English - Vigyan Prasar

Transcription

VIGYAN PRASAR
(An autonomous organisation under the Department of Science & Technology,
Government of India)
ANNUAL REPORT
2004-2005
VIGYAN PRASAR
A-50, NCMRWF Building, Institutional Area
Sector 62, Noida, UP
Vigyan Prasar
2004-2005 Annual Report
CONTENTS
DIRECTOR’S REPORT
ORGANISATIONAL CHART
COMPOSITION OF GENERAL / GOVERNING BODIES
HIGHLIGHTS
09
1.0 INTRODUCTION
11
2.0
PROGRAMMES / ACTIVITIES DURING 2004-2005
2.1
Vigyan Rail
13
2.2
Venus Transit
16
2.3
Vigyan Prasar Information System (VIPRIS)
19
2.4
Vigyan Prasar Newsletter ‘Dream 2047’
21
2.5
Publication Programme
22
2.6
Audio-Visual Programme
24
2.7
Kits and Toys
27
2.8
Vigyan Prasar Network of Science Clubs (VIPNET)
29
2.9
Amateur Radio (Ham Radio) Promotional Activities
31
2.10
Astronomy Popularisation
32
2.11
Popular Science Lecture Series
33
2.12
Science on Television
34
2.13
World Year of Physics – 2005
34
2.14
Vigyan Prasar in Print Media
35
2.15
Book Fairs and Exhibitions
36
2.16
Visit by International Delegate to Vigyan Prasar
37
2.17
Awards and Achievements
38
3.0 PROPOSED ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR 2005-2006
39
4.0 IMPLEMENTATION OF THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGE POLICY
40
5.0 GENERAL BODY AND GOVERNING BODY MEETINGS
41
6.0 ANNUAL ACCOUNTS
42
Annexure-I Manpower, Budget & Facilities Available
43
Annexure-II Auditors’ Report
45
Annexure-III Compliance Report on the Observations made by the Auditors
57
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Vigyan Prasar
Annual Report 2004-2005
DIRECTOR’S REPORT
I am happy to present this report on programmes and activities
undertaken by Vigyan Prasar during the period April 2004 – March 2005.
Vigyan Rail – Science Exhibition on Wheels, conceptualized
and designed by Vigyan Prasar, continued during the year its journey
that began on December 15, 2003 from Delhi Safdarjung Railway
Station. Vigyan Rail concluded its nationwide run on August 20, 2004.
During the course of its journey, Vigyan Rail travelled to 60 destinations
covering 15,000 kilometers. The exhibition was visited by nearly 5 million people. Surely, Vigyan
Rail was successful in catching the imagination of the people in general and children in particular.
It created ripples in other countries as well.
Vigyan Prasar took up a national campaign on popularization of Astronomy with activities
built around the rare event of Venus Transit on June 08, 2004. Vigyan Prasar spearheaded the
campaign with a variety of software specially developed for the campaign. The activity kit on
Venus Transit was widely utilized by the members of Vigyan Prasar Network (VIPNET) of Science
Clubs. Further, the entire sequence of the transit was watched by hundreds even in the most
interior villages with the help of the safe solar viewer provided in the activity kit. Vigyan Prasar
telecast a live programme on Venus Transit on Doordarshan National Channel on Venus Transit.
Besides the live images of Venus Transit, questions of viewers were answered by a panel of
experts.
Vigyan Prasar has been striving to produce good quality audiovisual software for various
media. Jointly with All India radio, Vigyan Prasar has continued to produce and broadcast radio
serials on scientific topics from different parts of the country. The daily broadcast on WorldSpace
Satellite Digital Radio in English and Hindi has continued uninterrupted for three years. Vigyan
Prasar produced two television programmes on Venus Transit and one on Vigyan Rail.
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Vigyan Prasar
Publications of Vigyan Prasar are steadily gaining popularity for their quality and content. ‘Dream
2047’, the monthly newsletter-cum-popular science magazine of Vigyan Prasar reaches 32,000
subscribers. Till date, Vigyan Prasar has published some 120 titles in different Indian languages.
Vigyan Prasar has been actively collaborating with Development and Educational
Communication Unit (DECU), Indian Space Research Organization, for launching science
programmes on Doordarshan. Further, VP and DECU have been working together to setup a
network of interactive terminals for Science and Technology communication and disaster
awareness in different parts of the country using EDUSAT.
Vigyan Prasar has chalked out plans for a national campaign built around the World
Year of Physics 2005 in association with NCSTC. Vigyan Prasar is in the process of developing
a variety of software for the purpose.
I am happy to note that Dr. H.K. Devsare, Consultant, and member of Vigyan Prasar
family, has been awarded NCSTC’s National Award for Science Popularization among Children
for the year 2004.
What is described above are only the highlights of what Vigyan Prasar has achieved
during the past year. More details can be found in the following pages. I record my appreciation
for the entire Vigyan Prasar team for accomplishing that all has been stated here. A few new
members have joined the Vigyan Prasar family during the year.
The Governing Body and General Body members have been a source of inspiration
and encouragement for various endeavours of Vigyan Prasar. I record my gratitude for their
active participation in the activities of Vigyan Prasar. We are extremely happy to note that
Professor V.S. Ramamurthy, Chairman, Governing Body of Vigyan Prasar and Secretary,
Department of Science and Technology, has been conferred Padma Bhushan by H.E. The
President of India for the year 2005 for his services to the nation.
(V.B. Kamble)
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Composition of GENERAL / GOVERNING BODY
1.
Shri M.V. Kamath
President, Vigyan Prasar Society
Kalyanpur House
3rd Road, Khar (West)
Mumbai - 400 052
President of the Society
2
Prof. V.S. Ramamurthy
Secretary
Department of Science & Technology
Technology Bhavan
New Delhi - 110 016
Chairman, Gov. Body
3.
Prof. A.N. Maheswari
Former Chairman, NCTE
A-8, Sector 36,
Opp. Golf Course
NOIDA, UP
Member
4.
Prof. J.S. Yadava
D-7/7490,
Vasant Kunj
New Delhi - 110 070
Member
5.
Shri Kiran Karnik
President (NASSCOM)
Q-2-A, Hauz Khas Enclave
New Delhi - 110 016
Member
6.
Shri B.S. Bhatia
Director
Developoment and Educational
Communication Unit (ISRO)
SAC P.O., Ambawadi Vistar
Ahmedabad 380 053
Member
7.
Shri A.K. Baruwa
Director
Assam Science Technology and
Environment Council,
U N Bezbaruah Road, Silpukhuri,
Guwahati - 781 003, Assam
Member
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Vigyan Prasar
8.
Shri Pradeep Kaul
Joint Director
Consortium for Educational Communication (UGC)
Aruna Asaf Ali Marg
New Delhi - 110 067
Member
9.
Shri Biman Basu
Former Editor, Science Reporter
C-203, Hindon Apartments,
25, Vasundhara Enclave
Delhi - 110 096
Member
10.
Shri Anuj Sinha
Head, NCSTC
Technology Bhawan
New Delhi – 110 016
Member
11.
Director General
Doordarshan
Mandi House, Copernicus Marg
Member
12.
Shri K.P. Pandian
Joint Secretary & Financial Adviser
Technology Bhawan
Member
13.
Director General
National Council of Science Museums
Block 'GN', Sector - V
Bidhan Nagar
Kolkata - 700 091
Member
14.
Dr. V.B. Kamble
Acting Director, Vigyan Prasar
Technology Bhawan
Member- Secretary
* The Compositions of the Governing Body and General Body are same except that Shri M.V. Kamath,
President of the General Body, is not a member of the Governing Body.
