Institute Colloquium

on

"People's Science: Science by the People; of the People; for the People"

                                    Date& Time: 25^th February 2009 at 2.00 p.m.

Venue: F.C. Kohli Auditorium

Most children think of science and mathematics as difficult subjects. Our awe of these two subjects often increases as we grow up. Most adults do not even wish to think about basic concepts of science and maths.

It may be an irony, therefore, to talk of science by the people or of the people. Yet it is true that a large number of people since the beginning of time have been practicing scientists. Typical farmers in India observe the direction in which the surface runoff flows after the rains. They watch where it erodes or deposits soil. They consider wind direction, speed or even color and decide whether rains will arrive early, on time or late. Years of observation, the basis of the experimental method, are subconsciously compiled, collated and processed to arrive at decisions for action. People’s science at one level is then an experiential science.

At People’s Science Institute we have seen the manifestations of people’s science in the form of traditional earthquake-safe houses, water harvesting structures and practices. In the course of our work we have also tried to demystify modern science and engineering for the common people. This has led to people building earthquake-safe houses, earthen dams, monitoring water quality and treating polluted water or adopting new agricultural practices that enhance crop productivities. Such practice of science for the people empowers them democratizing science. It is also more often than not in harmony with nature and not destructive of the environment.

People’s science needs more believers and proselytizers so that the poor masses can be empowered to tackle their poverty and make progress