Science City organized a webinar to celebrate InternationalLiteracy Day 2021. More than 100 students and teachers from differenteducational institutions of Punjab participated in the event.
The theme of International Literacy Day 2021 is “'Literacy for a human-centered recovery, Narrowing the digitaldivide.”
Giving introductory remarks at the occasion, Dr. NeelimaJerath, Director General, Science City said that International Literacy Day iscelebrated on September 8 every year to raise awareness on issues relatedto literacy which exist within localcommunities, as well as, globally. Its aim is to highlight the importance ofliteracy to individuals, communities and societies. Education and knowledgeempowers individuals and improves their lives by expanding their capabilitiesto choose the kind of life they can value. It is also a driver for sustainabledevelopment.
"The average literacy rate of the country is 74.8% which is lesserthan the average global literacy rate. She said that the COVID-19 pandemic andthe response of people to overcome it was a reminder of the critical importanceof literacy. The crisis has disrupted the learning of children, young peopleand adults at an unprecedented scale. Hence, enhanced focus on literacy is moreimportant than ever now, when countries need to reinvent a world of hope", she added.
Sh. Arul Jerald Parkesh.G, former Director, Kerala State ofScience & Technology Museum & Priyadarshani PlanetariumThiruvananthapuram was the Key speaker at this occasion. He delivered a specialtalk on “Role of Science Centres in Scientific Literacy”. During his address,he said that, Science Centres can play a crucial role in assessing whatinformation audiences are receptive to, what issues they take action on, andwhat behaviors they may be willing to change while contributing to developmentof the Nation.
Further, he highlighted that visitors to the Science Center havea positive experience, most of them recognize a change in the way they thinkabout science, and this change represents not just learning new knowledge, buta step toward a change in their relationship with science.
Dr. Avtar Singh Dhindsa, Principal (Retd.), Department ofSchool Education Punjab delivered a talk on “Scientific Literacy during thePandemic”. He emphasized the importance of Science Technology Engineering &Mathematics (STEM) education to develop the knowledge, skills and identitiesneeded in the fight against COVID-19 and other global health challenges,climate change and more.
He urged the participants to grab this opportunity toenhance STEM education to ensure they were ready to participate in meaningfulways. Further, scientific literacy is must for a person to live a successfullife especially during the pandemic period, he added.
Dr. Rajesh Grover, Director Science City present at theoccasion said that the digital divide highlights the factors like lack offinancial capabilities, opportunities, and lack of education in the country.India is slowly rising from the major social concern of the digital divide.Each step towards digital equity will ensure a better future and willcontribute to building a solid foundation for a human-centered recovery.