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Vigyan Prasar
Composition of the Finance Committee
Prof. V.S. Ramamurthy
Secretary
Technology Bhawan
New Delhi - 110 016
Chairman
Prof. J.S. Yadava
D-7/7490
Vasant Kunj
New Delhi - 110 070
Member
Shri K.P. Pandian
Joint Secretary & Financial Adviser
Department of Science& Technology
Technology Bhavan
New Delhi - 110 016
Member
Dr. V.B. Kamble
Acting Director, Vigyan Prasar
A-50, Phase II,Sec -62
Noida -201307
Member-Secretary
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HIGHLIGHTS
•
Vigyan Rail - Science Exhibition on Wheels, a unique project in the history of science
popularization, ended on August 20, 2004. Vigyan Rail started on December 15,
2003 and visited 60 destinations throughout the country covering over 15,000
kilometers. Vigyan Rail received a thunderous welcome at every place it visited.
Over five million people visited the Science Exhibition on Wheels during this period.
•
On the occasion of Transit of Venus on June 8, 2004, an extremely rare celestial
event, Vigyan Prasar undertook a nationwide campaign to popularize science
and technology with activities built around this event. Vigyan Prasar developed,
produced and disseminated a variety of software like Venus Transit activity kit,
slide shows, resource articles, an interactive CD-ROM, TV programmes, a book
on Venus Transit (in three languages), and two video films. VP conducted four
Master Resource Persons’ Training Programme in association with NCSTC, DST
in different zones of the country during the period. Vigyan Prasar jointly with
Doordarshan telecast live on DD National channel an exclusive programme on
Venus Transit on June 8, 2004.
•
VP’s bilingual monthly newsletter-cum-popular science magazine “Dream- 2047”
gained high popularity amongst scientists, teachers and students. The present
circulation stands at 32,000.
•
Two science radio programmes of 13-episode each were broadcast jointly with
All India Radio, Raipur and All India Radio, Port Blair, respectively. Broadcast of
radio programmes continued from AIR stations in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu
and Madhya Pradesh.
•
Vigyan Prasar produced ten audio programmes for broadcast on different stations
of AIR and WorldSpace Radio.
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Vigyan Prasar
•
Vigyan Prasar produced six video programmes and three spots/short films during
the period. Video film on Vigyan Rail was telecast on Doordarshan, Regional
Kendras, and local cable network while Vigyan Rail was on move. Two video films
on Transit of Venus 2004 were telecast on Doordarshan, Gyandarshan and Vyas
channels.
•
VP continued regular broadcast of audio programmes on WorldSpace Radio,
Gyan Vani, Internet etc.
•
When the Tsunami struck Andaman & Nicobar Islands in December 2004, Vigyan
Prasar ham radio station VU2NCT was immediately activated as an emergency
communication station to handle relief and welfare messages.
•
The Vigyan Prasar website was made more interactive with a variety of new features
and information. The transit of Venus was webcast live on the Vigyan Prasar
website. Vigyan Prasar conducted four live chat sessions on different scientific topics
on its website www.vigyanprasar.com
•
VP organized six popular science lectures during the year.
•
The activities and programmes of Vigyan Prasar Network of Science Clubs –VIPNET
- were strengthened. VP organized a regional workshop in West Zone in June
2004. The present membership of VIPNET science clubs stands at 5,287.
•
VP brought out thirteen titles under its Publication Programme.
•
VP participated in a number of book fairs and exhibitions during the period.
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Vigyan Prasar
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Vigyan Prasar was set up by the Department of Science and Technology,
Government of India, as an autonomous registered Society in 1989 for taking
up large-scale science popularisation tasks. The primary objective of Vigyan
Prasar is to promote and propagate—as widely as possible—a scientific, rational
outlook in society. To achieve this, its efforts go beyond mere dissemination of
information to a conscious attempt at inculcating amongst people the ‘scientific
temper’. The broad objectives of Vigyan Prasar may be summarised as follows:
Objectives
1.1
To undertake, aid, promote, guide and co-ordinate efforts in popularisation
of science and inculcation of scientific temper among the people and to
increase the knowledge, awareness and interest about science and
technology among all segments of the society.
1.2
To provide and promote effective linkages on a continuing basis among
vaious scientific institutions, agencies, educational and academic bodies,
laboratories, museums, industry, trade and other organisations for
effective exchange and dissemination of S&T information.
1.3
To undertake development of materials—audio, visual, audio-visual and
printed—methods and modes of communication, so as to enable the
masses to better understand, appreciate and comprehend abstract
scientific principles and practices.
1.4
To organise research work, courses, workshops, seminars, symposia,
training programmes, fairs, exhibitions, film-shows, popular discussions,
street plays, quizzes, song-dance-dramas etc., in furtherance of the
objectives of the Society.
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Vigyan Prasar
1.5 To participate in trade fairs, exhibitions and other mass forums as well as to
develop syndicated features and to contribute periodically to newspapers,
magazines and journals in order to disseminate and create awareness on
issues of science and technology.
1.6 To undertake the design, development and construction of the models, exhibits
and other relevant instruments for hands-on visual and other modes of
communication.
1.7
To institute and award fellowships, stipends, prizes, medals and other
incentives.
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Vigyan Prasar
2.0 PROGRAMMES / ACTIVITIES DURING 2004-2005
2.1 Vigyan Rail
2.1.1
Vigyan Rail - Science Exhibition on Wheels, a prestigious project of VP,
was successfully coordinated and implemented. The project was
undertaken with the active participation of 18 Scientific Departments/
Shri Kapil Sibal, Hon’ble Minister of State for S&T and OD
(Independent Charge) visiting the Vigyan Rail.
Ministries/ Councils of Government of India. Vigyan Rail was flagged off
by the former Prime Minister of India, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee on
Students waiting for their turn inside the Vigyan Rail.
December 15, 2003, at a function organized at the Delhi-Safdarjung
Railway Station. The train began its journey from Delhi on 15
December 2003 and travelled throughout the country for eight months.
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Vigyan Prasar
Vigyan Rail returned to Delhi Safdarjung Station on 16 August, 2004 and
was stationed there till 20 August 2004. Shri Kapil Sibal, Hon’ble Minister
of State (Independent Charge), Science and Technology and Ocean
Development, visited the Vigyan Rail on August 18, 2004 along with
Professor V.S.Ramamurthy, Secretary, Department of Science and
Technology; Shri K.K. Jaswal, Secretary, Department of Information
Technology; Shri M.V. Kamath, President, Vigyan Prasar Society and
other dignitaries.
Long Queue of Visitors waiting to see exhibits inside Vigyan Rail
During its journey, Vigyan Rail travelled over 15,000 km covering the
entire length and breadth of the country and stopping at 60 stations. At
every destination, Vigyan Rail generated a lot of enthusiasm among all
sections of the society, particularly students. The overwhelming response
to Vigyan Rail was widely reported in print and electronic media throughout
its journey. An estimated five million people visited the Science Exhibition
on Wheels during this period.
Vigyan Rail was a unique experiment and it has proved how people crave for information
and knowledge about science and technology they use everyday or the environment they
live in.
