The Ministry of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences and National Geographic Channel have announced a unique partnership today to make science exciting and accessible for school children across the country. At an event held in New Delhi today, the hon’ble Minister of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Shri Prithviraj Chavan unveiled the ‘Science Mein Twist’ series that will be aired on National Geographic Channel. This initiative is part of an innovative year-long campaign announced by the Ministry and the Channel to promote Indian Science and Technology. In addition to this, a documentary film, ‘Cutting Carbon’ will also be aired on the channel.
“Science has come to be regarded as one of the most powerful instruments of growth and development, especially for an emerging economy like ours. The Ministry of Science & Technology plays a pivotal role in promoting science and technology in the country and as part of this mission, we are pleased to partner with National Geographic Channel to take our message forward. Through this series, we look forward to creating more awareness amongst the people of our country, especially school students and to further encourage the spirit of scientific inquiry”, commented Shri Prithviraj Chavan, Union Minister for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences.
“At CSIR, we are extremely proud to present a unique series on Indian science and technology featuring the achievements of Indian scientists and the path-breaking work being done at national laboratories across India, presented in an exciting format by Indian children and aimed at young India. It has been an exciting two-year effort wherein the various departments of the Ministry of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences and CSIR have collaborated seamlessly with National Geographic Channel to make this possible”, said Prof. Samir K. Brahmachari, Director General, CSIR and Secretary, DSIR.
Talking about the initiative, Mr. Rajesh Sheshadri, Senior Vice-President, Content & Communication, National Geographic Channel, said, “National Geographic Channel aims to inspire a life-long passion for learning; to cultivate curiosity and wonder about the world and generate awareness, concern and knowledge about the planet; by offering smart and reliable factual entertainment, featuring science and technology, animals and nature, exploration and culture. Science is an area of immense importance for the Government of India; and we are extremely proud to associate with the Ministry of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences in their pursuit to further the cause of science in the country.” “While ‘Science Mein Twist’ is a fun way to approach science that will resonate with children all over, ‘Cutting Carbon’ takes up the serious issue of global warming and attempts to encourage individuals to do their bit to save our planet”, he added.
Apart from being available in Hindi and English feed on Nat Geo, Science Mein Twist and Cutting Carbon will be showcased in 5 other languages – Bengali, Marathi, Gujarati, Tamil and Kannada on Doordarshan. The programmes would be promoted extensively for six months on National Geographic Channel as well as on FOX History & Entertainment through exciting promos along with an interactive microsite on www.natgeotv.co.in. The initiative includes a nation-wide school outreach programme with DVDs of these programmes being distributed in over 1,000 schools across India. The channel will also initiate a direct school engagement programme to encourage science clubs across 400 schools.
‘Science Mein Twist’ is an attempt to make science stimulating and interesting for school children and encourage them to pursue it at the higher education level and subsequently as a career. The ten-part series will go on-air starting Monday, February 8 at 4:30 pm and will be showcased on weekdays on the Nat Geo Junior time band which is specifically targeted at children between 4:00 – 6:00 pm. The series will be on air for two weeks with subsequent repetitions throughout the year. The show is hosted by a 13-year-old boy, Aavik and a 16-year-old girl, Khyati, who are bitten by the curiosity bug and set out to explore different aspects of science. In their journey, they play scientific pranks on one another, meet experts, visit labs, factories and even go on a trek.
Science Mein Twist covers different topics varying from sound to space, from genetics to geo-science to excite children into exploring career options in science. Each half-hour episode has a series of energetic, interesting experiments through which children can understand different aspects of science. The series also attempts to show that science is universal and not just for the city child; there are interesting aspects of science in villages that have been showcased as part of the show.
Premiering in April, ‘Cutting Carbon’ is a 48 minute film that talks about global warming and encourages individuals to take action. The film will work to reinforce to each and every citizen of his moral and social responsibility towards planet earth and that everyone must try to reduce carbon emission in order to leave behind a healthy planet for the generations to come.
Cutting Carbon showcases and observes an average Indian family and how they start following greener and more environmentally friendly processes at home. By doing so - the family realises that they are not only leading a much healthier lifestyle but also saving money. Through interviews with the Minister of Science and Technology and other senior officials, the film explores the steps taken by the Indian Government to try and reduce India’s carbon footprint. It features a few corporates and individuals who are actively involved in promoting a green society. |
