Father of India’s Science Museum Movement Passes Away

Remembering the architect of science centres

Father of India’s Science Museum Movement Passes Away: India has lost a pioneer in science education and public engagement, as Saroj Ghose, known as the Father of India’s science museum movement, has passed away. He wasn’t just an administrator; he was a visionary who reshaped how science is shared with the public.

His legacy in science museums

Saroj Ghose served as the Director General of the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM) for nearly two decades, from 1979 to 1997. During his leadership, he laid the foundation for a strong science museum culture in India. If you’ve ever visited Science City in Kolkata or any regional science centre, you’ve seen a part of his legacy in action.

He believed that science wasn’t just for classrooms. He made it accessible through interactive exhibits, live demos, and mobile science vans. His work helped ignite curiosity among young Indians and bring science closer to the everyday person.

The role of NCSM in public education

The NCSM was established in 1978, based in Kolkata, and functions under the Union Ministry of Culture. It is now an autonomous body that runs a network of 26 science centres and museums across India. These are spread across all major zones—north, south, east, west, and northeast—with seven national-level centres.

This network is not just about displaying facts. It’s built to engage, educate, and excite people about science. Thanks to Ghose’s direction, these centres now host science fairs, interactive workshops, and even robotics exhibitions that draw crowds of students and families.

Other facts

• The NCSM headquarters is in Kolkata.
• It operates under the Ministry of Culture, not the Ministry of Education.
• It plays a vital role in scientific temper promotion, a concept rooted in Article 51A(h) of the Indian Constitution.

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