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The list of 60 destinations of Vigyan Rail
Date
No. of
Stations
Date
Days
No. of
Stations
Days
15.12.2003
7
Delhi-Safdarjung
12.04.2004
4
Tirupati
22.12.2003
3
Chandigarh
16.04.2004
7
Chennai
25.12.2003
3
Ambala
23.04.2004
3
Kanyakumari
28.12.2003
2
Haridwar
26.04.2004
5
Thiruvananthapuram
30.12.2003
4
Dehradun
01.05.2004
3
Ernakulam
03.01.2004
3
Kathgodam
04.05.2004
2
Palghat
06.01.2004
3
Bareilly
06.05.2004
1
Mangalore
09.01.2004
5
Lucknow
07.05.2004
3
Coimbatore North
14.01.2004
4
Kanpur
10.05.2004
8
Bangalore
18.01.2004
6
Allahabad
18.05.2005
3
Hubli
24.01.2004
5
Varanasi
21.05.2004
4
Madgaon
29.01.2004
1
Sonepur
25.05.2004
3
Ratnagiri
30.01.2004
4
Muzaffarpur
28.05.2004
8
Mumbai Central
02.02.2004
3
Samastipur
05.06.2004
5
Pune
05.02.2004
2
Barauni
10.06.2004
5
Vadodara
07.02.2004
4
New Jalpaigudi
15.06.2004
7
Ahmedabad
11.02.2004
4
New Alipurduar
22.06.2004
5
Rajkot
15.02.2004
6
Guwahati
27.06.2004
7
Bhopal
21.02.2004
3
Dimapur
04.07.2004
4
Agra
24.02.2004
4
Dibrugarh
08.07.2004
5
Jaipur
28.02.2004
5
Patna
13.07.2004
2
Kota
04.03.2004
3
Durgapur
15.07.2004
3
Ajmer
07.03.2004
3
Hatia
18.07.2004
5
Jodhpur
10.03.2004
8
Howrah
23.07.2004
4
Bikaner
18.03.2004
4
Bhubaneswar
27.07.2004
4
Firozepur
21.03.2004
2
Cuttack
31.07.2004
5
Amritsar
22.03.2004
5
Vishakhapatnam
05.08.2004
4
Pathankot
27.03.2004
5
Durg
09.08.2004
4
Jalandhar
01.04.2004
4
Nagpur
13.08.2004
3
Kurukshetra
05.04.2004
7
Secunderabad
16.08.2004
5
Delhi-Safdarjung
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Vigyan Prasar
2.1.2 Interactive DVD on Vigyan Rail
Vigyan Prasar developed an interactive DVD “Vigyan Rail – Science Exhibition on
Wheels”. The DVD includes all the exhibits of Vigyan Rail, coachwise panoramic
view, video gallery, photographs and newspaper clips at all the stations that Vigyan
Rail visited. This is an interactive DVD with easy navigation, search, sitemap and
print facility. A CD version also has been prepared with limited video gallery and
Shri Kapil Sibal, Hon’ble Minister of State for Science & Technology and
Ocean Development (Independent Charge), releasing the DVD “Vigyan Rail
–Science Exhibition on Wheels”: Professor V.S. Ramamurthy, Secretary,
DST is also seen.
newspaper clips. Shri Kapil Sibal, Hon’ble Minister of State for Science &
Technology and Ocean Development (Independent Charge), released the DVD
during the National Science Day function on February 27, 2005 at Technology
Bhawan, Department of Science and Technology, New Delhi.
2.2
Venus Transit:
The ‘Transit of Venus’ took place on June 8, 2004 after a gap of 122 years.
The rare celestial event was utilized by Vigyan Prasar as an opportunity,
taking up science communication activities throughout the country built
around the rare event.
2.2.1
Two video films, ‘Transit of Venus’ and ‘In Quest of the Astronomical
Unit’ were produced in Hindi and were telecast on Doordarshan,
Gyan Darshan and Vyas Channels. In collaboration with Central
Production Centre (CPC), Doordarshan, a curtain raiser and two
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Vigyan Prasar
promos were produced and telecast by DD National, DD News and DD
Bharati on June 7, 2004.
2.2.2
A multimedia CD on ‘Transit of Venus’ was produced containing exhaustive
information on Venus and its transits.
2.2.3
A CD containing six power point slide presentations on Transit of Venus
was developed in-house. The presentations were on the topics: Transit of
Venus, In Quest of the Astronomical Unit; Transit Expeditions; The Sun; Eye
& Vision and the Solar System. The same was distributed to all the
participants of four regional workshops organized jointly by VP and NCSTC.
2.2.4
An activity kit on Transit of Venus was designed and developed by Vigyan
Prasar consisting of 20 activities, a solar filter and a colourful and informationrich poster. Some 20,000 copies of the kit were sold and/ or distributed all
over the country.
2.2.5
VP brought out a book on ‘Venus and its Transits’ by Professor S.P. Pandya,
Professor J.N. Desai and Professor S.R. Shah in Hindi, English and Gujarati.
Four special articles covering the Venus transit – The Sun, Venus Transit,
Transit Expeditions and the Safety of the Eye were authored by Dr. V B
Kamble and published in Dream 2047.
2.2.6
Four zonal training programmes for Master Resource Persons’ of various
States and Union Territories were organized jointly with National Council for
Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC). These programmes were
held in Hyderabad (18-19 March, 2004) for the Southern zone, Mumbai (0103 April, 2004) for the Western zone, Guwahati (29-30 April, 2004) for the
North-Eastern zone and Shimla (03-04 May, 2004) for the Northern zone.
The resource material developed in Vigyan Prasar was distributed to the
participants of the programme.
2.2.7
The Transit of Venus was telecast live on DD National Channel from 1030
hrs. to 1230 hrs. on June 8, 2004. Professor Yash Pal, Eminent Scientist
and Science Communicator, Dr. Arvind Bhatnagar, former Director, Udaipur
Solar Observatory, Udaipur and Dr. V B Kamble, Director, VP, were the
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Transit of Venus: As photographed by Vigyan Prasar Telescope.
panelists. Shri Girish Karnad, a film personality and a well-known author,
and Smt. Aparna Vaish, Director, DD News, jointly anchored the programme.
Vigyan Prasar supported the efforts of Nehru Planetarium and Amateur
Astronomer Association of India, New Delhi. Live Transit images from Nehru
Planetarium were used during the live telecast. Shri Kapil Sibal, Hon’ble
Minister of State for S&T and Ocean Development (Independent Charge),
and Professor V.S. Ramamurthy, Secretary, DST, visited Nehru Planetarium
and were interviewed during the live telecast.
2.2.8
Vigyan Prasar organised a live show on Venus Transit at Technology
Bhawan, DST, on June 08, 2004. Hundreds of people saw the Venus Transit
through the telescope, and also watched the live programme on Venus
Transit telecast on DD National on wide screen.
2.2.9
The entire Venus Transit was web-cast live by Vigyan Prasar on its website.
Several thousand hits were recorded during the day.
2.2.10
Vigyan Prasar distributed Venus Transit Kit to the members of the Vigyan
Prasar Network (VIPNET) of Science Club. Every club utilised the kit to the
fullest extent, and at every place hundreds of people watched the rare
celestial event with the help of safe Solar Viewer provided in the kit.
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2.3 VIGYAN PRASAR INFORMATION SYSTEM (VIPRIS)
Vigyan Prasar Information System (VIPRIS) aims to communicate science using
information technology especially internet, multimedia CD ROMs, news paper
clipping service, database, and repository of S&T information.
2.3.1 Vigyan Prasar Website:
•
Vigyan Prasar’s website www.vigyanprasar.com is a dynamic and
comprehensive website on Science & Technology communication. New
features are continuously added to it.
•
A special coverage on ‘Tsunami’ was made on the website soon after
the Tsunami struck on December 26, 2004.
•
“Dream 2047”, “‘VIPNET News” and “ComCom” (e-magazine) are
available online along with several new features.
•
During the period, Vigyan Prasar conducted four online chat sessions
on Vigyan Prasar website on the following topics: “AIDS in Children” by
Dr. V.K. Gupta, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi ; “Preventing
Cancer among Male & Female” by Dr. (Ms.) Suneela Garg of Maulana
Azad Medical College; “Diseases of Childhood” by Dr.H.P.S.Sachdev
of Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi; and “Health and
Medicine” by Dr. Yatish Agarwal, Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi.
2.3.2 Development of CD-ROMs
Two CD-ROMs, viz. on Atomic Energy in India and on Dream 2047 in Hindi
are under development.
