CDLSIET, Main

Introducing the multi-institutional, multi-lingual science communication initiative – CovidGyan

The torrent of information generated and spread from all corners of the world on Covid-19 and coronavirus has created information overload. It is a challenge to comprehend reliable information while filtering out misinformation. A multi-institutional, multi-lingual science communication initiative, called CovidGyan, has been created to deal with just this challenge. The initiative is the brainchild of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), and the Tata Memorial Centre (TMC). Other prominent partners include Vigyan Prasar, IndiaBioscience, and the Bangalore Life Science Cluster (BLiSC, which comprises InStem and C-CAMP, in addition to NCBS-TIFR). An outcome of this initiative is the launch of the CovidGyan website: https://covid-gyan.in Many of our scientists are contributing to this initiative with passion and professional competence. The mandate of the CovidGyan initiative is to create, curate and communicate scientifically credible and authentic COVID-19 related content and resources. The main target audience of this content is the general citizenry as well as the scientifically curious who would like to keep abreast of the developments. People from all strata of society should have access to trustworthy information in a language that they understand best, therefore CovidGyan will be making special efforts to make the resources available in as many Indian languages as possible. The topics on the website covers the science, as well as the guidance for health and well-being.

The CovidGyan website includes short informative videos, posters and infographics, FAQs, mythbusters, and articles, which are being actively translated into multiple Indian languages. We have published the resources in a Creative Commons license so that the resources can be republished in your own website and prominent links can be provided on your platforms and social media pages. You may send your suggestions and comments at [email protected]. The website with authentic and reliable information available in multiple languages would be very valuable for the education community – to students as well as teachers at all levels from school to the university.

AICTE requests you to take benefit of the initiative and to publicize it widely among students and faculty of your institution. For any further information, please contact Prof. Rajesh Gopakumar, Centre Director ICTS-TIFR (contact details: [email protected]). Copy of Letter from Director, TATA Institute of Fundamental Research is attached for your reference.

Regards
Chairman
AICTE