About SSM
Aims & Objectives
Its aims
Swadeshi Science Movement (Kerala Chapter of Vijnana Bharati, India) is a popular Science Movement with a total commitment to the Swadeshi Spirit and approach in Science and Technology. Swadeshi Science Movement has been launched at the national level with its units in all states. The movement would endeavour towards national reconstruction on the following lines.
- - Synthesis of science and spirituality.
- - Expositions of the glory of scientific and technological contributions of India from ancient to modern times and linking up the ancient concepts with modern.
- - Development of national languages as effective media for communication of sciences at popular as well as research levels.
- - Persuading authorities to include Indian contributions to the world of science in our text books at various levels.
- - Publication of popular and research journals in Indian languages.
Its philosophy
India has a rich tradition in science and technology right from vedic period. Unfortunately the present generation is almost ignorant of the remarkable contributions of India to science and technology made during the ancient, medieval and modern periods. The education imparted in schools and colleges recognizes science and technology as of western origin. It is high time thaw we should explode this myth and work for a cultural renaissance to rekindle the spirit of holistic approach to science, engineering and technology welded to moral, ethical and spiritual values which were the corner stones of Indian culture. Understanding and appreciating our heritage will inspire and motivate our people for much greater achievements and will thus be instrumental in bringing about social changes and all round development of the country.
In India, physical science and spiritual sciences progressed hand in hand. Fusion of mind and matter has been well aware of by our forefathers. This approach has been the foundation to all branches of Indian systems of knowledge like Ayurveda, Yogavidya, Vasthuvidya, Vaimanika sastra, Jyothi sastra etc. This is one thing the Westerners find difficult to under stand.
Swadeshi has yet another plane of meaning at present, we feel strongly of the need of self reliance in the field of science and technology. We know that technology comes to any country from outside with a string attached. This, in fact, is a type of intellectual colonialism imposed by the development countries. One should break away from any system which leads to such situation. We need Swadeshi efforts in science and technology more than ever. A synergic effort generated amongst the scientist and technologies and masses will equip Indian to get transformed into a brighter future in the years to come.
The 'Swadeshi Science' concept is not a dogma, but a dynamic, holistic, approach to evolve a policy from work for national development with redlines to adopt, adapt and assimilate the best from every where.
Its motto
The motto of Swadeshi Science Movement is "Science is neither for revolution nor for exploitation, but it is for social harmony and integral development". All the activities of Swadeshi Science Movement are planned and executed with social commitment and progress of the nation in view. Swadeshi Science Movement in a nutshell can be said as:
- A movement for promoting and propagating Science and Technology developments in our country,
- A Swadeshi movement in the field of Science and Technology, and as,
- A movement for the development of Swadeshi Sciences.
Activities
Ramanuja Sarani (Mathematics Faculty of SSM)
- Mathematics Research and Study Centre fully dedicated for Indian Mathematics Conducts seminars on Indian Mathematics (like contributions of Aaryabhata, Bhaskara, Varahamihira etc.)
- Offers a one year programme on Vedic Mathematics a basic level
- 12 lessons (of the study material) will be posted to the students enrolled.
- Knowledge of basic Mathematics (8th std. level) is necessary to study this basic course in Vedic Maths
- Certificate will be issued at the end of the course
- Fee : Rs. 500/- in India ($ 125 for abroad). Amount can be sent by DD in favour of Ramanuja Sarani payable at Ernakulam, Kerala
- Also offers a one year course in Advanced Vedic and Indian Mathematics
Vagbhata Sarani
Vaghbhata Sarani is the faculty of Ayurvedic research and studies of Swadeshi Science Movement. It comprises of students, teachers, Ayurvedic practitioners and well wishers of Ayurveda. An important mission of the sarani is the logical understanding of the scientific principles of Ayurveda and its popularization making use of modern scientific approaches. Vaghbhata Sarani is trying to make this Swadeshi Science more integral and appropriate to modern society by conducting various workshops and study classes.
