Gandhinagar: The National Innovation Foundation (NIF) – India, an autonomous institution under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, hosted an outreach event in Amarapur, Gandhinagar, as part of the India International Science Festival (IISF) on October 17, 2024. The event attracted nearly 500 students, aged 14 to 18, offering them a unique opportunity to explore India’s scientific achievements and innovations.
The outreach event is part of a series of activities leading up to the 10th edition of the IISF, scheduled to take place later this year. Celebrating India’s strides in science and technology, the festival fosters collaboration and innovation by bringing together scientists, industry leaders, students, and the public. The IISF aims to fuel discussions and inspire ideas that will position India as a global leader in science and technology.
During the program, the students were briefed on the history and significance of IISF, its milestones since its inception in 2015, and the key highlights of the upcoming IISF 2024. They were encouraged to explore the festival’s online resources, including the IISF web portal, news articles, and social media updates, to gain a deeper understanding of the event’s programs.
Dr. Arvind C. Ranade, Director of NIF, addressed the students, urging them to engage with the resources available and become familiar with the IISF’s various programs. He emphasized the mission of IISF 2024, which focuses on creating a Prosperous Bharat in Harmony with Modern Infrastructure and Nature, while ensuring opportunities for all citizens to reach their potential through science and technology.
Dr. Ranade also highlighted the overarching goal of transforming India into a science and technology-driven global manufacturing hub. He encouraged students to reach out to NIF for guidance on participation in IISF programs such as the Student Science Village and called upon the media to help disseminate this message to a wider audience.
Joining Dr. Ranade, Dr. Madhvi Joshi, Joint Director at the Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC), Department of Science and Technology, Government of Gujarat, urged students to actively participate in IISF 2024. Jignesh Borisagar, Prant Secretary, VIBHA, and Amrutbhai Patel, Director-Trustee, Grambharti Sanstha, were also present at the event, reinforcing the importance of student engagement in science and innovation.
An exhibition of NIF’s latest innovations was organized as part of the event, giving students firsthand exposure to groundbreaking technologies developed by the institution.
