Veteran film maker Shri Shyam Benegal advocated for a 24 hour dedicated Science & Television channel to promote scientific temper.

A Dedicated Science & Technology TV Channel Needed to Promote Scientific Temper – says The Veteran Film Maker Shyam Benegal.

Addressing a press conference about the upcoming National Science Film Festival at the Nehru Science Centre in Mumbai today, Shri Benegal said “ a dedicated TV channel will go a long way in helping spread of scientific temper and rational thinking among the citizens”. He said such a channel is the need of the hour to highlight issues on science, technology, environment, health and hygiene among other things. “A 24 hour S&T TV channel will be a fitting tribute to late Narendra Dabhgolkar who laid down his life in the pursuit of spreading scientific temper and creating a rational society” Benegal added.

Shri Benegal complimented the Nehru Sciecne Centre and Vigyan Prasar, an autonomous body under the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India for joining hands to organize the 6th National Science Film Festival in Mumbai from February 9 to 13, 2016. He informed that 45 films have been shortlisted to be screened during the festival. “The Jury was pleasantly surprised to see quality films that have been made by professionals and school students. Most of the films, some from remote areas of the country, touch upon the local issues of environment, livelihoods, health and local innovation.

The winning films will be honoured with the Silver Beaver Awards and cash prizes. Shyam Benegal is the Chairperson of the National Jury. The other members of the Jury include Ms. Shama Zaidi, Senior Writer & Art Director; Mr Aseem Sinha, Film Editor; Prof. Iftekhar Ahmad, Director, New Delhi; Mrs Aparna Vaish, ADG, Prasar Bharati; Dr Sabyasachi Bhattacharya, Distinguished Professor, TIFR; Mr Amrit Gangar, Writer, Film Theorist, Curator and Historian; Ms Aruna Raje Patil, Film Maker; and Dr Anil P. Joshi, Environmentalist.

Professional workshops on science film making will also be organized during NSFF 2016 in which renowned science film makers will share their experience with the participants. Film enthusiasts can participate in the workshop by filling up an online application form at www.vigyanprasar.gov.in.