Vaghbhata Sarani has been organising workshops named 'Sasthra Madhanam' for the benefit of students and practitioners of Ayurveda. A particular topic is selected for each workshop and eminent doctors from different systems of medicine take classes. Sasthra Madhanam 2000 was held at Ernakulam from 29th September to 1st October with the focal theme of 'Anorectal diseases-and Khsarsuthra'.
The Present president of the Sarani is Dr. N.K. Mahadevan from Alappuzha and the Convener Dr. P.R. Rajendran from Ernakulam.
Vasthu Vidya Sarani
Vashtuvidya Sarani is the faculty dealing with Civil and Architectural engineering. The popularization of low cost eco-friendly construction of houses with locally available materials is one of the activity taken up by Vasthu Vidya Sarani. The stress is on popularization of principles and practices of traditional architecture. The present convener of Vasthu Vidya Sarani is Shri Vivekanandan, Kochi.
Publications
Publication Division
The Publication Division of Swadeshi Science Movement started functioning at Thiruvananthapuram from April, 1998 (with Dr. M.N. Sreedharan Nair as Convener and Dr. C. Suresh Kumar as Joint Convener). All the publications of the Swadeshi Science Movement were to be eventually brought under the Publications Division. Accordingly, publication of 'Swadeshi Science' bimonthly in Malayalam, the only periodical brought out by the Movement at that time was taken up by the Publication Division. The 'Swadeshi Science' is addressed to teachers and students at higher secondary and college levels, and the educated public. It covers almost all branches of Science; Physical, Bilogical, Medical (both traditional and modern), Environmental and Agriculture and such branches of technology as Biotechnology, Information Technology, Nuclear and Space Technologies and so on. The magazine maintains a high standard both in contents and lay out. Copies of the magazine are distributed free of cost among the members of the Swadeshi Science Movement.
Important Publications
- Science India National Monthly Magazine in English
- At the Interface The Interface between Science and Philosophy by Dr. C.G. Ramachandran Nair Rs.50/- (with discount Rs.10/-)
- The Golden Age of Indian Mathematics Rs.40/-
- Nadi Vandanam 5 Books on River Protection and Management Rs. 7 per book
- Swadeshi Vijnana Mela Book Rs.50/-
- Vedic Mathematics 1 Year Correspondence Course Prospectus Rs.10/- Course fee – Rs. 400/-
- Athreeyam (On Ayurveda) Rs. 40/-
- History of Indian Science English – Rs.50/- Malayalam – Rs.30/-
- Ashtanga Hridaya Satram
- Bhaskaracharyarude Bijaganitham by Dr. V.B. Panicker
Annual Subscription Rs.200/-,
Single Copy Rs.20/-
Membership
Information for the Members
Objectives
The Swadeshi Science Movement (SSM) will be a scientific, educational and cultural society dedicated to work for the following objectives.
a) To encourage, promote, and advance inter disciplinary co-operation among Scientists and Technologists belonging to different disciplines for the growth of teaching, research and promotion of knowledge in all branches of Science and technology.
b) To disseminate knowledge in (a) above
c) To stimulate and aid research and development of indigenous technology in all aspects of science and scientific literature.
d) To help improvement of standards of education.
e) To inculcate spirit of patriotism and self reliance in the application and adoption of Science and technology consistent with the cultural heritage of India in the field of pure and applied sciences.
In pursuit of these objectives, the Swadeshi Science Movement may engage in the following activities.
a) Motivate Scientists and Technologists to develop indigenous technologies for industrial and economic development of the country through Seminars, Workshops, Exhibition etc.
b) Publication of official journals and scientific articles and books.
c) Set up advisory bodies for various activities.
d) To maintain contacts with other learned and professional Organisations.
e) Purchase, take on lease or otherwise acquire, hold, manage, let, sell, exchange,mortgage properties of SSM.
f) Borrow or raise funds in such manner as the SSM may think fit and collect subscription and donations for the purpose of the association.
g) Invest money of SSM in such manner as may from time to time be determined by SSM.
h) Undertake or arrange to undertake sponsored research projects and seminars and to receive financial assistance from Governmental and private organizations without commercial or profit motives.
i) Undertake such other activities which are cognate to the objectives of SSM or conductive to the attainment of these objectives.
j) To establish regional centres for the furtherance of objectives.
