JK Students Association urges Govt to reconsider closing of Vigyan Prasar

Srinagar, May 01: The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association here today urged the government to reconsider its decision to shut down the prestigious institution, Vigyan Prasar.

In a Statement issued, National President of Association Mushtaq Habeeb said that the institution has played a commendable role in popularizing science among the local population in India's various regional languages, particularly under the guidance of Minister for Science Technology Dr. Jitender Singh.

He said that, Vigyan Prasar is a leading institute of the government that is entrusted with Science Communication and Popularization. It has been playing a crucial role in capacity building and nurturing scientific talent in schools and colleges through its Science Club initiative. Science popularization is a powerful tool for achieving objectives such as promoting a well-informed citizenry and supporting national missions.

The association emphasized the need for more science communication in all Indian languages, including Kashmiri, Dogri, Pahari, and other local dialects. The country needs a cadre of dedicated science communicators, and institutions such as Vigyan Prasar need to be expanded and strengthened towards achieving this. The institution plays a pivotal role in shaping the youth and inspiring them to take up science and technology as their career choice, he said.

Habeeb noted that both developed and developing countries, including China, Brazil, and South Africa, have well-established networks of science communication institutions. However, universities in India are still not equipped to offer high-end courses in Science Communication. The association sees Science Communication as a core activity in the scientific knowledge production process and hence demands that institutions like Vigyan Prasar need to be strengthened and supported.

He said that Students from Jammu and Kashmir have also signed online petition in this regard. The association appealed Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Minister of State Science & Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India Prof. Ajay Sood, and Secretary Department of Science & Technology to strengthen and not close down the premier institute, Vigyan Prasar. It is a national asset and must be safeguarded for the betterment of the country.