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DROP THE GARLAND MODEL’ TO LET SCIENCE IN INDIA BLOSSOM
Syllabus:
GS 3:
- Science and Technology- Developments and their Applications
Focus:
- Scientific conferences play a vital role in fostering discussions and disseminating research findings.
- In India, despite the standard academic meeting model, there is a growing need to adopt contemporary and inclusive practices that align with global trends.
Source: Nstmis
Outdated Frameworks in Indian Scientific Conferences:
- Bureaucratic Hierarchy:
- Organizers often follow outdated bureaucratic structures with mandatory administrative presence on committees.
- The hierarchy in the distribution of work based on scientists’ seniority is a prevailing norm.
- Ceremonial Practices:
- Conferences commence with prolonged talks by science administrators, causing delays.
- Hierarchical seating arrangements, bouquet ceremonies, and elaborate gift-giving rituals for speakers reinforce traditional norms.
- Secular and Diversity Concerns:
- Some conferences in India include religious symbolism, devotional songs, and inauguration ceremonies.
- Lack of gender and diversity awareness leads to all-male sessions and inadequate representation of marginalized groups.
Contrast: Examples of Progressive Scientific Meetings in India:
- No Garland Neuroscience (NGN):
- Adopts a simple, sustainable, and low-cost approach focusing on scientific content and discussions.
- Eliminates hierarchical practices, religious symbolism, and ceremonial rituals.
- Young Investigators’ Meeting (YIM) Series by IndiaBioscience:
- Prioritizes scientific networking and mentorship with ‘no-garland features.’
- Includes alphabetical speaker lists, round table seating, equal gender representation, and open interactions.
Schemes and Efforts to Promote Scientific Culture in India:
National Science Day:
- Celebrated on February 28th to commemorate Sir C.V. Raman’s discovery of the Raman Effect.
- Aims to promote scientific temper and cultivate curiosity among students and the general public.
Science Popularization Programs:
- Various government agencies like the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) organize science exhibitions, fairs, and lectures.
- These programs aim to make science accessible and engaging for people of all ages.
Science-Society-Setu for Aatmanirbhar Bharat (S34ANB):
- Facilitates collaboration between scientists, society, and industry to promote self-reliance in science and technology.
- Supports initiatives that address societal challenges and foster innovation for a self-reliant India.
Scheme for Trans-disciplinary Research for India’s Developing Economy (STRIDE):
- Promotes collaborative research across disciplines to address socio-economic challenges and drive inclusive growth.
- Supports transdisciplinary projects that integrate knowledge from multiple fields to find innovative solutions.
Rashtriya Avishkar Abhiyan (RAA):
- Launched by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) to foster a culture of scientific inquiry and innovation among school students.
- Encourages hands-on learning and problem-solving through science, mathematics, and technology activities.
Inspire Awards-MANAK:
- Managed by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) to promote innovation and scientific creativity among school students.
- Recognizes and rewards innovative ideas and projects at the grassroots level.
Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Development (STED) Program:
- Conducted by the National Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Development Board (NSTEDB) to promote entrepreneurship in science and technology.
- Provides training, mentoring, and financial support to aspiring entrepreneurs.
Atal Innovation Mission (AIM):
- Launched by NITI Aayog to foster innovation and entrepreneurship among students, researchers, and startups.
- Establishes Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) in schools and Atal Incubation Centers (AICs) in institutions to nurture innovation ecosystems.
Science Academies’ Summer Research Fellowship Program:
- Offered by prestigious science academies like the Indian Academy of Sciences, Indian National Science Academy, and National Academy of Sciences, India.
- Provides opportunities for undergraduate and postgraduate students to engage in research projects under the guidance of eminent scientists.
- Science Communication Initiatives:
- Various organizations and institutions conduct science communication workshops, training programs, and competitions.
- Promotes effective science communication skills among scientists, educators, and science enthusiasts to bridge the gap between academia and society.
- National Mission on Education through Information and Communication Technology (NMEICT):
- Aims to leverage technology for enhancing the quality of education and promoting scientific literacy.
- Provides e-learning resources, digital libraries, and online courses in science and technology subjects.
- Vigyan Pratibha:
- Encourages talented students to pursue careers in science and research through mentorship and hands-on learning experiences.
- Provides scholarships, internships, and exposure to cutting-edge scientific advancements to nurture future scientists.
- Accelerating Growth of New India’s Innovations (AGNIi):
- Promotes the commercialization of innovations and technologies developed by Indian startups and entrepreneurs.
- Facilitates access to funding, mentorship, and market opportunities to accelerate the growth of innovative startups and drive economic development.
Challenges:
- Outdated frameworks contribute to academic challenges, including hierarchical and career-stage inequities.
- Non-secular and non-inclusive practices overlook critical issues related to gender representation and diversity.
- Persistence of outdated practices may hinder India’s position in the global scientific and technological research ecosystem.
- Revamping conferences aligns with contemporary global conversations on egalitarianism, diversity, and sustainability.
Way Forward (Revamping Scientific Conferences in India):
- Hybrid and Multi-Hub Conference Formats
- Introduce modern conference formats accommodating both physical and virtual attendance.
- Enhances accessibility and inclusivity by reaching a broader audience.
- Conference Code of Ethics
- Establish ethical guidelines for conference conduct, emphasizing non-hierarchical interactions and diversity inclusion.
- Address caregiver support and childcare grants for attendees, promoting a family-friendly environment.
- Allocate funds for improved practices, ensuring a balance between traditional ceremonies and contemporary needs.
- Prioritize inclusivity, accessibility, and sustainability in budget planning.
Long-Term Implications:
- Elevating India’s Scientific Standing
- Sending a clear message that Indian science supports contemporary values fosters an inclusive scientific culture.
- Aligning with global trends enhances India’s reputation in international scientific collaborations.
- Cultural Shift in Scientific Practices
- Signifies a cultural shift towards egalitarianism, diversity, and sustainability in scientific practices.
- Positions India as a forward-thinking contributor to global scientific discourse.
Reimagining scientific conferences in India is imperative for fostering a culture of inclusivity, egalitarianism, and sustainability. Embracing progressive practices will not only address immediate challenges but also elevate India’s role in the global scientific community, aligning with the aspirations of a modern and diverse nation.
Source:
Mains Practice Question:
Discuss the challenges associated with the outdated frameworks prevalent in scientific conferences in India. How do these frameworks hinder the progress of scientific culture in the country?
