India Science OTT and Vigyan Prasar Radio: A Stride to Promote Sustainable Development

Abstract

Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms for entertainment are immensely popular in contemporary times. The Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, in collaboration with Vigyan Prasar, in a much notable and visionary initiative, launched the India Science OTT channel for promoting and popularising scientific knowledge and awareness in 2019. It aims to communicate the traditional and latest developments of science and technology among the masses and, consequently, inculcate the spirit of a scientific mindset. Another exemplary and praiseworthy step is the introduction of an online radio channel named ‘Vigyan Prasar Radio’ in the India Science OTT platform. This radio channel exclusively propagates the idea and need for sustainable development for effective management of natural resources and improved quality of living standards. The increasing rates of the global population, industrialisation, urbanisation and consumption have increased the odds of imbalance in society and nature. The present article carried out a qualitative content analysis of the Vigyan Prasar Radio programmes that address the concerns and opportunities for sustainable development in the Indian context.