Dear Friends,
While responses from international fraternity is incessantly pouring
in is there really no taker of sf in India?Is the picture really that
much murky and sad? The event has attracted the attention from outside
our geographical borders but here in India not even the lukewarm
response ?I am in hurry right now but all the details in the next post.
But why this is so? Is there any lacuna left in the efforts ?OR we are
still in our cocoons and do not wish to come out due to many
"personal' reasons ?
Is there any one listening please and wish to pacify me ?
regards,
arvind
--- In
indiansciencefictio n@yahoogroups. co.in, Arvind Mishra
<arvind_drmishra@ ...> wrote:
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> arvind mishra
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> --- On Thu, 4/9/08, Manoj Patairiya <manojpatairiya@ ...> wrote:
> From: Manoj Patairiya <manojpatairiya@ ...>
> Subject: [popularsciencewrit ers] The 1st Ever National Discussion on
Science Fiction, Nov. 10-14, 2008, Varanasi, India
> To:
popularsciencewrite rs@yahoogroups. com> Date: Thursday, 4 September, 2008, 5:02 PM
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> National Council of Science and Technology Communication
(NCSTC), New Delhi
> Indian Science Fiction Writers’ Association (ISFWA), Faizabad
> Indian Association of Science Fiction Studies (IASFS), Vallore
> Announce
> The First Ever National Discussion
> Science Fiction : Past, Present, Future
> November10-14, 2008; Varanasi , India
> Â
> A sheer balance between fact and fiction on the grounds of science
and technology paves the way towards imaginative faculties of human
mind which we often refer to as creative dream and that may come true
sometime as well! A science fiction is a fine fabric of a number of
elements together interwoven in a manner so that it at one end can
entertain and can arouse one’s creative imagination at the other. At
the same time, it can inform you with an analytical and rational
approach and also enable you to foresee the futuristic perspectives.
We all are aware of a number of classical science fiction stories that
had prepared the ground for several landmark inventions. Moreover,
because of its enormous potential in educating, motivating and
> entertaining the common man especially the children, science
fiction has been a popular means of science communication.
> Â
> The discussion is aimed at focusing on various aspects of science
fiction and its role in communicating science and technology related
issues to the common people and children .The goal of the five-day
exercise is to prepare a draft for “Benaras Document 2008�. The
programme would also examine as how science fiction input could be
enhanced and successfully employed in various science communication
modules currently in vogue in India .
> Â
> There will be at least one plenary session everyday besides usual
technical sessions, followed by in-depth analyses on given topics in
working group discussions. There would be a special forum for young
researchers and students. The discussion is also aimed at bringing
science fiction and fantasy writers, scholars, critics, enthusiasts,
noted social fiction writers, littérateurs and scientists together.
Attendees would be encouraged to discuss their views on the given
topics, share knowledge and perspectives in an informal environment in
order to encourage free flow and cross pollination of ideas for
further advancement of science fiction profession.
> Â
> The discussions, amongst others, would include topics such as
science fiction as a learning device, various familiar story-telling
formats including rich Indian oral traditions, and science fiction
writing in regional languages, etc. Conflicting issues would be
specially tackled by a distinguished panel of experts, including a
Chairperson, a Co-chairperson and a Facilitator for each discussion
group. A peer review system for the assignments and outcomes would
also be observed during the programme to have a stock of the progress
and achievements of the sessions and set the trend for the next
discussion sessions accordingly.
> Â
> The National Council for Science & Technology Communication is the
apex body of Government of India mandated for public communication of
science and technology and inculcation of scientific and technological
temper among masses. The Indian Science Fiction Writers’ Association
(ISFWA) and Indian Association of Science Fiction Studies (IASFS) are
non-profit professional bodies dedicated to enhancing science fiction
and fantasy in literature and mainstream media.
> Â
> Sub Themes :
> Â
> Following 5 sub themes are incorporated in 5 technical sessions.
However, the discussion on a particular theme or topic may continue
informally beyond the stipulated session until the final conclusions
are drawn, reviewed and finalized.
>
> i) Science Fiction - Historical Perspective : The programme shall
begin with analysing the development and evolution of science fiction
in India vis-Ã -vis in the world with comparative and analytical
accounts on evolutionary trends.
> ii) Understanding Science Fiction - A Cognitive Approach : A number
of definitions and theories are prevalent across the world when it
comes to understanding science fiction. The session will try to
redefine various forms such as science fantasy, story, fiction, tale,
etc., with pedagogical and cognitive enrichment. Â
> iii) Current Trends in Science Fiction : This shall examine many
contemporary issues on science fiction currently debated. It may
present an overview on possible cultural influences on the genre,
emerging trends, changing styles and evolving characteristics of
science fiction.
