Hyderabad: Cinema is a vital link in the contemporary world to promote science and scientific temper.
Eminent film maker and Cinematographer, Padma Shri Shaji N Karun, expressed these views today while inaugurating a three day National workshop on Science Film-making at Maulana Azad National Urdu University.
The workshop was organised by the Instructional Media Centre, MANUU in collaboration with the Vigyan Prasar, Department of Science & Technology, Government of India.
Dr. M.A. Sikandar, Registrar, MANUU presided over the inaugural.
Throwing light on the emergence of cinema as the effective and broad based medium of communication, Mr. Shaji remarked that cinema could not have been invented without the help of Science. He described cinema as one of the greatest form of arts.
Elaborating on the connection between science and cinema, he said artists indulge in seemingly illogical thinking, and pave the way for logical interpretations and discoveries.
This bond ultimately results in the growth of the society, he said. Comparing the invention of train and its revolutionary impact on the society with the cinema, he remarked that both cinema and train have put India together.
Dr. M.A Sikandar in his presidential remarks referred to the efforts of the Vice Chancellor, Dr. Mohammad Aslam Parvaiz, in promoting the scientific temper in the Urdu Community. Urdu should not be limited to literature but it should be used as an effective tool to promote science.
Influence of Cinema is very strong, especially in South India, he remarked. It is a very powerful medium to attract young minds towards science.
Earlier, Mr. Rizwan Ahmad, Directior, IMC welcomed the guests and spoke about the importance of sensitizing young brains about the scientific developments. Everybody has the right to learn, he said.
Dr. C.M. Nautiyal, Consultant,Science Communication Programmes, Indian National Science Academy, New Delhi, Guest of Honour in his address differentiated the roles played by books and cinema in changing the society. Cinema has wider reach and impact, he said.
Mr. Kuldeep Sinha, Ex-DG, Films Division, Mumbai, Ex-CEO CFSI, Ministry of I & B, Government of India, also addressed the inaugural as Guest of Honour.
It is our collective responsibility to spread the scientific temper, he said. There is need to organize such workshops more frequently, he suggested.
Mr. Imtiaz Alam, Research officer, Media Centre, conducted the proceedings. Mr. Omar Azmi, Producer, IMC proposed the vote of thanks.
Around 70 students, research scholars from mass communication departments representing different universities and media professionals are taking part in the three-day workshop.