Friday 17 September 2010

Russell, Caxton Hall Press Conf., July 9 1955 - Associated Press, 1955An account of the 1955 Manifesto by Bertrand Russell and Albert Einstein, which was crucial in shaping public opinion against nuclear war.

Today there is universal public knowledge about the dreadful effects of nuclear war; but it wasn't always this way. The philosopher Bertrand Russell and the physicist Albert Einstein were two leading figures in the creation of public understanding of, and opposition to, nuclear war. The last public act of Einstein's life was to sign a world-changing manifesto against nuclear war.

Nuclear Weapons: Cold War SecrecyIn the years following World War 2, the USA and the USSR raced to develop ever more powerful nuclear weapons. The development was carried out in secret and covered by disinformation. Scientists working outside the military were able to deduce what was being developed (see Joseph Rotblat's "detective work" on the Bikini Atoll H-bomb test), but to speak out was professionally dangerous: in the US it could lead to blacklisting as a Communist, and in the USSR it could lead to the gulag.

Under these circumstances, Bertrand Russell, then in his 80s, wrote (11 February 1955) to Einstein saying:

"In common with every other thinking person, I am profoundly disquieted by the armaments race in nuclear weapons. [...] I think that eminent men of science ought to do something dramatic to bring home to the public and governments the disasters that may occur. Do you think it would be possible to get, say, six men of the very highest scientific repute, headed by yourself, to make a very solemn statement about the imperative necessity of avoiding war?"

Einstein replied five days later: "I agree with every word in your letter of February 11. Something must be done in this matter, something that will make an impression on the general public as well as on political leaders."

The Manifesto Takes ShapeIn the following weeks Russell worked with Einstein to draw up a text. Einstein wrote to his colleagues to enlist their support (including to former scientific adversaries: one letter written by Einstein, on March 2, begins: "Dear Niels Bohr, Don't frown like that! This is not about our old physics controversy, but about a matter on which we are in complete agreement."

However, Einstein's health was failing. He wrote to Russell saying "It seems to me that, to avoid any confusion, you should regard yourself as the dictator of the enterprise and give orders." Einstein signs off: "Awaiting orders, I am, with warmest regards and in admiration."

Russell's last letter to Einstein was dated 5 April 1955. It contained a draft of the declaration and a list of proposed signatories. A few days later, Russell was flying from Rome to Paris for a conference on world government, when the pilot announced the news of Einstein's death. Russell wrote in his autobiography: "I felt shattered, not only for the obvious reasons, but because I saw my plan falling through without his support."

Einstein's Last Public ActOn arriving in his hotel room in Paris, Russell found a short letter waiting for him. It was dated April 11 and read:

Dear Bertrand Russell,

Thank you for your letter of April 5th.

I am gladly willing to sign your excellent statement.

I also agree with your choice of the prospective signers.

With kind regards,

Albert Einstein

The manifesto was released to the press on July 9, 1955. It calls not just for a reduction of nuclear weapons, but for humanity to find a way to avoid war in general, since "in any future world war nuclear weapons would certainly be used." It was signed by ten scientists of global renown; but it was Einstein, and his death, that gave it the greatest power. Russell described it as "the last public act of Einstein's life."

The Manifesto in RetrospectThe Russell-Einstein Manifesto marked a crucial moment in the development of public consciousness about nuclear war. The fame and authority of those who signed it outmatched the efforts of governments to suppress knowledge, and led to the "Pugwash" movement of scientists against nuclear weapons, as well as being a significant moment in the development of CND.

Further Reading

See the McMaster University archive on the Russell-Einstein Manifesto.

18th National Children’s Science Congress (NCSC) Guide teacher workshop on 16th July -2010.----------Vanakkam. National Children’s Science Congress - NCSC is conducted every year by National Council for Science and Technology Communication –NCSTC, Dept., of Science and Technology (DST) Govt. of India for the children in the age group of 10 to 17 years from all over the country. TamilNadu Science Forum – TNSF is the TamilNadu State coordinator of NCSC for the past 18 years.NCSC is conducted for students in the age group of 10 to 13 years (juniors) and 14 to 17years (seniors). Student groups comprising 3 to 5 students do research projects during their free time for 2-3 months on a topic related to the focal theme under the guidance of a Guide teacher. This year’s focal theme is “Land Resources: Use for prosperity; Save for posterity”.To enlighten the guide teachers on the focal theme, Tamil Nadu Science Forum, North Chennai District is organising a workshop for them. The Guide teacher workshop for NCSC 2010 will be held on 16th July 2010 from 9.30am to 5pm at, ICF Silver Jubilee matriculation higher Secondary School, (opp. ICF stadium, Kambar Arangam bus stop), ICF, Chennai - 38. We request you to send 2 or 3 teachers who have interest in guiding your students in doing NCSC projects, for this guide teacher workshop. Please inform the list of participants in advance to us. Thanking you.

