NEW DELHI: India's ministry of science and technology and the National Geographic Channel today unveiled the Science Safari, a film that showcases Indian science and technology through the Nat Geo perspective, which encourages viewers to 'think again'.
The film is a part of the year long campaign announced by the ministry and the NGC earlier this year.
The 48-minute film produced by All Time Productions in close association with National Geographic Channel is an eclectic mix of scientific achievements across India and presents various innovations made by well known Indian scientists and some unknown inventors in an interesting travelogue format.
The film will premiere on the National Geographic Channel on 26 September at 9 pm. and will be telecast four times during the first month and subsequently once every month in the following one year.
The film will also be telecast on Doordarshan. Both Ministry of Science and Technology and the National Geographic Channel will promote the film extensively with the film being telecast in Hindi and English initially and then later being dubbed in other Indian regional languages to reach out to a wider audience pan India .
A year-long 360-degree campaign encompassing both on-air and off-air initiatives to promote the film will be also launched.
On air promotion initiatives will include programme promos on National Geographic Channel and The History Channel pre and post the premiere of the film and telecast of a special compilation of the channel's best science and technology programming .
The channel will also run informative scrollers, factoids, vignettes and 15 short films throughout the year on Indian science and technology.
An extensive school outreach programme will also be initiated to generate further interest about Indian Science and Technology through this film.
Specially commissioned Science Safari audio visual merchandise including DVD sets, CD sets, t-shirts and bags will be given out to school children during screening of the film in various public and private schools.
"India is making great strides in the field of science and technology today, innovation and creativity are the most important assets for our future. Through this programme, we want to create more awareness amongst the people of our country, especially children about our achievements in this field and to encourage the spirit of scientific inquiry," commented Kapil Sibal, minister for science, technology and earth sciences.
Speaking at an event today, NGC India MD Nikhil Mirchandani said it is a constant endeavour to make viewers 'think again' about the world.
"Science Safari is an extension of this philosophy. Through this initiative we look forward to stimulate the intellect of our viewers and encourage them to expand their thought horizons beyond the cognitive by exploring new frontiers of science and technology from an Indian perspective," he added.
