With new facts emerging every day, there is an urgent need to strengthen Science Communication to create a scientific temper amongst the common people, said senior journalist, Rajendra Diwe.
Diwe was felicitated by the Department of Mass Communication, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, for his immense contribution to science journalism. Diwe is the only journalist in the country to have reported the Indian Science Congress (ISC) on 12 occasions and as a researcher presented 16 of his own research papers.
Speaking to students of Mass Communication in the run-up to the 108th Indian Science Congress to be held in Nagpur from January 3 to 7, 2023, Diwe shared some of his most memorable experiences as a science writer. He pointed out how some of the most significant scientific research remains hidden from public view because the findings or recommendations are contrary to the interests of media owners or advertisers. With the help of new technology available now, science communicators can directly reach the masses, which is vastly important, he added. He also elaborated on the concept of science and spirituality, saying these are two sides of a coin.
“Those who unethically gain from either, the ‘thekedars’, would want us to think that science and spirituality are against each other, but they are actually the same thing viewed and practised from different perspectives,” he said.
Head of the Department, Dr Moiz Mannan Haque, presented Diwe with a shawl and shreephal on behalf of the staff and students to appreciate the latter’s work. Diwe is a former student of the Department.
