The discussion is aimed at focussing on various aspects of science fiction and its role in communicating science and technology related issues to the common people and children. The goal of the five-day exercise is to prepare a draft for 'Benaras Document 2008'. The programme would also examine as to how science fiction input could be enhanced and successfully employed in various science communication modules currently in vogue in India.
There will be at least one plenary session everyday besides usual technical sessions, followed by in-depth analyses on given topics in working group discussions. There would be a special forum for young researchers and students. The discussion is also aimed at bringing science fiction and fantasy writers, scholars, critics, enthusiasts, noted social fiction writers, littérateurs and scientists together. Attendees would be encouraged to discuss their views on the given topics, share knowledge and perspectives in an informal environment in order to encourage free flow and cross pollination of ideas for further advancement of science fiction profession.
The discussions, amongst others, would include topics such as science fiction as a learning device, various familiar story-telling formats including rich Indian oral traditions, and science fiction writing in regional languages, etc. Conflicting issues would be specially tackled by a distinguished panel of experts, including a chairperson, a co-chairperson and a facilitator for each discussion group. A peer review system for the assignments and outcomes would also be observed during the programme to have a stock of the progress and achievements of the sessions and set the trend for the next discussion sessions accordingly.
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