Paschim Banga Vigyan Mancha

Paschim Banga Vigyan Manch

পশ্চিম বঙ্গ বিজ্ঞান মঞ্চ
Abbreviation	PBVM
Formation	November 29, 1986 (1986-11-29)
Type	Non-governmental organization
Purpose	Promote scientific temper and rational thinking
Headquarters	Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Region	West Bengal
Official language	Bengali
President	Subimal Sen
General Secretary	Pradip Mahapatra
Parent organization	All India People's Science Network (AIPSN)
Website	pbvm.org

Paschim Banga Vigyan Manch (PBVM) is one of the largest people's science movement organizations in India. Established on November 29, 1986, PBVM is a voluntary organization dedicated to promoting scientific temper and rational thinking among the masses. The organization is part of the larger All India People's Science Network (AIPSN).

History

Paschim Banga Vigyan Manch was established in 1986 by a group of educators and scientists in West Bengal. The organization was formed to combat superstitions, pseudoscience, and misinformation, aiming to create a platform where scientific inquiry and education could thrive. The formation was the culmination of various local scientific awareness initiatives dating back to pre-independence Bengal. Influential organizations like the Bangiya Bijnan Parishad and numerous science clubs played pivotal roles in laying the groundwork for PBVM. Today, PBVM boasts a membership exceeding 342,000, with active units in all 22 districts of West Bengal.

Objectives

PBVM aims to:

• Promote the use of science and technology in everyday life.
• Foster awareness about environmental and public health issues.
• Combat superstition and unscientific beliefs.
• Advocate for scientific education in regional languages.
• Oppose technologies detrimental to societal interests.
• Encourage grassroots scientific research and innovation.
• Publish popular science literature.

Activities

PBVM is involved in diverse activities including:

• Environmental conservation and biodiversity protection.
• Health awareness campaigns focusing on vector-borne diseases, maternal and child health, and general healthcare.
• Agricultural development and sustainable farming practices.
• Educational initiatives for children, including hands-on experiments and science fairs.
• Cultural programs and jathas (processions) to promote scientific temper.

Publications

PBVM publishes two notable Bengali periodicals:

• Janovigyaner Istehar: A bi-monthly journal aimed at popularizing science among the general public.
• Kishore Vigyani: A bi-monthly magazine targeted at young readers, introducing them to scientific concepts and encouraging curiosity.

Additionally, PBVM has published nearly 150 books on various scientific topics, contributing significantly to science education in regional languages.

Achievements

PBVM has received several accolades, including the National Award for best effort in Science Popularization in India (1985–89) from the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. The organization continues to play a crucial role in promoting science and technology for societal development in West Bengal.

Key Figures

• President: Subimal Sen
• General Secretary: Pradip Mahapatra

The founders of PBVM include educators and scientists dedicated to promoting science and rationality. Over the years, several prominent scientists and educators have been associated with the organization, contributing to its mission and vision.

Collaborations

PBVM collaborates with various national and international organizations, including educational institutions, research bodies, and other NGOs working in science and education. Notable collaborators include the National Council for Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC), Vigyan Prasar, and Breakthrough Science Society.