On 29th of May 2019 Vigyan Prasar published four science books in a book release function at Indian National Science Academy (INSA), in the presence of Prof. Ashutosh Sharma, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology.
The books which were released are:-
- Voyage to Antarctica by Dr. Felix Bast
- Story of Consciousness by Dr. Govind Bhattachariya
- An Autobiography of Moon by Dr. Ramesh Shishu
- Shambhu Nath De by Dr. M S S Murthy
Prof. Ashutosh Sharma stated that popular science books serve an important tool of science communication. He marked the effort of Shambhu Nath De in discovering the Cholera Toxin is not known in his own country. The book on Shambhu Nath De may try to change that situation. Prof. Sharma told that the book ‘Voyage to Antarctica’ may serve as one of the authentic books on Antarctica. He said, the book ‘Story of Consciousness’ explains how human consciousness has evolved over millions of years, marking a paradigm shift in the journey of humankind from the physical to the mental, a shift that would henceforth determine the onward march of civilization. The book, ‘An Autobiography of Moon’ has storytelling format, where, the moon is telling its characteristics to the readers.’ The book will be attractive to young readers according to Prof. Sharma.
‘Voyage to Antarctica’ by Dr. Felix Bast is based on his experience of Antarctica as a part of 36th Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica (ISEA) during 2016-17. This book narrates the Antarctica journey chronologically starting from the inspiration for taking the journey, habilitation training at the Himalayas and then after the accomplishment to assess the effect of the expedition on the scientist’s personal and professional life. Although the book is about Indian journey, it entirely covers Antarctica at the international stage, described the past, present and future of the continent.
‘Story of Consciousness’ – Dr. Govind Bhattachariya pen down on various concepts like biology, neuroscience, psychology, semiotics, linguistics, philosophy and even theology related to human consciousness. This book is the third of the following series story of universe and story of evolution. Basically this book is about the evolution of human consciousness from varied perspective of the writer.
‘An Autobiography of Moon’- Dr. Ramesh Shishu wrote his book in autobiography and story style format to attract young readers. Book torch upon a lot of those secrets like its origin, how it changes its shape daily, why only half of it can be seen, and lot more.
‘Shambhu Nath De’- Dr. M S S Murthy he throws lime light on the great inventor, who contributed a lot to get rid of the cholera epidemic and save our society to a great extent. Untold life and work of this great scientist discussed in this book.
For the public and the gathering present in the book release function the opportunity to interact with the authors of Books was a great experience. They are source of knowledge and to interact with them was wonderful experience for all.
By-Vaidehi Thakur