Vigyan Prasar launches Internet-based channel to highlight India’s achievements

Vigyan Prasar, under the guidance of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) has launched India Science (indiascience.in), an Internet-based science channel, to showcase the developments in science and technology, particularly from research institutions and laboratories based in India.

“The intent is to make science done in India accessible to a larger audience. All you need is an Internet connection to access the content using a smartphone and computer. [It will soon be available as a mobile App.] It will have live content every day and a library of theme-based programmes related to science and technology,” says Ashutosh Sharma, Secretary, DST. “We are now asking feedback from people to improve the channel.”

The bilingual channel (Hindi and English) will offer scheduled programming as well as video-on-demand facility. According to the India Science website, it will cover the “entire landscape” of science and technology including engineering, health and medicine, natural science, environment and wildlife, agriculture among others. It will have documentaries, discussion, demonstrations/experiment shows and quizzes. The DST is also planning other initiatives on science communication. “We will soon have science programmes on DD National and in a year or two we want to start a 24-hour science channel that will have mix of news and other programmes,” said Prof. Sharma.