> Enrollment of Members
A candidate seeking membership has to submit an application to the President in the prescribed form. The Executive Council may by simple majority of the members present at the meeting approve the application for membership in accordance with the conditions for eligibility of membership.
a) The membership of SSM shall be confined to those who have educational or research experience or aptitude in the fields of Science and technology. Those who are genuinely interested in advancing the cause of Science and technology consistent with the cultural heritage of India are also eligible for membership of SSM.
b) There shall be three categories of membership namely 1) Patrons 2) Life Members 3) Annual Members
c) The Life membership shall be restricted to those elected as Members after having paid Rs. 1000/-
d) Annual membership shall be restricted to those elected as Members on payment of Rs. 150/
p> Duration of Membership
The duration of membership of Annual Members is one financial year expiring on 31st March and it is renewable every year on payment of Rs.150/- which shall be paid on or before 30th June of every year. Patrons and Life Members will sustain their membership for life of the members.
Achievements
National Award for Outstanding Efforts in Science and Technology Communication by NCSTC (Ministry of DST, Govt. of India)
Swadeshi Science Movement, Kerala chapter of Vijnana Bharati has been bestowed with the prestigious "National Award for Outstanding Efforts in Science and Technology Communication" from Ministry of Science & Technology, Govt.of India. This award is given for the relentless efforts by SSM for taking science and technology to the masses.. The Award was presented by Sri. Kapil Sibal, Union Minister for Science and Technology and Earth Science on 1st March, 2007 at Technology Bhavan, New Delhi.
According to the Department of Science and Technology, Swadeshi Science Movement is the only Organisation selected for this Award by the Committee for its various activities in the field of S & T Communication. This Award consists of a Memento, Citation and Rs.Two Lakh.
Swadeshi Science Movement has declared to donate this Cash Prize of Two lakhs for the establishment of a "Virtual University" in the name of Nalanda. Nalanda Virtual University will strive to synergize traditional knowledge with modern developments in the fields of Engineering & Technology, Mathematics, Astronomy, Physical Sciences, Philosophy, Culture and Values, Basic and Health Sciences, Environmental studies and Sanskrit & Language Studies. The University will collaborate with various Institutions and Universities.
Prof. V.P.N. Nampoori (State Secretary, SSM Kerala) receiving award from Shri. Kapil Sibal, Hon'ble Minister for Science and Technology, Govt. of India. Shri. Ch. Narendra Sharma, Shri. P.A. Vivekananda Pai, Dr. R. Raveendran Pillai, Shri. P.N. Subramanian are also seen (from left)
Jawaharlal Nehru Prize for Science Popularisation by Indian Science Congress Association (ISCA)
Swadeshi Science Movement, the Kerala chapter of Vijnana Bharati honoured with the prestigious "Jawaharlal Nehru Prize" for the year 2005-2006 instituted by the Indian Science Congress Association for the popularisation of science. The award includes a cash award of Rs.One lakh and a plaque. The selection board specially appreciated the key role played by Swadeshi science movement for its endeavor for the promotion and popularisation of sciences at all levels, especially among students at shool and college level and for the common man .The selection board also mentioned the efforts of Swadeshi science movement to blend the modern sciences with the traditional ones and the age old socio-cultural and scientific value based system.
The award was received by Shri. P.N. Subramanian, State President from the Hon'ble Prime Minister on 3rd January, 2006 during the inaugural session of 93rd Indian Science Congress held at Acharya N G Renga Agricultural University, Hyderabad
Shri. P.N. Subramanian (State President, SSM Kerala) receiving award from Hon'ble Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh
