Dr Jitendra Singh releases first Science Monthly Magazine in Dogri at Jammu University

India is going through a Golden Period, particularly in Science and Technology, under the leadership of Prime Minister: MoS in PMO

This magazine will strengthen both Science as well as Dogri Language: Prof Umesh Rai

This event marks an important day for the Duggar land: Prof Sanjeev Jain

Dr Jitendra Singh, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Minister of State (Independent Charge) of Science & Technology, Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Minister of State in the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Minister of State in the Department of Atomic Energy and Minister of State in the Department of Space released first  Science Monthly Magazine in Dogri   (Vigyan Jaatra) in presence of Vice Chancellor, Jammu University-Prof Umesh Rai, Vice Chancellor Central University of Jammu-Prof Sanjeev Jain, Prof Lalit Magotra-President Dogri Sanstha, Jammu and Prof Nakul Prashar-Director Vighyaan Prashar (SCOPE) at Brigadier Rajinder Singh Auditorium, University of Jammu, today. The function was organized by Vigyan Prasar in collaboration with University of Jammu and Central University of Jammu. While speaking on the occasion, Dr Jitendra Singh said that this is a festive event, celebrating Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.“Through such events, we are trying to promote both science and Dogri language, as 21^st century is a century of science,” he said and added that in the past 7-8 years, India is going through a Golden Period, particularly in science and technology, under the leadership of Hon'ble Prime Minister, Narendra Modi.

He asserted that he is witness to the kind of support and encouragement the Hon'ble  Prime Minister has extended towards science and technology.

“Prime Minister has not only promoted science and technology but has also inspired us to use science for ease of living,” Dr Jitendra Singh said and added that he was envisaging India to be a Vishva Guru (World Leader) by 2047 and science aptitude shall be the foundation stone for the same.

Acknowledging the vision of the Hon'ble Prime Minister towards science, Dr Jitendra Singh said that Narendra Modi has taken science to the doorsteps of common Indians and now the world is recognizing India’s aptitude in science and technology. He said earlier Nuclear Energy Plants were limited to one or two states, but the present dispensation made it possible to introduce it in various parts of India and in this direction they are working on the establishment of the nuclear plant in Haryana and they established ISRO as well as DRDO in the Central University of Jammu.

Dr Jitendra said, “Earlier, Space technology was confidential with limited access, but Prime Minister has opened it up for all, which has generated a lot of interest among private players and many startups.”

“I believe to become world leader in science and technology, we have to make ourselves capable first, before reaching out to other nations,” said Dr Jitendra Singh and added that the University of Jammu was purposefully selected for the release of this magazine, as it is the only institution in Jammu and Kashmir, which has already contributed for the promotion of Dogri in many ways.

Dr Jitendra Singh maintained that when the most advanced countries like Russia, Japan, Germany and China can have the best of science literature and projects in their mother tongue, India has also taken the lead to communicate modern science and technology in all the Indian languages. He said, “Our learning becomes deeper when we study in our mother tongue and the same is envisaged in National Education Policy-2020.”

He further recommended that the Department of Dogri, University of Jammu should set up a centre for translation, wherein the latest science articles can be translated in Dogri Language.

Prof Umesh Rai, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu congratulated Dr Jitendra Singh and Vigyan Prasar for introducing the first Dogri Science magazine and choosing Jammu University for its release.

Prof Umesh Rai also highlighted various achievements and contributions of Dr Jitendra Singh in Jammu and Kashmir ever since he has taken charge as Union Minister. Under the supervision of Dr Jitendra Singh, over 75 major projects have been either completed or are at the verge of completion in Jammu and Kashmir, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu said.

“This magazine will strengthen both Science as well as Dogri Language and will help people, especially students to understand changing vagaries of science in their local language,” said Vice Chancellor, Prof Umesh Rai.

Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu sought the support of Dr Jitendra Singh for some of the pressing projects, including the establishment of Pathology Laboratory, Upgradation of the botanical garden and University Science Instrumentation Centre.

On the occasion, Vice Chancellor, Central University of Jammu-Prof Sanjeev Jain said that this event marks an important day for the Duggar land.

 Prof Jain said that such magazines in Dogri language will certainly end the dominance of the English language in years to come.

Prof Sanjeev Jain stated that having a science magazine in local language will inspire people to contribute and further encourage the promotion of the Dogri Language.

While addressing the gathering, Prof Lalit Magotra- President Dogri Sanstha, Jammu said that this day of the release of first Dogri Science magazine shall be recorded as a big milestone in the history of Dogri language.

“Any language separated from roots is deemed to extinct,” said Prof Magotra, adding that this journal connects society and science, because ultimate aim of this magazine is to encourage temperament of science among masses through local language.

He asserted that linking science and technology with local language makes language stronger, as it incorporates terminology from local language, which shall fill an existing gaps in our society.

“Dogri is a rich language, which existed in 13^th century and has its mention in the writings of Amir Khusroo,” Prof Magotra further said that in the last couple of decades, it has flourished manifold.

Earlier, while welcoming the participants and guests, Prof Nakul Prashar-Director Vighyaan Prasar (SCOPE) said that Dogri has achieved a prominent place among various Indian languages and has been added to the eighth schedule of the Indian Constitution.

“This magazine shall act as a stimulator for the promotion of different local languages and it will also bring fundamental writings in the field of science,” Prof Nakul said and added that on similar lines, they will make scientific movies, publish books and organize workshops related to science in different regional languages. Nimish Kapoor, Managing Editor of Vigyan Jaatra presented a formal vote of thanks.

Among others, Prof Manoj S Gaur, Director, IIT Jammu, Prof B.S Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, Dr Shakti Gupta, Director, AIIMS, Jammu, Padma Shri Jitendra Udhampuri,  Prof Manoj Dhar, former Vice-Chancellor, University of Jammu, Prof Arvind Jasrotia, Registrar, Prof Neelu Rohmetra, Director, Directorate of Distance Education,  Prof Parkash C Antahal, Dean Students Welfare,   Deans, Director, HoDs, Rectors, officers and prominent members of civil society were also present on the occasion.