'Ariviyal Palagai' to imbue scientific temper through Tamil

As part of pan-India efforts to popularise science and imbue scientific temper in vernacular languages, Centre's autonomous organisation Vigyan Prasar is launching an initiative in Tamil through 'Ariviyal Palagai' (Science Board).

After launching the outreach programme in Bengali, Urdu, Kannada and Malayalam recently, the Tamil initiative of Vigyan Prasar under the Department of Science and Technology (DST) is aimed at educating masses in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.

Vigyan Prasar director Nakul Parashar told reporters here Friday said the move gains significance considering studies that have predicted nine out of 10 internet users would use the internet in a regional language other than English.

"Also, the study predicts that by 2021, Tamil would be the fourth most-used Indian language online," he said.

'Ariviyal Palagai' would bring out an eight-page newsletter every month and 20 books immediately, according to Parashar.

Vigyan Prasar, he said, is confident of covering all 32 districts with help of local NGOs, scientific communities, organisations and media (print, social, digital and electronic).

Similar activities were taken up in Urdu with a name Tajassus, Bengali - Vigyan Katha, Kannada - Kuthuhala, Malayalam - Shaastra Katha.

On the content of Tamil chapter, the director said it is holistic covering all possible aspects of science and technology.

A two-day seminar 'Science in Tamil: Science Communication, Popularisation and Extension: Road Ahead' would be held here on Saturday to formally launch the initiative.