Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh, unveiled the curtain raiser for the India International Science Festival (IISF) 2025. Held at Panjab University, Chandigarh, the event marks the beginning of preparations for the four-day festival, scheduled from December 6 to 9, 2025. Dr. Singh described IISF 2025 as a vibrant “celebration of science” that embodies India’s growing spirit of scientific inquiry and innovation.

Theme: Vigyan Se Samriddhi for Atmanirbhar Bharat

The 2025 edition of IISF is themed “Vigyan Se Samriddhi – Science to Prosperity for Atmanirbhar Bharat”, emphasizing the pivotal role of science and technology in achieving self-reliance and sustainable growth. Dr. Singh highlighted that this theme aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of leveraging innovation to reduce import dependence and strengthen domestic capabilities in critical sectors like life sciences, agriculture, energy, and automotive technologies.

Five Key Themes to Drive Innovation

IISF 2025 will focus on five core areas to showcase India’s scientific advancements:

• Science, Technology, and Ecology of North-West India and the Himalayan Region: Highlighting region-specific innovations for sustainable development.
• Science for Society and Education: Promoting scientific literacy and public engagement.
• Atmanirbhar Bharat through Science and Technology: Showcasing advancements toward self-reliance.
• Biotechnology and Bio-economy: Exploring breakthroughs in life sciences and economic growth.
• Integration of Traditional Knowledge with Modern Science: Celebrating India’s unique ability to blend heritage with cutting-edge innovation.

These themes will bring together institutions from Jammu, Chandigarh, and the Himalayan region to foster sustainable and region-specific solutions.

Prime Minister Modi’s Vision for Science-Driven Development

Dr. Singh emphasized that over the past decade, Prime Minister Modi has consistently underscored the importance of science and technology in his major addresses, from Independence Day speeches to policy announcements. This focus has ushered in India’s most dynamic phase of scientific creativity, positioning the nation as a global leader in innovation. IISF 2025 will serve as a platform to showcase these achievements and inspire greater public participation in science-driven progress.

Anusandhan National Research Foundation: Democratizing Innovation

The Minister highlighted the role of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) in transforming India’s research ecosystem. By extending funding support to universities and institutions across states, ANRF aims to democratize innovation and ensure that scientific advancements are not confined to traditional centers of excellence. This initiative is expected to empower a broader range of researchers and institutions to contribute to India’s scientific landscape.

A Festival of Discovery and Inspiration

Drawing a comparison with the recent ESTIC Conclave, Dr. Singh noted that while the conclave focused on the study of science, IISF symbolizes the joy of discovery and inspiration. “You study to know what to celebrate, and you celebrate to inspire further study,” he remarked. The festival will feature a range of activities, including:

• Scientific exhibitions showcasing cutting-edge innovations.
• Business-to-business meetings to foster collaborations.
• Competitions and cultural programs to engage students and the public.

These initiatives aim to bridge the gap between laboratories and society, carrying India’s scientific message “from lab to land” and from innovation to self-reliance.

Call to Action for Students and Innovators

Dr. Singh urged students, startups, and citizens to actively participate in IISF 2025, emphasizing its role as a platform to inspire the next generation of innovators. The festival will provide opportunities for young minds to engage with scientists, explore career paths in research, and contribute to India’s journey toward Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Distinguished Attendees at the Curtain Raiser

The event was graced by prominent figures, including:

• Prof. Renu Vig, Vice Chancellor, Panjab University
• Prof. Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology
• Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Director General, CSIR
• Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences
• Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty, Chairman, Department of Atomic Energy
• Dr. A. Suryachandra Rao, Director, IITM Pune
• Dr. Shiv Kumar Sharma, National Organising Secretary, Vijnan Bharti

Their presence underscored the collaborative spirit of IISF in uniting academia, industry, and government to advance India’s scientific agenda.

A Decade of Promoting Scientific Temper

Since its inception in 2015, the India International Science Festival has emerged as one of India’s largest platforms for promoting scientific temper and public engagement with science. The 2025 edition aims to build on this legacy, showcasing how science and innovation continue to drive India’s journey toward sustainable prosperity and global leadership.

