The International Science Literature Festival opened today, as a part of the India International Science Festival being held here.

Prof. Ashutosh Sharma, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, in his keynote address, said that science communication was as important to scientists as it is vital to the different sections of the society. Prof. Sharma added that communication of science is a major scientific social responsibility and we need to encourage scientists and researchers to take to popular science writing as well.

Organized by CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Information Resources (NISCAIR) and Vigyan Prasar, the literature festival is being attended by over 200 invitees, researchers and scientists.

Eminent computer scientist Dr. Vijay Bhatkar who was the chief guest said that the dimension of science literature is very important for science communication. He added that the IISF’s science literature fair is a welcome step that connects the masses to science.

" A Guinness World Records for the largest astrophysics lesson (45 minutes) and assembly of spectroscopes was successfully achieved at the Science City, with the participation of over 1,598 students."

Dr. Partha Ghose, noted physicist, author, philosopher and musician said that with science literature, science cannot grow roots. He said that science fiction is an important part of science literature and we need many more science fiction writers in India.

In a separate event at the festival, Minister for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences and Health and Family Welfare Dr. Harsh Vardhan said that India shared a common past and goal with many of its close neighbours and other partner countries that has served to forge an unbreakable association with India.

Addressing delegates from various countries during the Overseas Ministers and Diplomats Conclave, he emphasised on the need to harness soft power of science and technology as an important pillar of the cooperation in the knowledge economy of the 21st century. He said the government strongly believed that science and technology is the bedrock upon which the country relies for its knowledge power, enterprises rely for their success, and the people rely for a better life. This government is therefore fully committed to promote science with a human face that serves the common man and promotes equitable and sustainable development of the country, he said.

As part of the festival, a Guinness World Records for the largest astrophysics lesson (45 minutes) and assembly of spectroscopes was successfully achieved at the Science City, with the participation of over 1,598 students.

Astronomers use spectroscopes to know details like temperature, chemical composition, etc. of celestial objects hundreds or millions of light years away from us. A small model of spectroscope can easily be made by anyone using a box made of cardboard with a very narrow window used to channel light into it. A piece of a compact disc is used to split the light by diffraction.
India Science Wire