2.3.3 Development of Websites
•
Vigyan Prasar is continuing with the design, development and
maintenance of websites for different divisions of Department of
Science and Technology. During the period under report, Vigyan Prasar
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designed and developed a new website on Good Laboratory Practice
(GLP), a programme of DST. VP is continuing with maintenance of the
websites of Science and Society (www.scienceandsociety-dst.org),
International Division (www.stic-dst.org), DST State S&T programme
(www.sstp-dst.org), STAC (www.isstac-dst.org), NSTMIS (www.nstmisdst.org), and SERC (www.serc-dst.org).
•
Vigyan Prasar has initiated efforts for development of a website for
science clubs in India and a Hindi website for Vigyan Prasar.
2.3.4 Scientific Experiments using a PC
Scientific experiments using a PC is a unique module designed by VP for
school students. There are experiments to measure intensity of sound, humidity,
pH, voltage, resistance, time period of pendulum, etc. This is an effort to explain
the students how computer is useful to measure and control physical parameters
and controls a process. The module was demonstrated in several schools in
Delhi, Jaipur and Bhopal.
Several improvements have been made in the software and hardware. Real
time graphs are plotted and data is stored in database for future use.
Animations of equipment like thermometer, hygrometer, graphic equalizer etc.,
have been incorporated in the user interface to make it more user-friendly. A
Demonstration of Scientific Experiment using a PC at Hema Public School,
Bhopal
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switching circuit is developed in-house to control the parameters like
temperature, light intensity etc. The same can be connected to a computer
through an ADC (Analog to Digital Converter).
2.3.5 Vigyan Prasar Management Information System (VPMIS)
A server- based application to integrate all scientific and administrative
activities of VP like stores inventory, sale of VP publications, and issue of
consumables and so on is under development.
2.3.6 VIPRIS Clipset
The fortnightly News Clipping Service “VIPRIS Clipset” is being continued.
The Clipset covers S&T news from about 125 newspapers in the country. A
special issue on Tsunami was brought out in the month of December 2004.
At present there are 34 subscribes from R&D labs and institutions.
2.3.7 Quiz on Vigyan Rail
A touch screen based interactive science quiz programme for Vigyan Rail
visitors to VP coach was developed. The quiz programme was very popular
among the visitors.
2.4 Vigyan Prasar Newsletter ‘Dream 2047’ :
Vigyan Prasar brings out a monthly newsletter “Dream 2047” in English and
Hindi. The present circulation of the newsletter stands at 32,000. The newsletter
has become quite popular among scientists, teachers, students, and the general
public. During the period under report, following topics were covered:
2.4.1 Editorials:
The sixth wave; Gearing up for the transit day; Venus has its day; Two
Centenaries and a golden jubilee; Into ever-widening thought and action; The
journey has just begun; A satellite for education, science and technology; Dream
2047 – 75th issue; The tragedy lives on; Tsunami lessons; Taking the bull by
horns; Regaining the past glory.
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2.4.2 Articles:
Eye, Vision and Venus Transit, The global effort to eradicate polio; The
vaccination, health and safety; 1874 Transit of Venus, observations of Pathani
Samanta Chandrasekhar; Archimedes; Tamarind; Journey of Rice; Chronic
fatigue; Darashaw Nosherwan Wadia; Wadia Institute; The Himalayas; Enter
Simputer; Upendranath Brahmachari; Our food; Issac Asimov; Vision, Sense
Defective vision; Asafoetida; Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre; Mercury –
closest ; Cholesterol ; the good, the bad and the ugly; An encounter with Saturn;
Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar; Shivaramakrishna Chandrasekhar; Snoring;
The search for advanced extra-terrestrial; Julius Robert Oppenheimer;
Caraway; A sense of smell; Tooth guard; Raja Rammana; Spices in our diet;
Benjamin Franklin; Heart Burn; J. B. S. Haldane; Nutmeg, Taming the silent
killer; Best views of Titan; Dreamer and Thinker – alloys and composite; The
World Year of Physics; W.K. Heisenberg; Vaccination; Bad breath ; Top science
discoveries and events – 2004; Max Planck; Cinnamon; The Paintal Era; The
elusive Higgs Boson; The Strong force explained; Sensitive teeth; James
Clerk Maxwell; Wavelets; Molecular death tags; Simple Mantras to prevent
Diabetes.
2.5
Publication Programme
Over the years, the publication programme of Vigyan Prasar has emerged as one
of its major activities. The books published are being well received in India as well
as abroad. There are some 130 titles published under different series. Besides
English and Hindi, Vigyan Prasar is bringing out publications in many Indian
languages like Assamese.Bengali, Oriya, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Gujarati, Marathi
etc. Publications brought out or under print during the year were as follows:
2.5.1 Publications brought during the year:
1.
Anguthe ki Chaap by Arvind Gupta (Hindi)
2.
Music of Life : Development of Molecular Biology: A Personal
Account by D.P.Burma (English)
3.
Gilas se kuch aur khel by Pratapmal Devpura (Hindi)
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4. Venus and its Transits ( in English, Hindi and Gujarati) by J.N
Desai, S.P. Pandya, S.R. Shah
5. Akash Nila Kyon Hai? by C.V. Raman (Hindi)
6. Exploring Nature by Nikhil Mohan Pattnaik (English)
7. G.N. Ramachandran by Subodh Mahanti (English)
8. Albert Einstein: The Founder of the Theory of Relativity (English
and Hindi) By Subodh Mahanti
9. All Motion is Relative (English and Hindi) by V.B. Kamble
2.5.2 Books Reprinted:
1. Story of Physics by T.Padmanabhan (English in colour)
2. My Friend Mr. Leakey by J.B.S.Haldane (English)
3. Chamatkar Ke Rahasya by Vijay Gupta (Hindi)
4. Diversity by Madhav Gadgil (English)
5. Energy and Self Reliance by Yona Friedmann (English)
6. Environment and Self Reliance by Yona Friedmann (English)
7. Charging the Human Battery by Dr.D.Porichha (English)
8. The Bicycle Story by Vijay Gupta (English)
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Vigyan Prasar
2.5.3 Publications Under Printing:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
Hands On by Arvind Gupta (English)
Haath ke Saath by Arvind Gupta (Hindi)
The Story of Physics (in colour) by T. Padmanabhan
(English)
The Quest for New Materials by S.T. Lakshmikumar
(English)
A Stroll Through Space-Time by Rakesh Popli (HIndi)
The Bicycle Story in Hindi by Vijay Gupta (Hindi)
Origami-Fun and Mathematics by V.S.S. Sastry (English)
My Friend Mr Leakey by J.B.S. Haldane (Hindi)
Everything Has a History by J.B.S. Haldane (Hindi )
Fun & Science at Home by Jyoti Bhansali, Professor L.S.
Kothari (Hindi )
Hello Stars by Usha Srinivasan (Hindi)
The Unknown Einstein by Bal Phondke (English)
2.5.4
Vigyan Prasar undertook an initiative of translating VP publications in Urdu
in Pakistan by Mashal Books, a voluntary organisation engaged in
publications at Lahore. Mashal Books have already started the work and it
is planned to bring out a series of at least five to six books at the frist instance.
2.5.5
Vigyan Prasar continued with the dissemination of NCSTC publications and
other software items including audio and video programmes.
2.6 Audio-Visual Programme
2.6.1
Radio Programmes:
Vigyan Prasar has produced and broadcast a number of radio
programmes jointly with various stations of All India Radio in different
parts of the country. The six radio programmes that were produced during
the year are described below:
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Vigyan Prasar
2.6.1.1 A 13-episode radio science serial on the theme of ‘
Biographies of Indian Scientists’ in Hindi was broadcast
from AIR, Raipur, during November 2004 to January 2005.
2.6.1.2 Broadcast of a 13-episode serial on the theme of ‘Jalam
Jeevamrutham’ in Malayalam is continuing from AIR, Thrissur
in association with Kerala Sastra Sahitya Parishad (KSSP).
