Swadeshi Science Movement receives Jawaharlal Nehru Prize 2005-06
For science popularisation
Swadeshi Science Movement, the Kerala chapter of Vijnana Bharati, will be honoured with the prestigious ?Jawaharlal Nehru Prize? for the year 2005-2006, instituted by the Indian Science Congress Association (ISCA) for popularisation of science. The award includes a cash award of Rs. one lakh and a plaque. The selection board specially appreciated the key role played by Swadeshi Science Movement for its endeavour for promotion and popularisation of sciences at all levels, especially among students at school and college levels and for the common man. The selection board also mentioned the efforts of Swadeshi Science Movement to blend the modern sciences with the traditional ones and the age-old socio-cultural and scientific value-based system.
The award will be presented by the Prime Minister on January 3, 2006, during the inaugural session of 93rd Indian Science Congress to be held at Acharya N.G. Renga Agricultural University, Hyderabad.
Jawaharlal Nehru Prize was instituted on the occasion of celebration of 50 years of Independence of India by the Indian Science Congress Association as an annual award to be given to organisations (preferably NGOs) for popularisation of science. Nominations for this award are invited from Members of the Council of ISCA and the final selection is made by a selection committee comprising of president, general secretary (outstation), treasurer, one expert for each of the awards (nominated by the president) and general secretary (headquarters). To get selected the organisation should be a duly-registered body within India, having sustained interest in popularising science as evidenced by relevant activities and assessment is done on the basis of activities carried out during the last five years.
Swadeshi Science Movement: A bird'seye-view
Swadeshi Science Movement was started November 7, 1991, in Kerala on the birthday of Dr. C.V. Raman. Through its constant endeavours, it has grown as the most popular science movement in the state. With the thrust on Indian contribution to science, SSM, Kerala, is dedicated the overall development of our country. Its motto is science and technology is for social harmony.
Under the eminent leadership of Shri A. Jayakumar (national organising secretary), it has organised numerous lectures, symposia, seminars and workshops on different branches of science. The World Ayurveda Congress (2002) and ?Prithvi-2005, the Global Eco Meet? were among the major international events Kerala had ever seen. With more than 22 countries? participation, Ayurveda Congress attracted the attention of the world to the state. It has headquarters at Ernakulam (Kochi) and works throughout the state. Many eminent scientists and major scientific organisations of our country like CSIR, DST, ISRO, DBT, ICAR, ICMR, DAE and HRD Ministry offer support to the activities of SSM Kerala.
