The 10th edition of India International Science Festival 2024 (IISF 2024), began at IIT Guwahati on Nov 30, 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 5-day festival’s inaugural ceremony was graced by Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, Chief Minister of Assam, as the Chief Guest, and Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, who delivered the Presidential address. 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. (Mrs.) N. Kalaiselvi, DG-CSIR; Dr. C. Anandharamakrishnan, Director, CSIR-NIIST, Thiruvananthapuram, and several other distinguished figures from India’s science and technology ecosystem were also present.
Speaking on the occasion, Assam CM Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, ” 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.”
Delivering the Presidential Address, Dr. Jitendra Singh, said, “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. The event also featured the inauguration of multiple exhibitions 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 visionto 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.
and many more sessions.
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.
ABOUT IISF 2024