2.6.1.3 Preparation and production of a 13 part science serial on
‘Chemistry’ has commenced in Telugu in association with
AIR, Warangal and Jana Vijnana Vedika.
2.6.1.4 A 13-episode science quiz programme produced by Vigyan
Prasar jointly with CHETNA, a socio-cultural organization at
Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, was broadcast by
All India Radio, Port Blair, during July - October 2004. This
was the first major activity of Vigyan Prasar in the region.
2.6.1.5 Broadcast of a radio serial on ‘World of Computers’ in Hindi
began in January 2005 from the AIR Stations of Betul,
Balaghat, Guna, Khandwa, Chindwara, Sagar, Shivpuri, and
Shahdol of Madhya Pradesh and would be completed in
April 2005.
2.6.1.6 A 13 episode serial on the “Frontiers of Science” (English)
was completed and broadcast on Worldspace Radio as well
as on Community FM Radio Station of Anna University,
Chennai.
2.6.2 Following audio serials are under different stages of production:
•
•
•
•
•
Emergence of Modern Science (Hindi and English)
Our Environment (Hindi and English)
Ocean (Hindi and English)
Weather (Hindi and English)
Journey along the Coastline (Gujarati)
25
Vigyan Prasar
2.6.3 WorldSpace Radio :
For over three years now, VP has been broadcasting for one hour daily on
EQUALACCESS channel of WorldSpace Radio (30 minutes Hindi and 30
minutes English). Following ten audio programmes were produced during the
period under report:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Biographies of Indian Scientists (Hindi and English)
World of Technology (Hindi and English)
World of Solar System (Hindi and English)
Spices (Hindi and English)
Facets of Science –I & II(Hindi and English)
History of Telecommunication (Hindi and English)
World of Biology (Hindi and English)
World Scientists (Hindi and English)
Frontiers of Science (English)
The above programmes were broadcast on WorldSpace Radio as well as from
different stations of AIR and Gyan Vani (IGNOU).
2.6.4 VP-CEC Joint Production:
VP and Consortium of Educational Communication (CEC), UGC are jointly
producing video programmes on senior scientists of the country. The
programmes on Professor Raja Ramanna and Professor Yash Pal are in different
stages of production. The production of a documentary film on Professor A.R.
Rao, a well-known mathematician and science populariser has already been
completed.
2.6.5 Video Programmes
2.6.5.1 The video programmes for the World Year of Physics 2005 that are
being currently produced are given below:
•
•
•
Discovery of X-rays (Hindi)
Discovery of Radioactivity (Hindi)
Radio waves (Hindi)
26
Vigyan Prasar
•
•
•
•
2.6.5.2
Discovery of Electrons (Hindi)
Story of Flight (Hindi)
Relativity (Hindi)
Quantum Era (Hindi)
Following video programmes on “Scientists of India” are under different
stages of production:
•
•
•
P.C. Mahalanobis (in association with ISI, Calcutta)
P.C. Vaidya and A.K.Roychoudhury (in association with
IUCCA, Pune)
Sir K.S. Krishnan (in association with Institute of
Mathematical Science, Chennai)
2.7 Kits and Toys
2.7.1 Activity kit on Astronomy:
Vigyan Prasar has developed an activity kit on Astronomy, which is useful
to the people in general and students in particular to learn about various
aspects of Astronomy through interesting activities. The kit contains twentyfive activities. A few of the activities include: Make your own Sun dial,
Model of Venus Transit, Measuring the altitude of stars, Star dial, quiz on
available in English and Hindi. The astronomy kit was released by Dr. K.
Kasturirangan, Hon’ble Member, Rajya Sabha, and former Chairman ISRO,
on National Science Day, February 27, 2005.
Dr. K. Kasturirangan, Hon’ble Member, Rajya
Sabha, and former Chairman ISRO, releasing
the kit on Astronomy.
27
Vigyan Prasar
2.7.2 Activity Kit on Electronics :
Vigyan Prasar has developed a kit on electronics. Twenty interesting activities and
experiments on electronics are provided in this kit. For getting the feedback from
the users, several demonstrations in schools were conducted. This kit is useful for
those who want to cultivate electronics as a hobby.
Visual Book
2.7.3 Do-it-Yourself Programme on Electronics :
Following activities were carried out in different schools and other organisations
during the period for the above programme:
•
Demonstration of kits developed by Vigyan Prasar at Bal Bharti Public School
Ghaziabad in the month of April 2004.
The Electronics Kit
28
Vigyan Prasar
•
Workshop and lecture programme on electronics kit was conducted at Merry
erry Hill School, Gwalior (MP). Yuva Vigyan Parishad, Gwalior, organized
this programme on 6 October 2004.
•
Workshops on kit and toys were conducted during “Science Karvan”-A
mobile science exhibition organized in four Sarvodaya Vidyalayas of
Delhi during in November 2004. This programme was organised by
NCSTC, New Delhi.
•
Lecture-cum-demonstration programmes on Electronics kit, Earthquake
kit and Venus Transit kit were organized at primary teachers’ training
workshops conducted by NCERT, New Delhi, in November 2004.
2.8 Vigyan Prasar Network of Science Clubs (VIPNET)
Vigyan Prasar has established a network of science clubs all over the country, called
VIPNET, and is continuing its efforts to strengthen and expand it. As part of this,
Vigyan Prasar has been organizing workshops/ training programme in different parts
of the country including remote and tribal areas.
A VIPNET Workshop is in Progress
2.8.1 Vigyan Prasar and Marathi Vidnyan Parishad (MVP), Mumbai, jointly
organised a VIPNET Western Regional workshop at Marathi Vidnyan
Parishad, Mumbai. Twenty -five teachers/science workers from
Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Goa attended the workshop in
the month of June, 2004.
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Vigyan Prasar
2.8.2 Vigyan Prasar is regularly bringing out the monthly newsletter ‘VIPNET News’. The
newsletter carries news columns like Vigyan Samvad, Astronomy, Crossword,
Science Questionnaire Series, Interview with eminent scientists, Do-it-yourself series,
etc.
2.8.3 Vigyan Prasar organized a workshop for VIPNET clubs during the period at Etah,
UP in December, 2004 and catalyzed a VIPNET workshop at Barabanki district of
UP in February, 2005.
2.8.4 The present membership of the network stands at 5,287.
Vigyan Prasar Network of Science Clubs
States
Number of Clubs
States
Number of Clubs
Andman & Nicobar
2
Lakshwadweep
7
Andhra Pradesh
83
Madhya Pradesh
1157
Arunachal Pradesh
9
Chattisgarh
174
Assam
195
Rajasthan
172
Bihar
503
Maharashtra
28
Jharkhand
103
Manipur
10
Chandigarh
2
Meghalaya
3
Karnataka
31
Orissa
760
Delhi
108
West Bengal
527
Goa
15
Punjab
16
Gujarat
10
Sikkim
36
Haryana
84
Tamil Nadu
113
Himachal Pradesh
20
Tripura
34
J&K
82
Uttar Pradesh
835
Kerala
21
Uttaranchal
147
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Vigyan Prasar
2.9
AMATEUR RADIO (HAM RADIO) PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES
2.9.1 Ham Radio Meet
To coordinate ham radio activities in Delhi, a meeting of the ham radio
operators was organized by Vigyan Prasar on January 23, 2005, which was
attended by 42 ham radio operators.
2.9.2 Lecture-cum-Demonstrations:
The following seven lecture-cum-demonstration programmes on ham radio
were organized by Vigyan Prasar at:
•
•
•
•
•
Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi (IIT Delhi) on September 12, 2004.
Gyan Bharti Public School, Saket, New Delhi, on September 06, 2004
DAV School, Dayanand Vihar, on September 30, 2004.
