China puts scientists on billboards as role models. Why can’t India do the same?

India consultant and trainer Sanjay Goel compared it to India, arguing that scientists, doctors, engineers, and researchers could also become public role models.

Scientists displayed over billboards in China / Credits: @XH_Lee23

New Delhi: Politicians, actors, or leaders usually make it to public screens. But in China, scientists are treated like national celebrities.

Commercial advertisements on giant city billboards and digital screens across malls and public spaces are being replaced with portraits of famous scientists in the country. Names such as rocket scientist Qian Xuesen, Nobel Prize winner Tu Youyou, and agricultural scientist Yuan Longping are featured on big screens, along with their achievements in their respective fields.

It is a public campaign by the Chinese government to put scientists on a par with famous personalities in the country.

India has A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

The trend first started in Shandong before spreading to other parts of the country. It has created so much impact that people are even stopping to take pictures in front of the displays.

China’s idea behind this move is to draw public attention to scientists who have made major breakthroughs, much like actors, athletes and influencers.

An Indian consultant and trainer, Sanjay Goel, who found the campaign impactful, took to LinkedIn to express his opinion.

In a long post, Goel drew parallels between India and China.

He wrote that many of us do not know the scientists behind major achievements such as Covaxin, India’s first indigenous Covid-19 vaccine. He praised China’s efforts:

“You see hoardings of politicians, cricketers, actors, and countless advertisements. Now imagine something different. You see the faces of army officers, scientists, engineers, doctors and researchers. Their names are displayed. Their achievements are described. Their contribution to the country is celebrated.”

Goel also wrote that this effort could have a positive impact on children, who would see and read about scientists on big hoardings and digital screens.

He wrote that China has featured scientists in the most prominent and visible commercial areas. The campaign has spread to Anhui, Inner Mongolia, Jiangxi, Henan and other regions.

He further added that India “already has its icons”. He named a few, including Dr A.P.J. Kalam.

Goel said there is “nothing wrong” with featuring politicians, actors or cricketers.

“What if, alongside them, our children also saw the faces of people whose lives represent courage, discovery, service and contribution?” he argued.

Goel suggested that there should be more public recognition for doctors, engineers, teachers, soldiers and entrepreneurs who inspire through their contributions.

Edited by Maryam Hassan