Saturday, March 17, 2012

Science Literature in Hindi Language: A Bird Eye View


Science Literature in Hindi Language: A Bird Eye View

Arvind Mishra* and Bhise Ram** 
*President, Science Bloggers Associatioan Of India
16, Cotton Mill Colony, Chowkaghat ,Varanasi – 221002
**Assistant Professor, Communication Skills, Department of FE &H,
Saraswati College of Engineering, Khargpur, Navi Mumbai -410209

          Science writing in Hindi appears to have began in 1818 (Patariya, 2000) with the publication of a magazine named “Hindi Digdarshan,” copies of which were circulated to many schools in West Bengal.  ‘Digdarshan' regularly incorporated materials on science, a trend that was not in vogue at that time even in contemporary reputed Hindi publication 'Udant martand' (1928) credited to be the first Hindi newspaper.
            Patairiya (2000) further narrates that a questionnaire related to chemistry way published in Hindi, named, "Rasayan Prakash Prashnottar' in 1847 by Agra School Book Society. The trend was followed with subsequent publications of 'Saral Vigyan Vitap' (1860), Sulabh Beej ganit” (1875) and ‘Gati Vigyan’ (1885) from various academic institutions. Efforts were also made to translate notable works of English scientific publications into Hindi language during that period.
The Beginning
Science writer Shiv Gopal Mishra (2001) considers the period of 1840-1914 as the 'Emergence period of Hindi science writing. This early beginning was followed by a prolonged period of Hindi science writing characterized by the sporadic writings and publications of Hindi science articles in different publications by many science enthusiasts and writers like Pandit Sudhkar Dwivedi , Pandit Laxmi Shankar Dwivedi, Pandit Laxmi Shankar Mishra and Shri Mahesh Charan Sinha. Such prolonged period of Hindi science writing in fact paved the way for establishment of some full fledged organizations devoted solely to science writing, prominent among them being “Vigyan Parishad Prayag' established on 10 March 1913. The 100th anniversary celebrations of this august body devoted to science writing began on the 13th March 2012 and were inaugurated by our esteemed Ex. President A P J Abdul Kalam.  Vigyan Parishat initiated the publication of a monthly magazine 'Vigyan' in 1915 which is being ceaselessly published since then. The magazine Vigyan has attracted the attention of so many budding young science writers and provided them a suitable platform where they could get their articles published easily. Many today's well know Hindi Science writers have had written once for Vigyan routinely or intermittently.
The proliferation
            The period of 1950-1970 has been marked as a 'phase of proliferation' of Hindi science writing as ample amount of literature related to many newer branches  of science started appearing in various publications. Prominent science writers of this paned were Dr. Satya Prakash, Professor Phuldev Sahay Verma, Dr. Nand Lal Singh, Shri R.D. Vidyarthi, Dr. Om Prakash Sharma etc. Yet another period which witnessed the setting up of 'Paribhashic Shabdavali Aayog' (The commission for scientific and technical terminology) commenced in 1950 and also witnessed establishment of many Hindi academies, appearances of many eminent science writers, translators  like Suresh Singh, Ramesh Bedi, Dr. D.S. Kothari, Dr. Gorakh Prasad, Dr. Satya Prakash, Dr. Atmaram, Dr. Ram Charan Mehrotra, Shri Shyam Narayan Kapur, Shri Jagpati Chaturvedi . These writers contributed immensely to the enrichment of Hindi Science writing. Dr. Shiv Gopal Mishra (2002) has termed this period (1950-1970) as 'Sarvottham Kal' i,e. prospering period of Hindi Science writing. Many other writers of prominence were Shri Ramesh Datt Sharma, Shri Vishnudatt Sharma, Harish Agrawal, Gunakar Mule, Premanand Chandela, Kailash Shah etc.
Modern phase                                                                                               
Critics tend to agree that modern phase of science writing in Hindi began around 1970’s with the publication of good quality science books for academic institutions. Translation work also got new impetus during this work mostly with the help of university professors. Profuse scientific literature of many emerging disciplines of science came to fore which included environmental imbalance, information technology etc. Many present day science writers shaped their career or hobby of writing science in their mother tongue i,e. Hindi during early 70's or 80's ,prominent among them being Premanand Chandola, Schukdev Prasad, Devendra Mewati, Braj mohan Gupta, Manoj Patariya , Vinita Singhal, Arvind Mishra, Jagdip Saxena, Vijay Kumar Shrivastava, Ranbir Singh etc. During 1980's science fiction writing also got an impetus with the efforts made by Indian Association of Science Fiction Writing (IASFS) which promoted works of science fiction writers like Zakir Ali ‘Rajnish’, Zeashan Haidar Zaidy, Kalpana Kulshrestna, Bushra Alwera, Dr. Arvind Dubey, Manish Mohan Gore, Arvind Dubey  etc. Many renowned science writers also got inclined towards science fiction writing like Shukdev Prasad, Devendra Mewadi, Arvind Mishra, Rajiva Ranjan Prasad etc. whose works now form the corner stone of science fiction writing in Hindi.
The Terminology
            A widespread misunderstanding still persists among many science writers about terminology, forms and categorization of different subgenres of science writing. With the passage of time science writing has genuinely diversified itself into many sub genres in Hindi language too. For example popular science writing has now completely established itself as a conspicuous and distinguished subgenre of science writing but still today it is often mistakenly referred to as science writing only. It is indeed science writing but a very special form of science writing which aims to have a direct rapport with common people.
