India Today group launches the Indian edition of ‘Scientific American’

Media release, June 7, 2005

Mumbai

The India Today Group launched the Indian edition of Scientific American, the world’s foremost and oldest science and technology magazine published since 1845. In India, the title will be known as ‘Scientific American India’ and will bring to its readers insightful analysis of the emerging trends in the fields of science and technology and their relevance to the daily lives of people. Aroon Purie, editor-in-chief of the India Today Group handed over a copy of the first issue of the Indian edition of the magazine to Mr Kapil Sibal, Minister of State for Science, Technology and Ocean Development, at his office today.

Mr. Kapil Sibal, Minister of State for Science & Technology and Ocean Development said: "I was absolutely delighted when i got to know that this magazine will be accessible to the Indian audience. It has come at the right time when the interest of the international community in Indian scientists is immense. It will give the Indian scientists a great opportunity & exposure."

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Purie said: "India has one of the largest pools of scientific talent in the world yet there really has never been a magazine of international repute devoted to science and technology and published from India. By bringing out Scientific American India we hope to fill this void. The magazine is for everyone who has a thirst for knowledge, a sense of wonder on how the world works and a desire to see the future now." Mr Purie pointed out that the American part of the name "was not a declaration of allegiance. Rather it reflects India Today’s feeling that in this modern era, the citizen of every land has the civic responsibility to be informed about science and technology. Let’s not forget that science helped transform the United States from an agricultural country into an industrial superpower."

Scientific American combines unmatched credibility and authority – with more than 120 Nobel laureates having written for Scientific American; most of whom wrote about their prize-winning works years before being recognized by the Nobel Committee. For over 150 years the magazine has chronicled major discoveries and inventions of the Industrial Revolution, including the Bessemer steel converter, the telephone and the incandescent light-bulb. Edison presented the prototype of the phonograph for inspection by the editors; and Samuel Morse, father of the telegraph; and Elias Howe, inventor of the sewing machine, were frequent visitors to the offices of the publication in downtown New York City. This privileged list includes the likes of Albert Einstein, Niels Bohr, Hans Bethe, Murray Gell-Mann, Leon Lederman, Francis Crick, Jonas Salk and Linus Pauling.

Today, Scientific American boasts of more than 5 million loyal readers worldwide, is published in 15 languages and circulated across 20 countries. Each issue identifies and delivers the latest developments in biotechnology and information science, along with business-critical R&D across a broad range of fields. On the occasion of the launch, Raj Chengappa, Editor, Scientific American India, said: "The Indian edition will also help the world appreciate the accomplishments of Indian scientists and engineers by featuring their work. " Pavan Varshnei, Publishing Director, Scientific American India, added:

"With innovation being the key to success, Scientific American India, its coverage and the foresight it brings are more relevant than ever before for readers with a vision for the future". Scientific American India would appeal to opinion leaders in business, industry, government and research & development. The magazine is priced at Rs 100/- with special subscription offers for scientists, academicians and students.

For further information, please contact

Jyotsna Dash Nanda

TBWA INDIA PR

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