Science communication as an academic discipline: an Indian perspective

Scientific ignorance can be a potential obstacle in the journey of India becoming a developed nation and a knowledge economy. Such ignorance can also be the cause of various myths, superstitions and blind faiths which can further hinder the development agenda of any nation. Science Communication can potentially dissipate scientific ignorance in the society. Science Communication is a rapidly growing area of expertise both academically and professionally around the globe. It is getting established as an academic discipline with several universities/institutions around the world starting academic and research programmes. Science Communication is an effort to better understand how science and society interact and to popularise and commonise scientific knowledge, scientific temper, scientific method of enquiry and scientific culture among the masses. However, the trends in India are not very encouraging. This article discusses the emergence of science communication as an academic discipline, its global and Indian trends, and the need of science communication initiatives, training and capacity-building in India.