> iv) Science Fiction for Science Communication : This session shall
emphasize on various formats and styles suitable for presenting
different contents and concepts using mass media, such as drama,
theatre, puppetry, tableaux, novel, cartoon strip, film, etc.
> v) Science Fiction : Future Perspective : The discussion shall focus
on whether science fiction could be made better by making it more like
mainstream fiction. The future scope and possibilities of science
fiction in development of science and technology would also be
explored. The session will also try to understand whether insinuation
of science fiction or fantasy into serious mainstream literature is
detrimental to hard science fiction!
> Â
> Special Training Session on Science Fiction Writing : Apart from
above, a special training session for young science fiction amateurs
has also been planned. It is an added attraction for young
participants enabling them to inculcate and develop amongst themselves
science fiction writing skills, including important tips, tricks of
the trade, subtleties and nuances of the genre under the supervision
of noted science fiction experts. The group discussions can be divided
into split groups to encourage more focussed approach..
> Â
> Format of the Programme : The research papers are invited from the
science fiction writers, scholars, experts, researchers, scientists
and students on various aspects of main theme and sub themes, which
will be presented during technical sessions followed by debate and
discussion. The papers should be in standard research paper format.
Research papers, including empirical studies, historical observations,
analytical accounts, review papers, discussion papers, debates, and
innovative approaches in science fiction are welcome. Each presenter
may get around 10 minutes with more emphasis on discussion. Power
point presentations would be encouraged.
> Deliberations will be in Hindi and English. The hard and soft
copies of papers and presentations essentially be submitted. High
standard papers could be selected for publication.
>
>
> Who can participate : Anyone genuinely interested in science fiction
profession with suitable contributions.
> Â
> Registration : Some 100 science fiction buffs including subject
specialists, experts and young researchers/ students will be invited
to participate. There is a provision of limited travel fellowships
covering travel expenses, accommodation, meals, and registration fee
only for selected/ invited delegates from India . International
delegates will make their own travel arrangements; the organizers
could offer free stay and meals. An Expert Committee will evaluate the
applications for final selection.
> Â
> Last date for receipt of fellowship application, registration and
research paper : October 20, 2008.
>
> How to reach Varanasi : Varanasi is one of the premier tourist
destinations in India , well connected by air from Delhi , Agra ,
Mumbai, Khajuraho and Katmandu . Fast trains from all major cities are
available. It would be beginning of winter in Varanasi hence light
woolens may be required.
> Â
> Please contact for further information, if any :
> Â
> Dr. Arvind Mishra
> Secretariat (National Discussion 2008)
> 16, Cotton Mill Colony, Chowkaghat , Varanasi-221002 ( India )
> Phone: +91-9415300706; +91-542-2211363
> Email: drarvind3@gmail. comÂ
> Â
> Dr. Manoj Patairiya
> Director (Scientist ‘F’)
> National Council for Science & Technology Communication
> Dept. of Science & Technology, Govt. of India
> Technology Bhavan, New Mehrauli Road, New Delhiâ€" 110016 (India)
> Phone : +91-11-26537976, 26590238 ; Fax : 26866675
> Email : mkp@...; manojpatairiya@
yahoo.com > Website :
www.dst.gov. in
> Â
> Â
> National Council of Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC),
New Delhi
> Indian Science Fiction Writers’ Association (ISFWA), Faizabad
> Indian Association of Science Fiction Studies (IASFS), Vallore
> The First Ever National Discussion
> Science Fiction : Past, Present, Future
> November10-14, 2008; Varanasi , India
> Â
> INDICATIVE PROGRAMME
> Â
> NOVEMBER 10
> 12:00â€"01:00 PM           PRESS CONFERENCE
> 01:00-02:00 PM LUNCH
> 03:00-07:00 PM Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â REGISTRATION/ INTERACTION/
TEA/ COFFEE
> 07:00â€"10:00 PM           AN INTRODUCTION TO THE
PROGRAMME/ RECEPTION DINNER/
> CULTURAL PROGRAMME
> NOVEMBER 11
> 08:00-09:00 AM Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â INTERACTION/ BREAKFAST
> 09:00-10:00 AM REGISTARTION
> 10:00-11:30 AM INAUGURAL FUNCTION