Merry Hill School ,Gwalior, M.P. on October 6, 2004
Government Senior Secondary School (Mori Gate, Delhi), Sarvodaya
Vidyalaya (ISBT, Delhi),Sarvodaya Kanya Vidyalaya (Idgah Road,
Delhi) and Sarvodaya Kanya Vidyalaya (Jennat Mahal, Delhi) on
November, 4, 5, 8 and 9, 2004.
Demonstration Programme at Bhimtal, Uttaranchal.
•
•
Jamia Millia Islamia University on February, 8 to 12, 2005 on the
occasion of a National Science Exhibition.
On the occasion of a workshop on “Science Technology for
Development of Uttaranchal” at Bhimtal, on February 18 and 19, 2005.
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Vigyan Prasar
2.9.3. Disaster Preparedness
2.9.3.1 As a disaster preparedness effort, a mock disaster communication
exercise involving the ham radio operators in Delhi was coordinated by
Vigyan Prasar on August 4, 2004. Mock drill exercises were carried out by
simulating an Earthquake at North East District of Delhi at the behest of
Delhi Disaster Management Authority (Government of NCT of Delhi). The
efforts of Vigyan Prasar were appreciated.
2.9.3.2 When all the public telecommunication networks were extensively damaged
by the tsunami that struck Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and the Western
coast of India, ham radio station VU2NCT of Vigyan Prasar was
immediately activated as an emergency communication station to handle
relief and welfare messages. During its 15 days of emergency operation
(from December 26, 2004 to January 10, 2005) hundreds of messages for
the general public and Government Departments were handled. Most of
the queries about the whereabouts and well-being of their relatives stranded
or missing in Andaman & Nicobar chain of islands were addressed to by
networking with ham radio stations operating from tsunami affected areas.
Several Government relief messages received via ham radio were passed
on by Vigyan Prasar to the respective Ministries/Departments.
2.10 Astronomy Popularisation
Vigyan Prasar has initiated the popularization of activities related to astronomy among
the school students and the general public. Earlier, VP had organized national
campaigns for S&T popularization activities built around the events like Total Solar
Viewing the Sky through telescope during Astronomy Week.
32
Vigyan Prasar
Eclipse and Venus Transit. During the year, VP organized several demonstration
programmes on night sky watching in various schools of Delhi and and conducted
lectures/demonstratings on astronomy related topics . ‘Saturn Show’ was organized
during the Cassini Mission to Saturn in the month of October 2004 in schools of
Delhi.
2.11 Popular Science Lecture Series
• VP organized six popular science lectures during the period under report:
‘Waste Management in India’ by Dr. Shymala K. Mani, Director, Centre for
Environment Education, New Delhi; ‘Medical Aspects of Terrorism’, by Dr. Naresh
Gupta, Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi; ‘Biotechnology and
Environment Pollutants’ by Dr. S.S. Cameotra of Institute of Microbial Technology,
Chandigarh; “Using Technology enabled Learning Systems in Science
A Popular Science lecture is being delivered
Education” by Dr. Usha Vyasulu Reddy, Director, Commonwealth Educational
Media Centre for Asia, New Delhi; ‘The Great Sumatra Earthquake (2004) and
attendant Tsunamis’ by Dr.R.S.Dattatrayam, Director, IMD and ‘Pakistan and
India – Areas of Cooperation in Science and Technology’ by Dr. Parvez
Hoodhboy, Nuclear Physicist, Islamabad, Pakistan and Kalinga Prize Winner
for the year 2003.
• Vigyan Prasar initiated an in-house lecture series by the officials of Vigyan
Prasar. The topics covered were – ‘Number Systems’, ‘We are all NRAs’,
and ‘Electromagnetic Radiation’, `Wireless communication’, and `Cloning’.
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Vigyan Prasar
2.12 Science on Television
Vigyan Prasar and Development and Educational Communication Unit (DECU),
ISRO are jointly exploring the possibility of starting a series of science
programmes on TV with an objective to make information about science,
engineering and technology accessible to all sections of the society thereby
empowering people to take initiatives based on this knowledge. Based on inputs
Hon’ble MOS Shri Kapil Sibal along with other dignitaries discussing Science on TV
from a series of meetings with scientists, educationists, teachers, students,
NGOs, film-makers and other media personalities and concerned individuals, a
vision statement has been prepared. Further, a meeting with producers to
discuss possible collaboration was organised under the chairmanship of Shri
Kapil Sibal, Hon’ble Minister of State for S&T and Ocean Development (IC) on
12 October 2004 at India Habitat Centre. VP and DECU have jointly planned to
launch a science programme for regular telecast on Doordarshan.
2.13 World Year of Physics 2005
• Year 2005 marks the centenary of the publication of seminal papers of Einstein
on explanation of photo electric effect that put quantum theory on firm footing,
Brownian Motion and the Theory of Relativity by Einstein. The year 2005 also
markes the centenary of the Golden Decade 1895-1905 in which momentous
discoveries in Physics were made that ushered in what is known as Modern
34
Vigyan Prasar
Physics. With the discovery of X-rays in 1895 followed by the discovery of
radioactivity and electron, a new era in physics began. Development of Quantum
Theory and Relativity shook the foundations of classical physics. To celebrate
this occasion, Vigyan Prasar has planned a number of activities, and a variety of
software, publications, films, radio and TV programmes, CD-ROM and slide
shows. This software would be used as resource material for training programmes
of Master Resource Persons.
• Seven video films have been commissioned. These are on: Discovery of XRays, Radioactivity, Radio and Radio Wave propagation, Electron, the Theory of
Relativity, Quantum Theory, and Story of Aviation. Historical developments of
these path-breaking discoveries and inventions and explanation of the
phenomena would be the integral part of each film. Video films on three eminent
Indian physicists are also being produced. The films on Dr. K.S. Krishnan,
Professor P.C. Vaidya & Professor Roychoudhury and Professor P.C.
Mahalonobis would be produced jointly with the Institute of Mathematical
Sciences, Chennai, IUCCA, Pune, Indian Statistical Institute (ISI), Kolkata,
respectively.
• As part of the countrywide campaign built around the theme “World Year of Physics
2005”, Vigyan Prasar and NCSTC (DST) have planned to organise jointly Master
Resource Persons’ Training programmes in different regions of the country.
2.14 Vigyan Prasar in Print Media:
2.14.1 Articles on various aspects of S&T have been published in several
newspapers and magazines, especially small town and remote areas
of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. Articles have also
been published in regional languages like Bangla, Tamil, Oriya etc.
2.14.2 Vigyan Prasar is contributing a regular column on Science Quiz to
‘Civil Services Chronicle’ (Hindi) and ‘Civil Services Chronicle’ (English),
and Chanakya (Hindi) monthly magazines.
35
Vigyan Prasar
2.14.3 VP contributed articles to the “World of Science” column of Employment
News.
2.15
Book Fairs and Exhibitions:
Book Fairs :
•
VP participated in the third SAARC Book Fair at Colombo, Sri
Lanka during September, 2004 and the fourth SAARC Book Fair
in Lahore, Pakistan during 03 – 07 March 2005. Earlier Vigyan
Prasar had participated in the first SAARC Book Fair at Dhaka,
Bangladesh in 2002 and second SAARC Book Fair in India in
International Book Fair at Pune
2003. Software and publications brougnt out by Vigyan Prasar
were highly appreciated.
•
Vigyan Prasar participated in the Times Book Fair and International
Book Fair at Mumbai during October, 2004 and February 2005
respectively.
•
Vigyan Prasar participated in an International Book Fair at Pune
in November, 2004.
•
Vigyan Prasar participated in an International Book Fair at
Kochi in December 2004.
