'Lights and Shades of Science' is India's only national science photographic contest which invites the large fraternity of photographers of this country, both professionals and amateurs, to capture images which can stimulate the wonder and thrill of science and technology. The basic premise is to create a synergy between an art form like photography and science. Science and art are often thought of as two different worlds, traversing their independent trajectories which can never meet. But in fact they are two different modes of experiencing the same reality. While new scientific discoveries, latest technological inventions, fresh explanations and the new insights into the working of nature are ushering in new eras at the turn of every decade, it is not often that these great works of science have induced in an artist that same irrepressible urge of creative expression which produces great works of art. 'Lights and Shades of Science' is an attempt to see through the camera lens the world of science in all its shades. It invites the participants to look at their world from a different perspective which is to take into account the huge impact that the science and technology has had on our world and shoot photographs which give interesting insights into the world of science and technology and the workings of nature. To create this visual dialogue between science and photography in its various dimensions, the contest is divided into five categories. For 'Science in Action' photographers are asked either to capture dramatic and stimulating images of the natural world and phenomena for which science offers an explanation or to explore through camera the places where science is being done. 'Science as Art' gives an opportunity to contestants to compose an image that illustrates the beauty of science or shows a natural phenomenon or a process in abstract ways. In 'Science Close-Up', those images are to be included which reveal the world in a way that cannot be seen with naked eyes. 'Science and Society' depicts the impact that science, technology and medicine have had on our world. In the category 'Concepts', participants are required to present a concept or an idea in science and technology, which they feel fascinated with. There will be five parallel lines of prizes consisting of 13 prizes for each category including 10 consolations. After a national jury comprising eminent personalities from the field of science and photography has judged the contest, the prize winning and commended entries are to be presented to the general public all over India as part of the science jamborees to be held in different cities.