Reaching out

Rintu Nath, Division Head, Information Systems & Laboratories:

OUR web applications may not be able to reach every corner of the country. However, dissemination of resource materials to institutions/science communicators becomes easier if we have all the resource materials available in the public domain. Resource dissemination at the local level and feedback mechanism become very effective with the use of the Internet.

In the past few years, a number of resource materials were developed for Vigyan Prasar by experts. It was required to generate materials that are locally relevant. Through the Vigyan Prasar website, user groups were created to upload and exchange materials among experts. The final product was then made available in the public domain for free access.

Another important factor is cost. Developing and disseminating e-resources is very cheap compared with conventional methods. Factors such as availability, low/zero cost, fast feedback mechanism, user interactivity, wider reach and international visibility are reasons to encourage more web applications in the days to come. Higher bandwidth, efficient communication techniques and easy availability of information technology products will ensure wider reach in the coming years. Vigyan Prasar programmes are ready to take leverage of this technology for its outreach programmes.

Our website www.vigyanprasar.gov.in is one of the most comprehensive websites on S&T communication in India. Our digital library has become very popular. One can register for free and download any number of books and posters. We have an e-platform called Discussion Forum for S&T communication.