it will showcase the important role that the media plays in disseminating scientific knowledge and propel India's scientific vision to the forefront.