Mr. DhanaSekar, NCSC Chennai (North) District Academic Coordinator Secretary, briefed the instructions for the judges. 25group of students projects were submitted enthusiastically by the Child Scientists in 3 halls.In the afternoon session “Meet the Scientist” program was held. Mr. A.Ravindran Former State Co-Ordinator, “Pasumai Niraintha Ulagathile” The Environment Awareness Radio Programme of Tamilnadu pollution Control Board have participated in the event. In the valedictory function, “Thappattam” cultural program by Child Scientists from Arunodhaya Children Federation was well received by audience. Prof. M.p. Jaganatha Bose, Professor, Zoological Dept, Sir Thiyagaraya College,Chennai, Prof Madhivanan ,Professor, Zoological Dept, Nandanam Govt College, Chennai,TNSF Dist EC member ,Mr. Balu.Thandapani Dist Revenue Officer (redt), A.Ravindran, Environmentist, Mr.Udayan NCSC State Task Force Member felicitated the Child Scientists. 4 Projects from Chennai North were selected for State level NCSC to be held at pudhukottai from november 27 to 29, 2009. Mrs.Prema and Mrs.Arivukkarasi have sung Science songs. Mr. Chandra Sekar , Dist Execute member proposed Vote of thanks.This one day NCSC District Congress was elaborately organized by Mrs. Themozhi Selvi NCSC Chennai (North) District Coordinator , Mr. DhanaSekar, NCSC Mr. Semmal, Chennai North District President of TNSF, Mr. Arun, Chennai North Chennai North District Secretary of TNSF.

Sunday 11 October 2009

Think Diwali, and the first thing that comes to your mind are firecrackers. There’s been growing alarm at the long term ill effects of the fireworks on the environment, apart from the noise pollution and the streets littered with paper and the contaminated air that we breathe. What steps can we take to ensure that this Diwali and subsequent Diwalis are eco-friendly and safe?
WE CAN HAVE A CRACKERS SHOW FOR 2 HOURS IN A COMMON PLACE WHERE PEOPLE CAN SEE AND ENJOY THE CRACKERS, INSTEAD OF EACH DOING AT THEIR HOME IN A SMALL WAY AND MAKING THE WHOLE CITY DUSTY WITH PAPER
IF IN A COMMON PLACE
(1)THE SOUND WILL BE ONLY FOR A PARTICULAR TIME
(2) THE PAPER DUST WILL BE ONLY IN ONE PLACE
(3) THE COST OF DIVALI CELEBRATIONS CAN BE REDUCED
(4) NO NEIGHBOURS ENVY
(5) ONLY A LITTLE OF AIR AND SOUND POLLUTION
(6) CAN BE HAD IN A PLACE FAR FROM HOSPITALS
(7) SAFE MEASURES CAN BE ENSURED IN THAT PLACE
(8) MONITERING OF THE SAFETY OF THE PEOPLE IS EASY
(9) ENJOYMENT CAN BE SHARED BY ALL AT THE SAME PLACE
(10) A GET-TOGETHER IS EASY

Friday 9 October 2009

About Me

Tamil Nadu Science Forum (TNSF) is a People’s Science movement, promoting Literacy, Gender Equality, Scientific Awareness, World Peace, etc for Better and Progressive India and Tamil Nadu. It was started in 1980 as a Forum for scientists with the Motto ‘Science for People, Science for Nation, Science for Self- reliance’. Now, it has grown into a people’s movement and has a membership of 12000 including scientists, Farmers, Teachers, students and Women - people from almost every walk of life. We got National and State Govt. awards for Science Popularization & Promotion of Environmental Awareness.