Allahabad: The Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha, S. Charnjit Singh Atwal stressed the role of the National Media in creating the right scientific attitude and temper amongst the youth in the country.

Atwal was speaking during a Panel Discussion at the Nobel Laureates' Science Conclave 2008 - a week-long mega symposium, exhibition and lecture series on science and technology.

More than 2000 delegates including students, scientists from India and all over the world are attending this event. Minister of Science and Technology, Mr. Kapil Sibal was also scheduled to attend the discussion, but couldn't make it due to a very thick fog that caused many flights to be cancelled.

Terming the Science Conclave as a landmark event in the history of Indian science and Education, Mr. Atwal while referring to Allahabad as the land of the sangam said, "The confluence of scientific minds from different streams of science should ideally be described as the science sangam to give a native flavour to this prestigious international event."

Full Coverage of the Science Conclave 2008 by www.IndiaEduNews.net

He chastised the Indian national television media for not giving nationwide coverage to such an international event.

"The mass media should not confine itself to entertainment and sports. Education must be get attention from the mass media, which has emerged as a significant agent of social change," he said in his 9-page type written speech.

Later on speaking on the sidelines of the event, when queried he said that National Interest, education and science should come before TRPs and circulation figures.

For the first time in Asia, the Indian Institute of Information Technology, Allahabad (IIIT-A) is hosting the biggest Asian gathering of international Nobel Laureates at the Nobel Laureates Conclave, IIIT, Allahabad from December 15-21, 2008.

The Nobel Laureates Conclave is part of the Science Conclave 2008.

By - Flynn Remedios