NEW DELHI: Veteran filmmaker Shyam Benegal has stressed the need for a 24-hour dedicated science & technology television channel to promote scientific temper in the country.
Addressing a press conference about the upcoming National Science Film Festival at the Nehru Science Centre in Mumbai, Benegal said, “A dedicated TV channel will go a long way in helping spread 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.
Benegal complimented the Nehru Science Centre and Vigyan Prasar, an autonomous body under the Science and Technology Ministry for joining hands to organise the 6th National Science Film Festival in Mumbai from 9 to 13 February.
He said 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,” he said.
The winning films will be honoured with the Silver Beaver Awards and cash prizes.
Benegal is the chairperson of the National Jury. The other members of the jury include senior writer and art director Shama Zaidi; film editor Aseem Sinha; Prof. Iftekhar Ahmad, who is the director of AJK MCRC, New Delhi; Prasar Bharati Additional Director General Aparna Vaish; Dr Sabyasachi Bhattacharya who is a professor at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research; film historian and curator Amrit Gangar; filmmaker Aruna Raje Patil, filmmaker and environmentalist Anil P. Joshi.
Professional workshops on science film making will also be organised during NSFF 2016 in which renowned science film makers will share their experience with the participants. Film enthusiast can participate in the workshop by filling up an online application form at www.vigyanprasar.gov.in.