            As a matter of fact science writing in general is a kind of very specific form of writing and is practiced and understood by a very limited audience i.e. by scientists only. With passage of time, it has got so specialized that even two of its practitioners cannot understand the writings of their 'specific' subjects. On other hand popular science writers make their writings very lucid and easily understandable by even a common man. So in our humble opinion popular science writing should never be designated as merely 'science writing' but science writing of a very distinguished form and must always be labeled clearly as popular science writing.
            The science writing of yore also adopted a new lexicon/term   of ‘science journalism' and later as science communication. The use of 'science communication' is currently in practice. But there is again a need to make a demarcation in between ' science communication ' and 'popular science communication’. It is heartening that Hindi science writers have lately began to understand such nuances and subtleties of the subject.
Different subgenres and media
            Hindi science writing too has gained enormous popularity in various media i.e. print, broadcast and lately the digital media. Newspapers, magazines usually publish news and articles and even fiction stories on science. All India Radio and different T.V. channels and cables now regularly broadcast ‘stories ' on science.  Government of India has also funded such programmes through National Council for Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC) and Vigyan Prasar. Many Hindi science blogs are increasingly inviting attention of the audience of digital medium.  Science Bloggers Association of India regularly publishes popular science write- ups/posts on various scientific subjects in Hindi and has an appreciable blog popularity index. (Darshal Lal 2012).
            Various forms/subgenres of science writing including science news, science articles and essays, science drama, science poem, science fiction, science fiction, science reports, science features are popular amongst Hindi audience. Hindi magazines have immensely contributed to the enrichment of popular science since as early as 1880's when magzines like 'Kavi Vachan Sudha' (1867), Harischandra magazine (1875), Hindi Pradeep (1877)' showed interested in publishing scientific essays regularly. Reputed Hindi literature magazine ‘Sarswati' published not only scientific articles but even science fiction stories from its very first issue which appeared in 1900. Sarswati regularly published science articles and essays till 1950 after which its publication became erratic. In 1915, Vigyan Parishad Prayag initiated publication of ‘Vigyan’ a magazine solely devoted to science in 1915.  Other magazines which were of prominence but got discontinued were. Vigyan Lok, (1960), Vigyan Jagat (1961), Gyan Vigyan (1979), Vigyan Bharti (1978), Vigyan  Vaichariki(1980),Paryavaran Darshan(1980),Vigyan Vithi (1981), Vigyan Puri (1981). Noteworthy contributions to popular Hindi science writing have particularly been made by Vigyan Pragati, a CSIR magazine and Avishkar (NRDC) which are being regularly published. Eklavya', a magazine solely for children is also being published from Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 'Vaigyanic' (by BARC, Mumbai). “Vigyan Ganga” (Hindi Council, Central secretariat) and ‘Vigyan Garima Sindhu' (The commission for scientific and technical terminology, New Delhi) are magazines which are still regular and publishes quality science articles. 
            This account of science writing in Hindi is only a bird eye view and in no way a complete description of its origin, trends and status. For further studies readers are recommended to refer the following literature   in order to a have a comprehensive picture of science writing in Hindi language.
            The organizers of this first science  literature conference under the aegis of Mrathi Vigyan Parishad ,Solapur ,Maharashtra have done a commendable work in providing an opportunity and a common platform to science writers of various Indian languages. Such events are of great importance as they not only present a holistic picture of science writing in the country but also develop camaraderie and cooperation amongst writers of different regions and tastes.   
References :-
1.         Mishra, Shiv Gopal (2001), “Hindi Men Vigyan Lekhan ke Sau Varsh (100 years of science writing in Hindi) Vol 1, Vigyan Prasar, New Delhi.
2.         Mishra, Sihv Gopal, (2001), Hindi men Vigyan Lekhan ke Sau Varsh (100 years of science writing in Hindi) Val II, Vigyan Prasar, 2001, New Delhi.
3.         Mishra, Shiv Gopal and Vishnudatt Sharma (2002), Swastantrata Parvarti Hindi Vigyan Lekhan 'Hindi science writing after independence (part 1), 1950-1970, Bhartiya Prakasham Sansthan, Dariyagant, New Delhi.
4. Patariya Manoj (2000), Hindi Vigyan Patrakarita (Hindi Science Journalism), Takshshila Prakashan, Dariyaganj, New Delhi.
5.         Lal Darshan, Indu Arora, Arvind Mishra & Zakir Ali. 'Rajnish' (2012), Role of science blogs in developing scientific temper through digital media, pre-proceedings, Internaterial conference in Science Communication for scientific temper , 10-12 January 2012, New Delhi (NISCAIR, CSIR, Vigyan Prasar & NCSTS’s joint venture).          
    PS: Paper was presented by the second author in "First Vigyan Sahitya Sammelan"  i.e. First Science Literature Conference  organised by Marathi Vigyan Parishad ,Solapur Vibhag (chapter) held in Solapur,Maharashtra on 17-18 March ,2002.  

