Samsara Social focuses on science

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Nov. 6: Here is a good piece of news for Nepali readers interested in matters related to science. The online magazine Samsara Social will now provide not only science-related content but also answer questions related to it.

The science magazine based in the USA and tailored to Nepalese audiences has been in publication since 2020.  It is available in Nepali and English and targets students and readers with a keen interest in science. Dr. Bishwa Kiran Giri founded the platform to make scientific knowledge accessible to a broader audience, overcoming linguistic and cultural barriers.

After completing his B.Sc in Nepal, Dr. Giri went to the USA for higher studies. He earned a PhD in biology from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where he conducted advanced research in "Life History Evolution." His work primarily focused on uncovering the genetic basis of "Life History Tradeoffs" using Arabidopsis lyrata as a model organism. During his studies at the university, he realised the importance of language in comprehending complex topics, which he says was the impetus to start Samsara Social. 

"While using the latest research methods and tools during studies, I realised that for a comprehensive understanding of any subject, it is essential to have the study materials available in the reader's mother tongue," he said. 

He said that he realised one of the main factors limiting the promotion of science education in Nepal is the limited availability of general science content in the Nepali language. No science magazine is available that targets Nepali speakers and addresses the Nepali social context. 

"The availability of materials that provide knowledge about science and technology in one’s native tongue is essential to reach a broader audience in the country," said Dr. Giri. "Samsara Social’s (samsara.social) goal, therefore is to bring science and technology knowledge in Nepali language."

Dr. Giri saw that in Nepal, there is a common misconception that students from English-medium boarding schools have an effortless grasp of science and other subjects. However, he argues that this is not the case. "Suppose we do not have the opportunity to read, listen to, and discuss new and complex topics in the language of our society's daily dialogue,"  Dr. Giri said, "In that case, many errors will occur in our knowledge about that topic and misunderstandings and knowledge gaps will be inevitable."

Dr. Giri's passion for making science accessible led him to write blogs related to his field of study. However, he soon realised that blogging lacked the scalability needed to reach larger audiences. Then he created Samsara Social to provide comprehensive science content. In addition to being a biologist, Dr. Giri is an IT expert. He conceptualised the design of the initial website and app for Samsara Social. 

He also formed a dedicated team of eight full-time members based in Nepal. While science remains the magazine's primary focus, it also features content on literature and art, recognising the symbiotic relationship between science and the humanities.

To maximise accessibility, Samsara Social publishes articles in both Nepali and English. The content is also adapted into audio and some are published with animated video, catering to diverse audiences and learning preferences. This multifaceted approach has garnered positive feedback from readers, encouraging Dr. Giri to expand the magazine further.

"By providing high-quality, culturally relevant scientific content, Samsara Social empowers readers to better understand complex concepts in their context," asserted Dr. Giri.