NOSTC (Network of Organizations for Science and Technology Communication) was formed about 26 years back with the objectives of initiating and implementing coordinated programmes of science outreach in association with government and non-government organizations. National Council of Science and Technology Communication, Department of Science and Technology, New Delhi catalyzed the formation of this organization. It is a registered body guided by a Board of Governors with headquarters at Delhi. It has about hundred members spread in all states and union territories. Volunteers in districts lend it great strength and capability for implementing projects that reach the common man and woman.
It has shaped and reshaped the Children’s Science Congress every year for the past 25 years giving it more features to make it enriching for all participants. It has organized the Teachers’ Science Congress over the past fourteen years giving a platform for innovative science and maths teachers. NOSTC provides platform for interacting with eminent scientists and encourages young budding scientists also.
NOSTC led the nation in observing the Year of Scientific Awareness in 2004 and International Year of Physics (Appreciating Physics in Everyday Life) 2005. It undertook a three year campaign for Planet Earth 2007 and is drawing up ambitious plans for the future. It has many publications in Hindi, English and regional languages that are always in demand.
NOSTC welcomes new members to improve the planning and implementation of its innovative programmes. It seeks new areas in development communication, technology outreach and promotion of innovation over the next few years. Even as rapid developments impact on society, the next phase promises to be even more exciting and rewarding.
| Sr. No. | Name of the elected Members | Organization and Address | Post. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Er. Anuj Sinha | Millennium India Education Foundation, New Delhi | Chairman |
| 2. | Shri Sanjib Kumar Sinha | Andaman Nature Club, Port Blair | Convener and Member |
| 3. | Shri Satyajeet Bhattacharya | ABHIYAN, Jagdalpur, Chattisgarh | Co-Convener and Member |
| 4. | Smt. Sandhya Verma | MP Science Centre, Madhya Pradesh | Member |
| 5. | Dr. Manoj Patowary | Bharat Jan Vigyan Jatha, Gwahati, Assam | Treasurer and Member |
| 6. | Shri Girish Kdlewad | KRVP, Bangaluru, Karnataka | Member |
| 7. | Shri D.N.S Anand | Science for Society, Jharkhand | Member |
| 8. | Dr. Rajesh Gangwar | Council for Science and Technology, UP | Member |
| 9. | Shri S. R Pandey | Science For Society, Bihar | Member |
| 10. | Dr Udhyan | Tamilnadu Science Forum, Chennai | Member |
| 11. | Shri L. Naba Kumar | Science Teacher Association, Manipur | Member |
| 12. | Shri Andrew Ahito | Breeze Women Welfare Society, Nagaland | Member |
| 13. | Swapan Chakarborty | Gobardanga Renaissance Institute, West Bengal | Member |
| The Chairman Co-opted two members to the BoG as per the Constitution | |||
| 14. | Shri B.K Rai | Chattisgarh Council of Science and Technology, Raipur, Chattisgarh | Member |
| 15. | Dr. Narottam Sahoo | Gujarat Council for Science and Technology, Gandhi Nagar, Gujarat | Member |
The common Indian faces numerous challenges in everyday life and converts many of these into opportunities that demonstrate high creativity. We have been witnessing these efforts of ‘problem solvers’ across the country and some organizations have even documented and displayed such efforts.
Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, an outstanding scientist, as President, gave a major boost to frugal science and innovations by laypersons. He offered grounds of the Rashtrapati Bhawan for an annual exposition of innovations and encouraged the creative artisans and scientists during his term as the first citizen of the country.
As we observe 2021 as International Year of Basic Sciences and Sustainable Development NOSTC has announced additional weightage for entries that address some facet of any of the following Sustainable Development Goals:
Health and well-being (SDG 3)
Clean water and sanitation (SDG 60
Affordable and clean energy (SDG 7)
Climate action (SDG 13)
Life below water (SDG 14) and
Life on land (SDG 15).
We have been awarded an exciting project. Young innovators and inventors in the age group of 14 to 30 years are invited to enter their ideas, projects, research, etc., as part of IYIIC (Indian Young Inventors and Innovators Challenge). Full details of the project are elsewhere on the website.
Workers, artisans, scientists, teachers and students of educational and research institutions as well as among scientists and innovators in industry, medical institutions, nongovernment organizations and more are excited with the new platform that NOSTC has created. There is palpable excitement in the various sectors and a hint of envy that only young innovators (below 35 years on 31st December 2021) are eligible. Registration is open for regional rounds that have been announced for either online or physical demonstration of their innovations.
I will be observing and cheering each innovator as you present your project and hope to see many of these at the national event planned in Gujarat. Our jury may also identify some entries for prestigious international events.
Er Anuj Sinha
Chairman
