The Indian scientific community and science enthusiasts across India expressed solidarity with the May 4 Global March for Science to defend science and scientific temper. As this day fell in the middle of the General Election, marches in a big way could not be held. However, in several cities and towns across the country, programs in support of the Global March were organised.
Delhi: In the capital city a seminar and press meet was organized on May 4 at the N D Tiwari Bhawan, ITO, New Delhi to express solidarity with the Global March for Science. Dr Raghunandan (Director, CTD, New Delhi), Prof Dhruv Raina (JNU) and Prof Soumitro Banerjee (Gen Secretary, Breakthrough Science Society) explained the issues being raised through the global march for science. The program was organized by March for Science, Delhi Organising Committee.
Kolkata: On May demonstrations in front of Calcutta University and Presidency University were held. Following this a March was taken out with demand placards from Presidency University to College Square. Researchers, students, teachers, and science loving people took part in the March. Prof Amitava Dutta, Prof Dhurbajyoti Mukhopadhyay (President, Breakthrough Science Society) and several others addressed the gathering.
Bengaluru: A seminar on ‘Women in Science’ was organized at K L E College, Rajajinagar, Bengaluru on May 4, in solidarity with the Global March for Science. The panellists included Prof Jayant Murthy (Acting Director,Indian Institute of Astrophysics), Ms Rajani K S (Secretary, BSS, Karnataka), Prof Prajval Shastri (Senior Astrophysicist), Prof Sumati Surya (Professor, Raman Research Institute), Mr G Sathish Kumar (President, BSS, Karnataka), Dr Sudha Kamath (Retd. Plastic Surgeon), Prof S Chatterjee (President, AIPSN) and Dr Jyotsana Dixit (Science Writer).
Chennai: On May 4, a People’s Meet in solidarity with the Global March was organised at the Elliots Beach, Besant Nagar, Chennai. Scientists, researchers, students and science enthusiasts participated in the meet. Mr Ilango Subramanian (Newton Science Club) and Dr Uma Ramachandran (Convener, March for Science Chennai Organising Committee) addressed the gathering.
Hyderabad: Breakthrough Science Society, Jana Vignana Vedika (AIPSN) and O.Y.S.T.E.R (NGO) jointly organised a Science March on May 4 from NCC gate to the Science Block at Osmania University, Hyderabad. Prof Adinarayana (JVV President), Mr R Gangadhar (BSS Convener), Dr K Babu Rao (Former Scientist, IICT), Prof Satyaprasad (Osmania University), Dr Bapuji (Scientist, CCMB) and Sri Varaprasad (Secretary, JVV) addressed the gathering.
Ahemedabad: Universe Science Forum (USF) organised a meeting in support of the Global March for Science on May 4 at the Narmad-Meghani Library, Ahmedabad. Shri Prashantbhai Joshi, Mr Kishan Malaviya, Mr Jahaan Thakkar, Dr A R Prasanna (Retd. Scientist, PRL) and Dr Raghvan Rangarajan (Professor, Ahmedabad University) spoke in the meeting.
Agartala: BSS Tripura unit organised a demonstration at the City centre on May 4 in support of the global march for science.
Darjeeling (North Bengal): On May 4, a rally and a street drama were organised in front of North Bengal University in support of the global march for science.
Dhupguri (Jalpaiguri): On May 4 a demonstration was held at Dhupguri in support of the global march.
Namchi (Sikkim): A convention on ‘Climate change’ was organised on May 4 by the Namchi Science Club affiliated to Breakthrough Science Society.
Alappuzha (Kerala): A science march was taken out on May 5 at Alappuzha town on May 5 in solidarity with the global march.
Guna (Madhya Pradesh): A discussion on the topic “Science in today’s scenario” was organized by BSS Guna unit on May 5 in solidarity with the global march for science.