> 11:30-12:00 NOONÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â TEA/ COFFEE
> 12:00â€"01:30 PM           TECHNICAL SESSION I
> 01:30-02:30 PM LUNCH
> 02:30-04:00 PM TECHNICAL SESSION II
> 04:00â€"04:30 PM           TEA/ COFFEE
> 04:30-06:00 PM TECHNICAL SESSION III
> 07:00-10:00 PM EVENING TALK/ CULTURAL PROGRAMME/ DISCUSSION DINNER
>
> NOVEMBER 12
> 08:30-10:00 AM INTERACTION/ BREAKFAST
> 10:00â€"11:30 AM           TECHNICAL SESSION IV
> 11:30â€"12:00 NOON      TEA/ COFFEE
> 12:00â€"01:30 PM           TECHNICAL SESSION V
> 01:30-02:30 PM LUNCH
> 02:30-04:00 PM SPLIT GROUP DISCUSSION A
> 04:00â€"04:30 PM           TEA/ COFFEE
> 04:30-06:00 PM PREPARING ‘BENARAS DOCUMENT 2008’
> 07:00-10:00 PM CRUISING ACROSS RIVER GANGA ON ‘DEV DEEPAVALI’/
DINNER
> Â
> NOVEMBER 13
> 08:30-10:00 AM Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â INTERACTION/ BREAKFAST
> 10:00-11:30 AM SPECIAL TRAINING SESSION ON SCIENCE FICTION WRITING
> 11:30-12:00 NOONÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â TEA/ COFFEE
> 12:00â€"01:30 PM           SPLIT GROUP DISCUSSION B
> 01:30-02:30 PM LUNCH
> 02:30-04:00 PM FINALIZATION OF ‘BENARAS DOCUMENT 2008’
> 04:00â€"04:30 PM           TEA/ COFFEE
> 04:30-06:00 PM VALEDICTORY FUNCTION
> 07:00-10:00 PM EVENING TALK/ CULTURAL PROGRAMME/ DISCUSSION DINNER
>
>
> NOVEMBER 14
> 07:00-08:00 AM INTERACTION/ BREAKFAST
> 08:00-01:30 PM FIELD VISIT
> 01:30-02:30 PM LUNCH
> Â
> END OF PROGRAMME
> Â
> Â
> Â
> National Council of Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC),
New Delhi
> Indian Science Fiction Writers’ Association (ISFWA), Faizabad
> Indian Association of Science Fiction Studies (IASFS), Vallore
> The First Ever National Discussion
> Science Fiction : Past, Present, Future
> November10-14, 2008; Varanasi , India
> Â
> Registration Form
> Â
> 1. Name of the
Delegate                               Â
:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
> Â
> 2. Designation/
Affiliation                              :
> Â
> 3. Postal
Address                                          Â
:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
> Â
> 4. Contacts   Â
> Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
Phone                                                 Â
:
> Fax                 Â
                                   :
> Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
Mobile                                                Â
:
> E-mail/
Website                                  Â
:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
> Â
> 5. Preferred Technical
Session                      :         Â
  Â
> Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
> Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Title of Research
Paper                        :     Â
> Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Discussion Group/ Sub
Theme               :
> Â
> 6. Travel Details
> Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Travel
Fellowship                                Â
:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Not/ Required (Separate application)Â Â Â Â Â
> Arrival Date and
Time                          :
> Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Arrival Train/ Flight
No.                       :
> Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Departure Date and Time
                    :
> Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Departure Train/ Flight
No.                   :         Â
> Â
> 7.Â
Accommodation                                       Â
:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Not/
Required                                     Â
          Â
> Â
> 8. Are you an ISFWA/IASFS Member?      Â
:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â No/ Yes (Membership No.)
> Â
> 9. Please indicate your food preference      Â
:          Vegetarian/ Non vegetarian      Â
> Â
> 10. Any other
information                              :
> Â
> Signature       Â
> Date Â
> ------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
> ·        Please send the filled in Registration Form by
post and through email along with Bio-data and research paper to :
> Â
> Dr. Arvind Mishra
> Secretariat (National Discussion 2008)
> 16, Cotton Mill Colony, Chowkaghat, Varanasi-221002 ( India )
> Phone: +91-9415300706; +91-542-2211363; Email: drarvind3@gmail. comÂ
> Â
> Dr. Manoj Patairiya
> Director (Scientist ‘F’)
> National Council for Science & Technology Communication
> Dept. of Science & Technology, Govt. of India
> Technology Bhavan, New Mehrauli Road, New Delhiâ€" 110016 (India)
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