About Us

Swadeshi Science Movement Kerala

Swadeshi Science Movement-Kerala (SSM-K) is the Kerala Chapter of Vijnana Bharati, a prominent science organization dedicated to the overall development of India through the application of science and technology. Operating in Kerala since 1989, it focuses on popularizing science for societal development and using science and technology to address local challenges and improve the lives of people in Kerala.

The SSM-K aims to foster a multi-disciplinary approach to local problems and promote awareness of India’s rich scientific heritage.




Swadeshi Science Movement Kerala

Swadeshi Science Movement-Kerala (SSM-K) is the Kerala Chapter of Vijnana Bharati, a prominent science organization dedicated to the overall development of India through the application of science and technology. Operating in Kerala since 1989, it focuses on popularizing science for societal development and using science and technology to address local challenges and improve the lives of people in Kerala. The SSM-K aims to foster a multi-disciplinary approach to local problems and promote awareness of India’s rich scientific heritage.


Annual Programmes

Swadeshi Science Congress (SSC)

Swadeshi Science Congress is a unique and an annual event, where researchers, academicians, traditional practitioners, public and students share a common platform to present their research findings either in English or Malayalam, exchange their ideas and aspirations. SSM-K has been organizing Swadeshi Science Congress since its inception in 1991.

Sastra Prathibha Matsaram (SPM) / Vidyarthi Vigyan Manthan (VVM)

The Sastra Pratibha Matsaram (Science Talent Search Examination) is a three-tier talent search examination conceived and conducted by SSM-K since 1999. This is the largest student science activity in Kerala, with the objective of inculcating a Swadeshi spirit in young minds and identifying a group of students who could become the future eminent scientists of our country. Every year 12 students were selected as the final level winners-Sastra Pratibhas in state level and in turn they attended National level Science camp. The programme was later extended to include students from the Middle East and, in 2011, was restructured as Vidyarthi Vigyan Manthan (VVM).

Swasraya Bharat (SB)

The National Self-Reliance in Science and Technology Exhibition – has been organized since 2005 with the aim of popularizing the nation’s achievements in science and technology. The exhibition seeks to inspire the youth of the state to pursue careers in science. It is an exposition of innovations and technology developments in energy, defence, space, agriculture, environment, natural resources management, healthcare systems, rural technologies, cottage industry, information and communication technologies etc. The SB provides a common venue for all R&D organizations to exhibit their accomplishments and engage with students, researchers, industrialists, and the general public.

Aryabhateeya – National Seminar

The Swadeshi Science Movement has been organising annually a National Seminar titled ‘ARYABHATEEYA’ in memory of the great mathematician Aryabhatta who lived in the 5th Century. The subject of the seminar is different every year, focussing on various aspects of science and technology that are of relevance to India.

Face to face with frontiers in Science

The prime objective of these Workshops is to familiarize students with the frontier areas in Science and Technology like Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Internet of things, Nanotechnolgy, Biotechnology, Photonics, Bioinformatics, IT, GIS and Remote sensing. This provides Face to Face interactions with eminent Scientists and academicians, visit to R&D organizations, which will surely motivate and help to explore the best scientists in them.

Agrobased Science & Technology Innovation Hub Project

Empowering Scheduled Caste Farmers through Science and Innovation: The Project is being implemented with the support of the DST, Govt. of India. This pioneering initiative is focused on the economic empowerment of Scheduled Caste farmers in nine selected blocks across the districts of Wayanad, Malappuram, Palakkad, Idukki, and Pathanamthitta in Kerala. By integrating grassroots innovation with traditional agricultural knowledge, the project aims to bridge the gap between science and society.

Space on Wheels

Space on Wheels is a unique outreach program designed to inspire students by introducing them to the scientific advancements and activities of ISRO. Arranged inside a bus, it features scale models of ISRO launch vehicles, satellites, space applications, and the launchpads at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. The bus tours schools across the states to step up awareness about space technology.


Milestone Events

Nadivandanam

A state level campaigning on river protection and water management, connecting all the major rivers of Kerala.

Swadeshi Vijnana Mela

A Mega Science and Technology Exhibition, the first of its kind in Kerala, was organized and conducted in Ernakulam from January 12 to 19, 2002. The exhibition showcased India’s remarkable achievements in frontier areas of science, technology, engineering, agriculture, and various other fields where the country holds undisputed leadership.

