Union Minister of State for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr Jitendra Singh, has lauded the large-scale public participation in the fifth edition of Swachh Sagar Surakshit Sagar, under which coastal clean-up activities were conducted at 231 locations across 13 States and Union Territories.
The campaign, held from September 12 to 19, saw 15 lakh people take the Ocean Conservation Pledge, bringing together citizens, students, coastal communities, government agencies, scientific institutions and volunteers for a nationwide effort towards cleaner coasts and safer seas.
Dr Jitendra Singh reviewed the campaign during the Monthly Review Meeting of Scientific Ministries and Departments in New Delhi. He called for greater coordination among Science Ministries and Departments, the development of city-based scientific clusters and wider public outreach of India’s achievements in science, technology and innovation.
The Minister emphasised the need for scientific institutions to work with greater synergy and visibility. He said city-based scientific clusters could help bring together institutions and stakeholders working in related areas.
He also stressed the importance of strengthening the communication ecosystem across Science Ministries and Departments to ensure that major achievements in science and technology are communicated to citizens in a timely and accessible manner.
The meeting reviewed the proposed Digital Library of Scientific Achievements, which is envisaged as a common repository of videos and other communication material showcasing the work of India’s scientific institutions.
CSIR-NIScPR is working as the nodal institution for developing the institutional mechanism and implementation framework for the digital library. The concerned Ministries and Departments are also working on modalities for participation and resource sharing.
The meeting also reviewed ongoing digital outreach initiatives of the Department of Science and Technology, Department of Biotechnology, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, CSIR and Ministry of Earth Sciences. These initiatives include short-form content highlighting significant scientific and technological achievements.
‘Vigyan Ki Baat’ to focus on quantum technology
Dr Jitendra Singh also reviewed the progress of ‘Vigyan Ki Baat’, a monthly lecture series launched by the Department of Science and Technology to showcase the work of India’s autonomous scientific institutions.
The second edition of the series is scheduled for September 26, 2026, and will feature the Director of the S.N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences. The session will focus on developments in foundational physical sciences and quantum technology.
The inaugural edition, held on August 29, witnessed participation from more than 7,500 people from academia, research organisations and industry.
The series aims to provide a regular platform for communicating cutting-edge research and technological innovations while highlighting their relevance to the country.
Review of CSIR@85 and ESTIC-2026
The meeting also reviewed preparations for CSIR@85, including the programme scheduled for September 25, as well as updates related to ESTIC-2026.
Discussions focused on programme preparedness, coordination and effective communication of the achievements and contributions of India’s scientific institutions.
Dr Jitendra Singh also called for stronger inter- and intra-ministerial coordination through thematic interactions and cluster-based engagements. Regular interaction among the communication teams of scientific Ministries and Departments was emphasised to facilitate coordinated outreach.
The Minister stressed that India’s advances in science, technology and innovation should be made more visible, accessible and relevant to society. He underlined that stronger institutional collaboration, coordinated communication and sustained public engagement should remain integral to India’s scientific ecosystem.