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Vigyan Prasar
2.16 Visit by International Delegate to Vigyan Prasar
Professor Pervez Amirali Hoodbhoy, a Nuclear Physicist and a science populariser,
of the Department of Physics, Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan,
and the winner of UNESCO Kalinga Prize for the year 2003 for his contributions
in the area of science popularization, visited Vigyan Prasar on November 17,
2004. While interacting with the members of VP, he briefly described the science
Professor V.S.Ramamurthy presenting a Memento to Professor
Pervez Hoodbhoy, Quaid - e- Azam University , Islamabad
popularisation activities being undertaken in Pakistan. Professor Hoodbhoy had a
look at the popular science software brought out by VP. Later , Professor Hoodbhoy
delivered a popular science lecture at DST, organized by Vigyan Prasar.
2.17
VP’s Participation in International Conferences
2.17.1 Dr. V.B. Kamble, Director, Vigyan Prasar, was invited to participate in
the international conference on distance learning technologies for
South-East and East Asia at Siem Riep, Cambodia, during the period
September 20-25, 2004. The conference was organised by
international Development Research Centre, Canada. Dr. Kamble
made a presentation on Vigyan Rail – Science Exhibition on Wheels.
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Vigyan Prasar
2.17.2
Dr. V.B. Kamble participated in the international workshop on Changing
Role of Science Centres and Museums in Developing Countries at
Hanoi, Vietnam, during the period October 19-23, 2004. The workshop
was organised by NAM S&T Centre, New Delhi. Dr. Kamble was deputed
by DST as the GOI representative. He made a presentation on the current
scenario in S&T Communication and the changing role of S&T Centres/
Museums in India.
2.18 Awards and Achievements:
2.18.1
Padma Bhushan for Professor V.S. Ramamurthy
Professor Valangiman Subramanian Ramamurthy, Chairman of Governing
Body, Vigyan Prasar, and Secretary, Department of Science and
Technology, has been conferred Padma Bhushan by Government of India
for the year 2005 for his service to the nation. An eminent nuclear physicist,
Professor Ramamurthy has made important contributions both experimental
and theoretical, in the areas of nuclear fission, statistical and thermodynamic
properties of nuclei and medium energy heavy ion reaction mechanism.
He has co-authored a monograph on Nuclear Radiation Detectors.
2.18.2
Dr. Hari Krishna Devsare, Consultant, VP received the NCSTC National
award for best efforts on Science & Technology popularization among
children for the year 2004. The award was conferred on him by Shri
Kapil Sibal, Hon’ble Minister of State for S&T and OD (Independent
Charge) on 27 February 2005 at National Science Day celebration.
Dr. H.K.Devsare receiving the National NCSTC Award on
National Science Day 2005
38
Vigyan Prasar
3.0
PROPOSED ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR 2005-2006
•
The year 2005 has been declared as the World Year of Physics. VP has planned
number of activities, software, publications, films, radio and TV programmes to
celebrate the year.
•
VP and DECU would continue with the production of software for the science
programmes on TV. VP would set up the necessary infrastructure with capsulation
facility at VP, New Delhi.
•
Publications in Hindi and in major Indian languages would be brought out.
•
Reach and scope of “Dream-2047” would be enhanced and increased.
•
VP would continue to produce software for WorldSpace Radio and broadcast
on WorldSpace Radio and Gyan Vani, IGNOU.
•
Video programmes on topics of interest would be produced to communicate
science in an interesting and engaging manner. VP has comissioned
production of films on eminent scientists and other major discoveries in Physics
for the ‘World Year of Physics 2005’.
•
VP would continue to produce and broadcast radio programmes jointly with AIR
stations from different parts of the country.
•
The scope of Vigyan Prasar homepage (www.vigyanprasar.com) would be
expanded.
•
Development of interactive CD-ROMs on popular science topics like atomic
energy, biodiversity, environment, etc. would be taken up.
•
VP is in the process of initiating two new websites; a Vigyan Prasar website in
Hindi and a website on science clubs.
•
The activity of science clubs would be further strengthened by establishing nodal
clusters.
39
Vigyan Prasar
•
VP would continue with the Ham Radio activity in schools / colleges. VP would
put in efforts to establish a few ham radio stations in the regions / areas prone to
natural calamities / disasters like Utaranchal.
•
VP would continue to organize workshops / seminars and participate in book
fairs and exhibitions in different parts of the country.
•
Programmes on astronomy related activities would be strengthened.
•
VP is in the process of shifting its office in NCMRWF building at NOIDA and
would initiate efforts for constructing its own office building and science park.
4.0 IMPLEMENTATION OF THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGE POLICY
4.1
Vigyan Prasar consciously tries to bring out publications in Hindi. The following
publications in Hindi were brought out:
(i)
Anguthe ki Chaap by Arvind Gupta
(ii)
Gilas Se Kuch aur Khel by Pratapmal Devpura
(iii) Albert Einstein: Sapekshata Siddhant ke Sansthapak by Subodh
Mahanty
(iv) Shukra aur Uske Pargaman by S.P Pandya, J. N Desai and S.
R. Shah
(v)
Chamatkar ka Rahasya by Vijay Gupta (Reprint)
(vi) Sabhi Gatiyan Sapeksh Hain by V.B. Kamble
4.2
Vigyan Prasar’s Newsletter ‘Dream-2047’ is being brought out in Hindi
in addition to English.
4.3
VIPNET started its newsletter, VIPNET News, in 1998 with a view to reach
the VIPNET clubs with activities and news and information. It has been
converted to a monthly newsletter featuring both Hindi and English articles
since February 2003.
40
Vigyan Prasar
4.4 The Hindi versions of following titles are under printing :
(i) Haath ke Saath by Arvind Gupta
(ii) A Stroll Through Space – Time by Rakesh Popli
(iii) My Friend Mr. Leakey by J.B.S. Haldane
(iv) Everything Has a History by J.B.S. Haldane
(v) Fun & Science at Home by Jyoti Bhansali & L.S. Kothari
(vi) Hello Stars by Usha Srinivasan
4.5 The guidelines stipulated in the Official Language Policy with regard to
correspondence, files, letterheads, visiting cards, etc. are being strictly followed.
5.0 GENERAL AND GOVERNING BODY MEETINGS
5.1
General Body
5.1.1 The Fifteenth General Body meeting was held on October 06, 2004,
at Technology Bhawan, New Delhi under the chairmanship of its
President Shri M.V. Kamath.
5.2
Governing Body
5.2.1 The Twenty Fifth and Twenty Sixth Governing Body meetings were
held on 07 May 2004 and October 06, 2004 respectively, at
Technology Bhawan, New Delhi under the Chairmanship of
Professor V.S. Ramamurthy, Secretary.
5.2.2 The Fourteenth and Fifteenth meetings of the Finance Committee
were held on 03 May 2004 and 06 October 2004 respectively at
Technology Bhawan, New Delhi.
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Vigyan Prasar
5.2.3 It was resolved by the Governing Body to carry over the unspent
balance of Rs.16,61,283.60 as on 31.03.2005 to the next financial
year 2005-2006.
5.3
Visit of Parliamentary Committee
NIL
5.4
HRD Programmes undertaken
NIL
5.5
Finance
5.5.1 Action taken on Auditor’s Report: Necessary action taken.
5.5.2 Steps taken or visualised for internal mobilisation of resources: Sale of
software/books/slide-sets/cassettes and receipts on this account,
accounted for in the books.
5.6
Number of patents filed/Technology transferred for commercial use One patent
has been filed for ‘Visual Book’.
6.0
ANNUAL ACCOUNTS
Annexure-I
:Manpower, Budget & Facilities Available
Annexure-II :Auditors’ Report for the year ended on 31st March 2005.
Annexure-III :Compliance Report on the observations raised by the
Auditors.
42
Vigyan Prasar
ANNEXURE I
1.
Manpower, Budget and Facilities Available
1.1
Status of SC/ST/OBC Reservation
The initial process of creation of posts in VP has been completed. Now,
Vigyan Prasar is in the process of inducting regular staff. In pursuance of
the instructions of the National Commission on Scheduled Caste/Scheduled
Tribes and OBC, it will be our endeavour to take all necessary steps and
actions that need to be taken.