World Ayurveda Congress 2002

The first-ever international seminar and expo on Ayurveda, ‘World Ayurveda Congress – 2002’, was held in Kochi, Kerala, from October 31 to November 7, 2002. The event brought together over 3,000 delegates from more than 25 countries. ISM & H, Govt. of India was the Co-organiser of this event.

Prithvi 2005

PRITHVI - 2005 is a Global Eco Meet on Eco friendly products, Technologies and Initiatives held during 19-28 February, 2005 at Thiruvananthapuram. 2500 delegates from about 50 countries participated and more than 3,00,000 people visited the exhibition. It showcases the Bharatheeya concepts of Environment to the World.

Science Communication Workshops

A series of Science Communication Workshops were organized with the support of the NCSTC, DST, Govt. of India. These focused on: Science Writing in Malayalam, Science Communication through Cultural Events, Folk Media, and Digital Media.

Workshop on Science Writing in Malayalam

Conducted at: CUSAT (2006), Press Club Trivandrum (2008), St. Albert’s College (2009), M G University (2009), CPCRI Kasaragod (2009), and Government Victoria College Palakkad (2009).

Workshop on Science Communication Through Cultural Events

Venues included: S.N. College Cherthala, Science Park Kannur, Kerala Kalamandalam, St.Gregorious College Kottarakkara, and KVK CIARI Port Blair.

Workshop on Science Communication through Folk Media

Venues: University Students Centre Trivandrum, Kottakkal Malappuram, Regional Science Centre Calicut, SB College Changanassery, Neeleswaram Kasaragod, and Kavarati Lakshadweep.

Igniting the Aspirations with Dr A P J Abdul Kalam

Bharath Ratna Dr A P J Abdul Kalam interacted with over 600 students on 6th June 2010 at Ernakulam. He addressed the gathering stating India will definitely become a super power by 2020 if youngsters work hard to achieve the goal.

The Convergence - Interaction with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

SSM-K organized 'Convergence – Symbiosis between tradition and modernity for social engineering' on 10th January 2013 at RGCB, Trivandrum, featuring spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravishankar discussing issues with 350 scientists and technocrats.

Discovering Sangamagrama Madhavan

SSM-K jointly with the Panchayat and the people of Kallettinkara and Iringalakkuda organized programmes to revive the memory of Samgamagrama Madhavan, including naming a road and library in his honor and conducting science/math programmes at his birthplace.

Crafts Bazar-2008

Conducted with the support of the Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India. A mega Handicrafts Exhibition featuring 122 craftsmen from across the country was held at Swapnanagari, Calicut, from 24 March to 04 April 2008.

AROGYA - 2008

A workshop for the NGOs of South India on Occupational Health Hazards was conducted in July 2008 at Kochi. Catalysed and supported by NCSTC, New Delhi.

Nature Activity Camp

Conducted at KFRI Peechi (Jan 2009) and Silent Valley National Park (Feb 2009) for science teachers. Additionally, a Seminar & Lab To Field Programme on Mangrove Propagation was held at Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary in July 2012.


Specialized Institutions & Congresses

Swadeshi Science Research Institute (SSRI)

SSRI is conceived as a platform for emerging young scientists to carryout research in the fields of Science, Technology and Management. Its objective is the consolidation of technological achievements for grass root implementation and breaking the monopoly of traditional ways of doing scientific research.

Suraksha, The National Defence Exhibition (NDE)

Suraksha 2013 was organized in association with DRDO and NPOL. It was the first of its kind exhibition ever conducted outside New Delhi, focusing on self-reliance in defence technologies and giving a civilian face to defence innovations.

Student's Science Congress

The First Student's Science congress was held on 7th November 2010 at Kochi, featuring 150 students, sixty papers, and 15 working models presented by budding scientists.

Robo Congress

SSM-K organized a programme on new trends in Robotics and Nanotechnology in Kerala to spread awareness among students about the immense scope of these emerging fields in Engineering Science.

