IISF 2024 kicks off celebrating Science with Swadeshi Spirit and Global Collaboration
The event was inaugurated at IIT Guwahati by Hon'ble Chief Minister of Assam, Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma; Union Minister of State for Science & Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh, and Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad Kongkal Sangma. The Chief Guest launched the India Science, Technology & Innovation (ISTI) Portal during the event.
· Over 8,000 delegates, researchers, and
leading scientific organizations are expected to attend the mega science
festival.
Under the aegis of the Ministry of Science and Technology, and Ministry of Earth Sciences, Govt. of India, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) inaugurated the 10th edition of India International Science Festival 2024 (IISF 2024), today, 30th November 2024, at IIT Guwahati, in association with Vijnana Bharathi, the nodal institute of the event being CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST), Thiruvananthapuram.
Celebrating India's scientific achievements and fostering
innovation, the festival was graced
by esteemed dignitaries, including Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, Hon’ble Chief
Minister of Assam, as the Chief Guest, and Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union
Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Govt. of
India, who delivered the Presidential address. Other dignitaries included Dasanglu
Pul, Cabinet Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, and Keshab Mahanta, Minister for
Science & Technology, Govt. of Assam.
Key stakeholders
present during the event included Prof Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, DST;
Dr Rajesh Gokhale, Secretary, DBT; Dr M. Ravichandran, Secretary MoES; Prof
Ajit Kumar Mohanty, Secretary, DAE; Dr Ravi Kota, IAS, Chief Secretary, Govt.
of Assam; and Prof Devendra Jalihal, Director, IIT Guwahati, accompanied by Dr N.
Kalaiselvi, DG-CSIR; Dr. C Anandharamakrishnan, Director, CSIR-NIIST,
Thiruvananthapuram, and several other distinguished figures from India’s science
and technology ecosystem.
Speaking on
the occasion, Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, Chief Minister of Assam, remarked, "IISF 2024 is a
celebration of collective efforts in scientific innovation and collaboration.
This festival would not have been possible without the unwavering support of
the Honorable Prime Minister. IISF 2024 stands as a grand celebration of
scientific innovation and collaboration, featuring numerous innovations
catering to a diverse audience. It showcases India's remarkable achievements,
such as Chandrayaan-2, and includes a science expo that highlights cutting-edge
research and technology. The festival promises a dynamic exploration of science
through events like the Young Scientists’ Conclave, Science Safari, and Tinker
Labs, aimed at igniting curiosity and fostering innovation among students.”
Further, he
added, "With special
features like Nari Shakti celebrating women in STEM, Science Beyond Borders
fostering global partnerships, and initiatives like Sagrika and Science
Village, IISF 2024 is a true celebration of innovation and sustainability. With
India ranking among the top three in scientific research and excelling in
startups, we are poised to become a global leader in innovation, supported by
being the third-highest producer of PhDs worldwide."
Delivering
the Presidential Address, Dr Jitendra Singh, Minister for Science and
Technology, Govt of India, said, “India’s remarkable growth story is deeply rooted in its
advancements in science, technology, and innovation. Over the past decade,
under the visionary leadership of Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji,
we have seen a profound transformation across sectors—from the rise of
start-ups to revolutionary breakthroughs in biotechnology, space technology,
and quantum science. The Northeast region, once on the periphery of
development, has become a shining example of growth, embodying both economic
progress and scientific innovation. As we approach India@2047, empowering youth
and fostering innovation are key. Initiatives like the National Research
Foundation and the bioeconomy revolution are driving India toward self-reliance
and global leadership, with young innovators leading the way.”
A
key highlight of the event was the launch of the India Science, Technology
& Innovation (ISTI) Portal by Dr Jitendra Singh.
This
centralised platform will serve as a comprehensive repository for content related
to Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) within India’s ecosystem. With a
strong focus on engaging students, scientists, researchers, youth, and the
public, the portal will provide access to valuable information on fellowships,
scholarships, funding opportunities, and startup initiatives, enabling users to
explore and leverage opportunities within India.
The four-day festival, running until 3rd
December 2024, aims to popularise science and technology across diverse
communities. ISF 2024 is expected to attract over 8,000 delegates, researchers,
and leading scientific organisations, along with an additional 10,000 students
from schools and colleges, fostering collaboration and innovation across
disciplines.
The event also featured the
inauguration of multiple exhibitions by the Chief Guests, highlighting
key advancements, such as:
- Chandrayaan - Museum of The Moon
Exhibition: The exhibition, created
by British artist Dr. Luke Jerram, features a life-sized, seven-meter
replica of the moon with detailed NASA imagery. The exhibition aims to engage
the public in discussions about space, exploration, and humanity's
connection to the cosmos, highlighting India's Chandrayaan Mission.
- Science-Technology-Defence-Space Exhibition: Highlighting achievements in defence, space, and science, this expo showcases key initiatives like AatmaNirbhar Bharat and Digital India, with hands-on learning opportunities and networking platforms for young scientists and technologists.
- Reimagining Bharat Exhibition: Showcasing India's roadmap for a technologically advanced future, this exhibition emphasizes innovations in AI, robotics, quantum computing, renewable energy, and space exploration. It also provides interactive experiences such as live demos and virtual realities.
- North East Food Street: A culinary celebration of the diverse flavors of the Northeast, offering traditional dishes alongside cultural music, immersing visitors in the region’s rich heritage.
Additionally, the day featured several
events that provided opportunities for participants to engage directly with the
key stakeholders of Indian scientific community, including:
· Science Institutional Leaders Meet –
Vision Sansad –
The event brought together leaders from science ministries and industry CEOs to
discuss transformative S&T policies and initiatives.
Science through Games and Adventures - Science Safari – This first-of-its-kind initiative in the Northeast brought together 173 school science teachers, including 45 from the Northeast, and features innovative educational toys by 20 teacher-entrepreneurs.
Round Table on India as the Global Manufacturing Hub through S&T – The discussion features stakeholder from the Government and industries exploring initiatives, policies, and strategies to strengthen India’s manufacturing capabilities and discuss the country’s vision to become a global leader in manufacturing.
Students Science & Technology Village – The event will engage 3,000 students from across India, including 75% from the Northeast and border districts offering interactive exhibits, hands-on experiments, educational games, and STEM challenges to ignite curiosity and critical thinking among school students.
The festival promises a packed schedule of exhibitions, workshops, and interactive sessions, making IISF 2024 a beacon of inspiration, bridging science, society, and innovation in a meaningful way.
The 10th edition of the
Ministry of Science and Technology and Ministry of Earth Science’s event India
International Science Festival will be held from 30th November to 3rd December
2024 at IIT Guwahati campus. The main purpose of IISF is the celebration of
science by all. Through its creative programs and activities, IISF will provide
opportunities to people and scientific fraternity in the country and abroad to
come together and work together.