Yadava College in Madurai is organising a four-day workshop on science communication through folk arts from November 6 to 9. The National Council of Science and Technology Communication under the Department of Science and Technology, New Delhi, is sponsoring this workshop.
Use of popular folk arts such as karagattam, kuchipudi, therukoothu, villisai, puravi attam, oyilattam and bommalattam will be discussed in the workshop, according to a press release from T. Retnakumar, Principal in-charge, Yadava College.
The workshop also has sessions on folklore and science, folk and science in visual arts, personality development through folk arts and puppet show.
P.S. Navaraj, college Dean (Academic Affairs), said indigenous arts will be effective in communicating science to the masses.
“Science is neither for revolution nor for exploitation. It is for social harmony and integrated development. Folklore medium can be better used to take science to the people’s doorsteps,” he added.
Some of the topics that could be covered include prevention of non-communicable diseases, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, cardiovascular problems, breast and cervical cancers, sanitation, water conservation and drip irrigation. Experts in various fields have been invited to deliver lectures and demonstrate models on application of science.
All graduates with a passion for communicating science through print, visual or any mass media can participate in the workshop. Final year UG and PG students who are interested in becoming science communicators are also eligible to attend it.
Non-governmental organisations working in the sphere of science popularisation too have been given an opportunity to register. Selected participants will be given free travel, boarding and lodging facilities. The last date to register names is October 20.
Dr. Navaraj has asked college Principals to nominate three students and two teachers to attend the workshop. Also, NGOs, self-help groups, environment activists, science forum members, media persons and science campaigners can apply. More details can be had from Dr. Navaraj on mobile number 94426-48168, or through e-mail: navaraj678@sify.com