1.2
Personnel Profile
Group
A
No. of Scientific/
Technical Personnel
Academic
Qualification of
the existing Staff
Administrative/
Secretarial
i) 3*
M.Sc./M.A., Ph.D
ii) 6
M.Sc/M. Tech/MBA
B
Nil
C
1
BE (Printing Engg)
2
Nil
i) 6
ii) 5**
D
Nil
-
i) 3
* Presently Dr. V. B. Kamble, Scientist ‘G’, DST, is the Acting Director of Vigyan
Prasar.
** Through Service Agency.
2.
Budget
Grant of Rs. 370 lakhs was released by DST and an amount of Rs.3,27,755.60
was carried over from the year 2003-2004 to 2004-2005 to continue the activities
of Vigyan Prasar. The actual amount spent during 2004-2005 was
Rs.3,56,66,472.00.
43
Vigyan Prasar
3.
Facilities Available
*
A generator set of 10KVA was installed.
*
Three CD writers
*
An electronics lab for development of inexpensive electronic kits for
promotion of electronics as a hobby.
*
DTP system for VP publications.
*
Scanners, Colour printers, Digital camera, Web Camera,
Video Camera.
*
E-mail, FAX and INTERNET.
*
Computer systems for maintaining databases, and work on VIPRIS,
homepage, publication, accounts, stores etc.
*
LCD Projector
44
Vigyan Prasar
ANNEXURE II
BINDAL GOEL & CO.
Chartered Accountants
2/21, Ansari Road
Daryaganj
New Delhi - 110 002
Phone : 23260785
AUDITOR’S REPORT
We have examined the Balance sheet of Vigyan Prasar. A-50, Institutional Area, Sector
62, NOIDA, UP-201 307, as at 31st March 2005 and the Income & Expenditure Account
along with Receipt & Payment Account for the period ended on that date which are in
agreement with the books of accounts maintained by the said society.
a)
We have obtained all the information and explanations which to the best of our
knowledge and belief were necessary for the purposes of audit.
b)
In our opinion, proper books of accounts have been kept by the society so far, as
appears from our examination of the books.
c)
In our opinion and to the best of our information and according to information
given to us, the said accounts, give a true and fair view:i)
In the case of the Balance Sheet of the state of affairs of the above
named society as at 31st March 2005, and
ii)
In the case of the Income & Expenditure account of the excess of income
over expenditure of its accounting year ending on 31st March 2005.
For Bindal Goel & Co.
Sd.
Hari Om Agarwal (Partner)
Chartere
Place : New Delhi
Date : 06.09.2005
45
d Accountants
46
06.09.2005
Sd/-
Sd/-
Sd/-
VIGYAN PRASAR, A-50, SECTOR-62, NOIDA - 201 307
SCHEDULES FORMING PART OF BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31/03/2005
Sd/-
Vigyan Prasar
SCHEDULE 1
Amount Rs.
SCHEDULES FORMING PART OF BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31/03/2005
Vigyan Prasar
47
48
TOTAL
4. Other current Liabilities
a)
M/s Wipro India
b)
Electricity charges
c)
Newspaper
d)
Car hire charges
e)
Telephone
f)
VIPRIS Clipset
g)
Insurance
h)
Publication
i)
OA Comp Service Pvt. Ltd
j)
Shakti Marketing
k)
VIPNET Newsletter
l)
Web/Homepage
m) Postage
n)
Science & Society
o)
State S&T Programme
p)
NSTMIS
q)
SERC
r)
Hiring charges for contract employees
s)
Broadcasting Fees
W) ViGyan Rail
X) Royalty
3. Statutory Liabilities:
a)
Others (Sales Tax)
b)
Provision (Domain Name Regi., Inter. Division DST)
2. Amount payable to customers
1. Acceptances {Security (Distributor/Agent)}
Current Liabilities and provisions
Current Liabilities
SCHEDULE 3
20,240.00
4,006.00
22,404.00
3,014.00
6,265.00
2,171.00
8,603.00
2,424.00
7,000.00
7,400.00
14,000.00
5,365.00
-
3,80,460.40
1,02,892.00
2,000.00
-
2,08,568.40
67,000.00
CURRENT YEAR
20,240.00
4,773.00
1,908.00
15,159.00
25,437.00
6,529.00
1,590.00
10,540.00
11,040.00
70,377.00
12,000.00
12,906.00
7,250.00
7,000.00
13,400.00
6,000.00
10,245.00
5,41,833.00
1,58,074.00
7,000.00
10,77,732.40
9,43,301.00
50.00
67,381.40
67,000.00
PREVIOUS YEAR
Amount Rs.
Vigyan Prasar
SCHDULE 4
Amount Rs.
Vigyan Prasar
49
SCHDULE 5
Amount Rs.
Vigyan Prasar
50
06.09.2005
INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/03/2005
Vigyan Prasar
51
SCHEDULES FORMING PART OF INCOME & EXPENDITURE FOR THEYEARAmount Rs.
SCHDULE 6
ENDED 31/03/2005
Vigyan Prasar
52
SCHDULE 8
Amount Rs.
Vigyan Prasar
53
SCHDULE 10
Amount Rs.
Vigyan Prasar
54
SCHDULE 11
Amount Rs.
Vigyan Prasar
55
06.09.2005
Vigyan Prasar
56
Vigyan Prasar
ANNEXURE III
Compliance Report on the Notes on Accounts and Accounting Policies made by the
Auditors in the audit of the accounts of Vigyan Prasar for the Financial Year 2004-2005
Schedule: 13
Vigyan Prasar’s Replies
Notes on Accounts and Accounting
Policies: 2004-2005
1)
Accounts have been prepared in
accordance with applicable mandatory
Accounting Standards. The Society has
maintained books of accounts on accrual
basis except no provision has been made for
Leave encashment and Gratuity of the
employees. Salary of Regular Staff and
Auditors Remuneration has also been
accounted for on cash basis. Advances of Rs.
6,51,702/- given for various programmes/
activities have not been adjusted due to nonreceipt of adjustment accounts.
As regards provisions for payment of leave
salary encashment and gratuity, it is stated that
the payment of these elements are being
made from recurring expenditure made under
plan head. Avances given to the institutions/
organisations for various programmes/
activities to be undertaken by them on behalf
of VP will be adjusted on receipt of adjustment
accounts.
2) Depreciation is provided on written down
value method as per the rates specified in the
Income Tax Act 1961 except in the case of
Library books which is provided @ 10% on
WDV.
No remarks
3) Various expenditure incurred for publication of
books like payment to authors, printers and
consultants etc. have been debited to Income
& Expenditure Account under respective
account heads. Memorandum Stock Register
of these books has been maintained.
However stock of these books have not been
shown in the Balance Sheet. It has been
explained that the credit for the same will be
accounted in the books on cash basis on
realization.
The stock of books has been maintained.
57
Vigyan Prasar
4) Details of Prior period expenditure are as follows
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
(vii)
(viii)
(ix)
(x)
Car hire Charges
Stipend/Internship Fees
VP Newsletter
Book Fair
R & M of Photocopier
Seminar/meeting
Telephone
VIPNET Newsletter
Publication
Radio Programme
Total
No remarks
Rs. 2,640.00
Rs. 3,871.00
Rs. 1,850.00
Rs. 3,200.00
Rs. 1,350.00
Rs. 2,460.00
Rs.
818.00
Rs. 18,000.00
Rs. 94,000.00
Rs. 97,988.00
Rs. 2,26,177.00
5)
Closing Stock of slides, cassettes and
components of Rs. 246028.50 as on 31.3.2005
is valued and certified by the management.
No remarks
6)
Figures for previous year have been regrouped/
rearranged wherever necessary.
No remarks
58

English - Vigyan Prasar

Transcription

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