Scientific literacy proved crucial during pandemic

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, September 8

More than 100 students and teachers from different educational institutions of Punjab participated in a webinar organised by Science City to observe International Literacy Day. The theme this year is “‘Literacy for a human-centred recovery, narrowing the digital divide.”

Giving introductory remarks on the occasion, Dr Neelima Jerath, Director-General, Science City, said this day was observed every year on September 8 to raise awareness on issues related to literacy, which exist within local communities as well as globally. Its aim is to highlight the importance of literacy among individuals, communities and societies.

Education and knowledge empowers individuals and improves their lives by expanding their capabilities to choose the kind of life they can value. It is also a driver for sustainable development. The average literacy rate of the country is 74.8%, which is lesser than the average global literacy rate, she added.

She said the pandemic and the response of people to overcome it was a reminder of the critical importance of literacy. The crisis has disrupted the learning of children, young people and adults at an unprecedented scale. Hence, enhanced focus on literacy is more important than ever now, when countries need to reinvent a world of hope.

Arul Jerald Parkesh.G, former director, Kerala State of Science and Technology Museum and Priyadarshani Planetarium, Thiruvananthapuram, was the key speaker on the occasion. He delivered a special talk on “Role of science centres in scientific literacy”.

During his address, he said science centres could play a crucial role in assessing what information audiences are receptive to, what issues they take action on, and what behaviours they may be willing to change while contributing to development of the nation. Further, he highlighted that visitors to the science centre have a positive experience, most of them recognise a change in the way they think about science and this change represents not just learning new knowledge, but a step toward a change in their relationship with science.

Former principal Dr Avtar Singh Dhindsa delivered a talk on “Scientific literacy during the pandemic”. He emphasised the importance of science technology engineering & mathematics (STEM) education to develop the knowledge, skills and identities needed in the fight against Covid and other global health challenges, climate change and more.

Dr Rajesh Grover, Director, Science City, said the digital divide highlights the factors like lack of financial capabilities, opportunities and lack of education in the country. India is slowly rising from the major social concern of the digital divide.