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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
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I take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to all PhD Scholars and Postdoctoral Fellows (PDFs) across the country who have submitted their research stories in popular format under AWSAR programme.
As this was a new programme launched in 2018, the process of implementation involved capacity building of the PhD Scholars and Post-doctoral fellows (PDFs). I would like to thank our key resource persons Shri Biman Basu, Former Editor Science Reporter, Shri Dinesh C. Sharma, Managing Editor, India Science Wire and Shri Chander Mohan, Former Head NCSTC Division, DST. All were kind enough to take time from their busy schedules for contributing in this unique endeavour since beginning of this expedition to guide and mentor.
My sincere thanks to the members of ‘Expert Committee’ and ‘Expert Panel’ who have constantly guided the ‘AWSAR team’ with their knowledge and experiences. Their contribution in the entire process is immense and is highly appreciated for timely completion of the evaluation process.
As this was a collaborative effort between DST and Vigyan Prasar, I am grateful to Dr Nakul Parashar, Director, Vigyan Prasar for keeping our morale high and facilitate the entire process effectively and efficiently. All my colleagues in NCSTC Division, DST and Vigyan Prasar who have helped and encouraged throughout and rendered their support and motivation are acknowledged. Special thanks to all the team members who have worked at the back-end day and night to meet the deadlines. Last but not the least I thank media for being part of this journey since its inception until the day AWSAR awards for popular science writing were conferred upon PhD Scholars and PDFs for the first time.
Dr Rashmi Sharma
Scientist-E Department of Science and Technology Government of India