COVID Katha: A multimedia guide for mass awareness
The National Council for Science & Technology Communication (NCSTC), Department of Science & Technology (DST) in association with Dr. Anamika Ray Memorial Trust, has brought out the Hindi version of the Popular Multimedia Guide for Mass Awareness carrying important information on A-to-Z of COVID-19 pandemic.
The
English version has already been released early this month. In order to
fulfil the great demand of the Hindi version of COVID Katha especially
from the Hindi heartland, the Hindi edition of the COVID Katha has been
brought out with added and revised information for the benefit of the
people.
Prof. Ashutosh Sharma, Secretary, DST while appreciating the COVID Katha: A multimedia guide for mass awarenesshas
said that the interpretation of science in common man’s language is
important for awareness amongst laypersons and Hindi being largely
spoken language the Hindi version of COVID Katha carries more value.
Prof. Sharma said that science cartoons (scientoons)
while carrying scientific messages and explaining the health concepts
in a simple manner also add humour and amusement during the present
health crisis when people feel stressed!
To
spread general awareness on COVID-19 using multimedia techniques and
digital platforms, the Department of Science & Technology, Govt. of
India, has come out with an interactive electronic guide to help people
understand and address the pandemic with suitable knowledge and
confidence.
Interestingly,
a people supported COVID Katha movement has been started across the
country, and a chain reaction is taking shape. The COVID Katha is being
translated in the Khasi language of Meghalaya; Tamil version is also
coming up; people are working on Bengali and Assamese versions on their
own.
Various
science communication enthusiasts are effectively trying to put
together COVID Katha in different formats, i.e., Flip version,
Animations, Videos and other formats. Several official agencies are also
using various elements of COVID Katha in their social media and other
mass communication campaigns on COVID-19, i.e., Do’s & Don’ts,
Scientoons, daily information using one alphabet every day, etc. Hindi
and other languages versions of COVID Katha would help spread awareness
deeper into grass-root level.
Sources https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=1627188
Read COVID Katha in Hindi
Read COVID Katha in English