Popularizing Science in Assam: from Arunodoi to Bigyan Jeuti

After independence, some organizations were established in India to expand the concept of Science for Society. This concept emphasizes that growth of science can significantly shift human attitudes toward life and Society and science and technology can be used for the welfare of ordinary people. The interaction between science and Society deserves attention as far as the role of the welfare state is concerned. In a welfare state like India, the state has a responsibility to cater to the needs of the people. For that purpose, science and technology are required to be utilized by the state. Along with the state, some science organizations also try to do some work for the betterment of life through using science and technology. These complimentary efforts have been referred to as Science Movement. The aim of the movement is to disseminate science in the mother language and to form a rational society. Following the footsteps of Bangiya Bigyan Parishad (1948) of West Bengal, in Assam Guwahati Science Society was established in 1953. However, the attempt to popularize science in the mother tongue in Assam began long before, with the publication of Arunodoi in 1846. In 1958, Guwahati Science Society was renamed as Assam Science Society. The organization was formed to spread science consciousness, protect the environment, and build a rational society. It published magazine, several books, pamphlets, and leaflets. Since 1981, the Society is publishing a bilingual science magazine Bigyan Jeuti (Flames of Science). This proposed paper will try to evaluate the history of science popularization in Assam.