In the entertainment obsessed TV industry in India, there has been very little on the science communication front.  Apart from Cartoon Network virtually nothing has been seen to be done on wholesome information for children hungry for elementary information on science & technology.  Apart from televising text books & lab experiments as seen in the schools almost nothing is being done as of now.

A couple of attempts have been made by Indian Space Research Organisation’s DECU and Vigyan Prasar of Department of Science Technology (DST) to bring home sensible science based programmes for children.  Many of these TV programmes have elicited amazing response from children and adults all over India.  Some of these programmes were directed and produced by us.

In partnership with United Nation’s Planet Earth Project and DST, Govt. of India, we are currently producing and directing a seven episode programmes on Planet Earth for national telecast later in 2009.  We have attempted some of the following topics.

We have also produced and directed a 35 episode programme titled ‘Aisa Hi Hota Hain’  which won several national awards.  As a corollary, we also produced and directed ‘‘ Har Muti Mein Science’ that was recognized by many science bodies as a trend setting science programme in India.  Loaded with the experience gained from these programmes, we have invited to make special programmes on ‘planet earth’ to mark UN year of planet earth. 

Besides, a series of science based short films were made for various national science museums and galleries in Bangalore and Mumbai to show case it to the public.  These films are telecast on edusat network of museums. To mention a few

We have on our panel scientists of eminence to guide us and supervise facts and figures to suit the need of the hour, not compromising on the basic scientific concept.  Most of the scientists are serving and some retired but active in popularizing science.

Our in-house research team comprising senior consultants from the scientific fraternity are post graduates and doctoral degree holders having done well for themselves in their respective professions.  Hemant Tripathi, MSc; in botany with gold medal and many distinctions to his credit has culled out our research material for the series on ‘planet earth’ going on air in January, 2009. Himself a good photographer, he has had his stint in many reputed science organizations as a research officer especially in BNHS, Mumbai.  Click here for his profile.

Likewise, Mayur Kamat of repute who spotted tiger for the first time in Bombay has been our shoot and recce consultant on many environment projects.  He has not just saved many stray leopards and exotic species of turtles in Bombay but his record of saving and relocating crocodiles has been impeccable.  He has worked on the project ‘planet earth’ and accompanied shooting crew to a nearby location on the west coast to document multiplying vultures in the wild as well as tracing the tale of olive ridleys.  He also happens to be the National Geographic’s winner of young film makers for the years 2007-2008.

Prior to making any programmes on television, we venture out in schools in the neighborhood to understand and acquire responses from children, what they want to know and discover and how they want to understand and experiment with concepts.  With these tools acquired from science workshops, we make science programmes, not only entertaining but also worth taking note of in terms of information for them as well as the teaching community and science enthusiasts.

Beacon Television has an excellent team and network of Researchers, Translators and tie ups with technicians and artists in Mumbai as well as in many parts of India.  BTV has also forged professional relations with scientists and experts in the course of work.