Ashtanga Hridaya Sathram and Sastra Madhanam

Ashtanga Hridaya Sathram is a residential, seven-day workshop involving the recitation and practice of Ayurveda Acharya Vagbhata's text. Sastra Madhanam is a unique academic venture for the development of traditional lines of treatment, including the presentation of 'Vagbhata Puraskaram' to young doctors.

Traditional Healer’s Congress

The first-ever congress for traditional healers in Kerala was held in 2012 at Calicut University Campus. It included paper presentations, an exhibition of medicinal plants, and a free medical camp.

Grama Shree Mela

An exhibition of Rural Technology Products supported by CAPART, Govt. of India.


Research Units

Science and Technology for Entrepreneurship Development (STED)

SSM-K has started an Integrated area development project in Idukki District with the financial support of National Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Development Board under the Department of Science and Technology, Govt. of India. Earlier SSM-K has already been implemented two STED projects in Kannur (2003-06) and Ernakulam district (2007-10) of Kerala and several small scale units have been formed at various parts of the State.

Revitilization of Local Health Traditions (RLHT)

Revitilization of Local Health Tradition of Idukki District, Kerala is a unique project supported by the AYUSH, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India. In Idukki district there are numerous traditional treatment systems and methods adopted by local healers known as Vaidyas. The project compile the vast knowledge of herbs and medicines that remain hidden among the tribal and traditional healers of Idukki. A database of highly exploited medicinal plants formulation, conservation etc will be prepared.

Mapping of Intensity of EMF in Kochi

SSM-K has initiated a project on mapping of intensity of EMF in Kochi with the support of Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment, Govt. of Kerala.


Saranis

Ramanuja Sarani

Mathematics Research and Study Centre fully dedicated for Indian Mathematics. It conducts seminars on Indian Mathematics and a Correspondence Course in Vedic Mathematics, with a view to revive this ancient branch and raise numerical ability among students.

Teachers for Science

A venture where school Teachers from Kerala are made aware of the latest leaps and trends in science and technology. They get exposure to research methodology, new methods and tools of teaching, and learning science through seminars and workshops to inculcate scientific temper in young minds.

Green Doctors

An environment wing engaged in conducting awareness programmes on Environment Protection, Energy Conservation, Sustainable Agriculture, and Eco-friendly living. It promotes Organic farming, Terrace farming, and conducts River protection activities and planting of medicinal trees.

Vagbhata Sarani

Ayurvedic Studies and Research wing focusing on the holistic development of Ayurvedic practices. It organizes Astanga Hrudaya Satram and Sastra Madhanam workshops. It famously conducted the 1st World Ayurveda Congress in 2002 at Kochi.

Vasthu Vidya Sarani

This faculty deals with Civil and Architectural engineering, popularizing low-cost eco-friendly construction with locally available materials and traditional architectural principles.

Thadesya Paramparya Chikilsa Vibhagam (TPCV)

TPCV conducts several programmes for strengthening local health practices. Notable events include the Traditional Health Practitioners Meet and the First Thadesya Paramparya Vaidya Congress held in 2012.


Publications

Science India

A national monthly Science Magazine published by SSM-K since 1998. It is the only science magazine in India devoted for students, researchers, and academicians, focusing on innovative rural technologies.

Swadeshi Science (Malayalam Magazine)

Started in 2013, this quarterly magazine presents a blend of both Indian Scientific heritage and modern scientific advancements in India and abroad for the general public.

Books

SSM publishes books related to Indian contributions in S&T. Key titles include: Golden Age of Indian Mathematics, Venuaroham, Sangamagrama Madhavan, and Vedaganitham.


Awards Instituted by SSM-K

Swadeshi Sastra Puraskaram

Instituted in 1991, this award honors eminent scientists and technologists from Kerala for unique contributions. So far, 38 scientists have been honored.

Dr K Ravindran Endowment Award

Instituted in honour of Dr K Ravindran, this award is given for the best paper in fisheries and ocean science during the Swadeshi Science Congress.

Additionally, SSM-K regularly observes World Environment Day, Science Day, and World Ocean Day by organizing relevant public programmes.

Contact Us

Address for communication

Swadeshi Science Movement-Kerala Sastra Bhavan, Tower B, 4th Floor, Mather Square, Town Railway Station Road, Kochi- 682018, Kerala

Phone Numbers

0484-2393242
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