Faridabad: The ninth edition of the India International Science Festival (IISF) commenced today in Faridabad, with the inaugural ceremony held at the Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI)-Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB) Joint Campus. Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, outlined the significance of the festival, citing three key reasons: the successful landing of India’s Chanrayaan-3 on the Moon’s South Pole, India’s development of a second COVID vaccine, and the Aroma Mission.
During the inauguration, Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted India’s achievements in science, technology, and innovation, positioning the country as a global leader. He emphasized the government’s focus on Indian solutions for Indian problems, leveraging Indian data for research, deploying Indian doctors for the people, and fostering public-private participation.
The IISF 2023, themed “Science and Technology Public Outreach in Amrit Kaal,” aims to celebrate science accessible to all sections of society. The festival witnessed a diverse audience, reflecting the spirit of “Celebration of Science by All.”
Dignitaries present at the ceremony included Shri Moolchand Sharma, Cabinet Minister of Higher Education, Transport, Mines and Geology, and Elections, Government of Haryana; Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor (PSA) to the Govt. of India; Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, DST; Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary, MoES; Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Secretary, DSIR & DG, CSIR; Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary, DBT; Ms. A. Dhanalakshami, Joint Secretary, DST; Shri Shivkumar Sharma, National Organising Secretary, Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA).
DST Secretary, Prof. Abhay Karandikar, welcomed guests from 23 countries and highlighted the festival’s role in showcasing scientific achievements from across India. He emphasized the inspiration it provides to young students and researchers.
The inaugural session witnessed the release of the IISF Programme Guide and IISF News Bulletin’s Regional Languages Special Editions in seven Indian languages. Shri Moolchand Sharma noted the importance of knowledge exchange and innovative ideas for the country’s progress, praising IISF as a platform for science and technology-based knowledge sharing.
Prof. Ajay Sood outlined IISF’s vision, ensuring science’s accessibility to the public through interesting and intellectual avenues. Dr. Shivkumar Sharma, National Organising Secretary, Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA), emphasized science as a festival, aiming to bridge the gap between laboratories and society.
Grassroot innovations were highlighted during the ceremony, with dignitaries presented with a cow dung pot and mitti cool water bottle invented by a grassroots innovator.
The first day’s events include Student Science Village, Face to Face with New Frontiers of Science & Technology, Science through Games & Toys, Students Innovation Festival – Space Hackathon 2023, Conclaves, Workshops, Exhibitions, and Cultural Programs.
The IISF 2023, scheduled from January 17-20, 2024, at the joint campus of DBT-RCB & THSTI, Faridabad, aims to honor and showcase India’s achievements in science, technology, and innovation while connecting science with society.