 

Dr. Jitendra Singh Launches IISF 2025 Curtain Raiser in Chandigarh

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh, unveiled the curtain raiser for the India International Science Festival (IISF) 2025. Held at Panjab University, Chandigarh, the event marks the beginning of preparations for the four-day festival, scheduled from December 6 to 9, 2025. Dr. Singh described IISF 2025 as a vibrant “celebration of science” that embodies India’s growing spirit of scientific inquiry and innovation.

Theme: Vigyan Se Samriddhi for Atmanirbhar Bharat

The 2025 edition of IISF is themed “Vigyan Se Samriddhi – Science to Prosperity for Atmanirbhar Bharat”, emphasizing the pivotal role of science and technology in achieving self-reliance and sustainable growth. Dr. Singh highlighted that this theme aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of leveraging innovation to reduce import dependence and strengthen domestic capabilities in critical sectors like life sciences, agriculture, energy, and automotive technologies.

Five Key Themes to Drive Innovation

IISF 2025 will focus on five core areas to showcase India’s scientific advancements:

• Science, Technology, and Ecology of North-West India and the Himalayan Region: Highlighting region-specific innovations for sustainable development.
• Science for Society and Education: Promoting scientific literacy and public engagement.
• Atmanirbhar Bharat through Science and Technology: Showcasing advancements toward self-reliance.
• Biotechnology and Bio-economy: Exploring breakthroughs in life sciences and economic growth.
• Integration of Traditional Knowledge with Modern Science: Celebrating India’s unique ability to blend heritage with cutting-edge innovation.

These themes will bring together institutions from Jammu, Chandigarh, and the Himalayan region to foster sustainable and region-specific solutions.

Prime Minister Modi’s Vision for Science-Driven Development

Dr. Singh emphasized that over the past decade, Prime Minister Modi has consistently underscored the importance of science and technology in his major addresses, from Independence Day speeches to policy announcements. This focus has ushered in India’s most dynamic phase of scientific creativity, positioning the nation as a global leader in innovation. IISF 2025 will serve as a platform to showcase these achievements and inspire greater public participation in science-driven progress.

Anusandhan National Research Foundation: Democratizing Innovation

The Minister highlighted the role of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) in transforming India’s research ecosystem. By extending funding support to universities and institutions across states, ANRF aims to democratize innovation and ensure that scientific advancements are not confined to traditional centers of excellence. This initiative is expected to empower a broader range of researchers and institutions to contribute to India’s scientific landscape.

A Festival of Discovery and Inspiration

Drawing a comparison with the recent ESTIC Conclave, Dr. Singh noted that while the conclave focused on the study of science, IISF symbolizes the joy of discovery and inspiration. “You study to know what to celebrate, and you celebrate to inspire further study,” he remarked. The festival will feature a range of activities, including:

• Scientific exhibitions showcasing cutting-edge innovations.
• Business-to-business meetings to foster collaborations.
• Competitions and cultural programs to engage students and the public.

These initiatives aim to bridge the gap between laboratories and society, carrying India’s scientific message “from lab to land” and from innovation to self-reliance.

Call to Action for Students and Innovators

Dr. Singh urged students, startups, and citizens to actively participate in IISF 2025, emphasizing its role as a platform to inspire the next generation of innovators. The festival will provide opportunities for young minds to engage with scientists, explore career paths in research, and contribute to India’s journey toward Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Distinguished Attendees at the Curtain Raiser

The event was graced by prominent figures, including:

• Prof. Renu Vig, Vice Chancellor, Panjab University
• Prof. Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology
• Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Director General, CSIR
• Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences
• Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty, Chairman, Department of Atomic Energy
• Dr. A. Suryachandra Rao, Director, IITM Pune
• Dr. Shiv Kumar Sharma, National Organising Secretary, Vijnan Bharti

Their presence underscored the collaborative spirit of IISF in uniting academia, industry, and government to advance India’s scientific agenda.

A Decade of Promoting Scientific Temper

Since its inception in 2015, the India International Science Festival has emerged as one of India’s largest platforms for promoting scientific temper and public engagement with science. The 2025 edition aims to build on this legacy, showcasing how science and innovation continue to drive India’s journey toward sustainable prosperity and global leadership.