Exploratory meeting of Community Radio Stations for Programme ‘Science for Women’s Health and Nutrition and Radio Mathematics’

The National Council for Science and Technology Communication, Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, invited CEMCA to organize an Exploratory meeting of Community Radio Stations for its flagship Programme ‘Science for Women’s Health and Nutrition and Radio Mathematics’ on 21^st March 2016, following National CR Sammelan conducted by Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, GOI.

CEMCA has been associated with NCSTC from 2007 onwards during implementation of Phase I & II of this project.

NCSTC decided to throw open its schemes to maximum number of functional CR stations who have not yet partnered with it. The station managers of 83 community radio stations from different cities participated. The initiative is a very good example of better utilization of government funds for a social cause.

The inaugural session  presided over by Dr. B. P. Singh, Head, Scientist-G, National council of Science and Technology Communication, had others such as,  Ms. R. Jaya, IAS, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Dr. Munish Kumar, Economic Advisor, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and Mr. R. Thyagarajan, Acting Director, CEMCA in the panel.

Dr. B. P. Singh, Head, Scientist-G, NCSTC, New Delhi emphasized on the need for communicating simple scientific facts to the last mile of the community to ensure healthy living and rational thinking amongst people. He presented simple case-study of how country jaggery prepared in an iron container helps anemic people to increase the hemoglobin count in their blood.  He pledged his support for promotion of science and mathematics in marginalized, rural communities and encouraged the CR Stations to participate in large numbers.

Dr. Munish Kumar, Economic Advisor, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, in his address to the gathering talked about the importance of “Scientific Thinking” and its value and relevance in our everyday life. He further informed the gathering that "To develop scientific temper" is one of the fundamental duties of Indian citizens, according to the Constitution of India. 

Ms. R. Jaya, IAS, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, was present at the inaugural session and declared the proceedings open for the workshop. She appreciated Dr. B. P. Singh for his simple scientific enlightenment. She encouraged the participants for being the tool for the last mile connectivity in getting the women of the community involved in implementing practices promoting health and nutrition while removing myths and blind beliefs in the community.