51 comments:

  1. I dont think there are good science fiction writers are india. There is only one science mag "vigyan pragati" but the failed to give it to public for online reading.
    I read Si Fi sotries in Vigyan pragati.
    Other Indian Magazines and Newspapers, we can read from these sites.

    http://www.eazyhomepage.com/Indian_magazines.html
    http://www.eazyhomepage.com/Indian_newspapers.html

    ReplyDelete
  2. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  3. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  4. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  5. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  6. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  7. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  8. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  9. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  10. What i don't realize is in reality how you are now not really a lot more neatly-appreciated than you might be right now. You're so
    intelligent. You realize therefore significantly in terms of this topic, produced me in
    my opinion imagine it from a lot of numerous angles.
    Its like women and men are not interested unless it's one thing to do with Girl gaga! Your individual stuffs great. At all times care for it up!

    Here is my web page :: home inspection Gauteng
    my webpage > estimations Gauteng

    ReplyDelete
  11. I am really loving the theme/design of your site.

    Do you ever run into any browser compatibility issues?
    A couple of my blog visitors have complained about
    my website not working correctly in Explorer but looks
    great in Opera. Do you have any solutions to help fix this problem?


    Also visit my web page Microsoft Office Training Pietermaritzburg

    ReplyDelete
  12. Greetings! Very useful advice within this post! It's the little changes that produce the largest changes. Thanks a lot for sharing!

    Here is my site accident vehicle cleaning Gauteng
    Also see my website: accident Vehicle Cleaning Gauteng

    ReplyDelete
  13. whoah this blog is fantastic i really like reading your posts.
    Stay up the great work! You realize, lots of people are hunting around for this information,
    you can help them greatly.

    Also visit my web page; click here

    ReplyDelete
  14. Wow, amazing blog layout! How long have you been blogging for?
    you made blogging look easy. The overall look of your web site
    is excellent, let alone the content!

    Feel free to visit my page; patio cushion Johannesburg

    ReplyDelete
  15. I appreciate, result in I discovered exactly what I was looking for.
    You've ended my four day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a nice day. Bye

    Feel free to surf to my site; site

    ReplyDelete
  16. Its like you learn my thoughts! You appear to grasp so
    much approximately this, like you wrote the book in it or something.

    I think that you could do with some percent to drive the message house a little bit, however other than that, that is
    fantastic blog. A fantastic read. I'll certainly be back.

    Also visit my website - more info

    ReplyDelete
  17. Good way of explaining, and pleasant piece of writing to take information concerning my presentation subject, which i am going to
    present in university.

    Here is my web site - supervision Cape Town

    ReplyDelete
  18. Good way of explaining, and pleasant piece of writing to take information concerning my presentation subject,
    which i am going to present in university.

    Here is my web page; supervision Cape Town

    ReplyDelete
  19. Spot on with this write-up, I honestly think this site needs a great deal more attention.
    I'll probably be back again to see more, thanks for the information!

    Also visit my web page :: visit link

    ReplyDelete
  20. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  21. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  22. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  23. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  24. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  25. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  26. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  27. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  28. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  29. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  30. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  31. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  32. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  33. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  34. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  35. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  36. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Thanks for sharing such a intresting post:ebook publisher

    ReplyDelete
  38. I like your post. It is good to see you verbalize from the heart and clarity on this important subject can be easily observed... RMLAU Result 2019

    ReplyDelete
  39. Such a very useful article. Very interesting to read this article.I would like to thank you for the efforts you had made for writing this awesome article. BCOM 2nd Year Result 2019

    ReplyDelete
  40. Pretty good post. I have just stumbled upon your blog and enjoyed reading your blog posts very much. I am looking for new posts to get more precious info. Big thanks for the useful info. Yeh Rishtey Hain Pyaar Ke future story

    ReplyDelete
  41. excellent article. very interesting to read. i really like to read such a nice article. thanks...
    BCom 1st Year Result

    ReplyDelete
  42. Thats been great.For hindi news visit Hindi Samachar

    ReplyDelete
  43. Dev tells Mohana that you will stop me? I will marry Piya and you won’t be able to stop me able to stop me

    ReplyDelete
  44. A decent blog generally thinks of previously unheard-of data and keeping in mind that perusing I feel that this blog truly has that multitude of characteristics that qualify a blog to be one. Fanaa Written update

    ReplyDelete

If you strongly feel to say something on Indian SF please do so ! Your comment would be highly valued and appreciated !