Utilizing film as a media to communicate science can be a powerful way to reach out mass audience: Director

Srinagar: A three day workshop titled as “Scientists as Film makers and Science Communication” organized by PG Department of Physics, National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar concluded on Wednesday.
The event was presided over by Director NIT Srinagar, Prof. (Dr.) Rakesh Sehgal and he was chief guest for valedictory section.
In his key address, Prof Sehgal said the primary objective of the workshop was promotion of Science Communication skills among the students and its importance in context with modern research.
“Narrating stories through visual is important medium of communication and youth should come forward to take the lead the subject.
Prof. Sehgal said by making short films they can analyze their skill and enhance their performance of presenting their work. This can boost their confidence to face the big opportunities and makes them fareless about their self consciousness and shine their personality, he said.
In his message, Institute’s Registrar Prof. Syed Kaiser Bukhari said science film engages viewers visually and viscerally more so emotionally thereby potentially reach wider audiences.
“Educational film can easily be used as a powerful tool in classrooms around the world. It is the practice of informing, educating, raising awareness of science-related topics, and increasing the sense of wonder about scientific discoveries and arguments,” he said.
Welcoming the guests Dr. M A Shah, Head, PG Department of Physics said that films are most powerful tools for communicating science to the general public.
“This workshop could help to promote a new generation of scientists-as-filmmakers and stimulate other others to design specific programs for training students in science filmmaking, thereby communication and reaching to larger audiences,” he said.
Dr. Shah advised the scholars and students of the Department to make film of their work regular phenomena so that new comers could benefit.
Prof S Rubab Coordinator of Programme, gave a brief outlook of the programme in context with New education Policy.
The concluding session was also blessed by Prof Abdul Liman, Dean Students Welfare, Prof Niyaz Ahmad Sheikh, Former HoD Maths, Parents of new entrants to NIT, Expert Mr Jalaludin and all Physics family.
On the occasion, Independent film maker of Kashmir, Mr. Jalal-ud-din Baba said whether it is newly published scientific research, or one is trying to promote scientific awareness for conservation purposes, choosing short film about the topic is a great way to get involved in outreach and education.
Speaking during the workshop, the resource person Mr. Jalal-ud-din Baba Independent film maker of Kashmir said films should play an active role in the social transformation of any particular region.
He said that the film making is all about a team work where individuals possess different skills and expertise in the field come together.
A formal vote of thanks was delivered by Prof P A Ganaie, who thanked Prof Sehgal, Prof Liman Prof Niyaz for attending the program.
In the inaugural program educationist, Dr Rafiq Masoodi and former Additional Director of AIR Srinagar spoke about his long experience. He advised students that new technologies could reach to public if the work is presented properly.
On the occasion, prominent journalist, Nadim Nazir highlighted the important of films in the education. He said Independent film maker of Kashmir there are many occasions where we have to learn scientific phenomenas.
The event was attended by in charge-Director Prof M F Wani, Registrar, S K Bukhari, Former Dean Academics, Prof Kowsar Majid Former Dean R & C, Prof G A Harmain, Dean Alumni, Prof M S Mir, Associate Dean Prof Masoodi, Executive Engineer Dr. Mohasin, Faculty of Physics Department, few alumni and large gathering of students from Kulgam who were on Unnat Bharat Abhayan Trip to Institute.
During the workshop the research scholars present their research work in the form of the short movies of 5-10 minutes before the participants where they visualize their work easily and preliminary work of film making was carried in Nanotechnology Laboratory.
A formal vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Harkirat Singh. He expressed his gratitude to the former director Radio Kashmir Mr. Rafiq Masoodi, resource person Mr. Jalal-ud-din, Registrar Prof. Bukhari, and other dignitaries.
Prof. M A Shah, thanked his staff for making the inaugural program of the day successful and preliminary work of film making was carried in Nanotechnology Laboratory.
This event has made students and scholars realize the fact that science is not about being a bookworm, its more fun and creative, if they can approach towards the film making of their work.
Apart the workshop was attended by people of non science background and they found it interesting to communicate and they realized that there is always an upper hand of science in every field of life.

KR Desk