IISF 2025 Begins in Panchkula: Jitendra Singh Unveils Vision of Science for a Developed India

The Minister explained that IISF celebrates India’s achievements in emerging technologies, space science, health innovations, climate modelling and biotechnology.

Union Minister for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated the 11th India International Science Festival (IISF), calling it a celebration of India’s scientific capabilities and a national platform to inspire millions. Held from December 6–9, the festival brings together students, scientists, startups, innovators, industry leaders and policymakers to promote scientific temper and showcase India’s growing research ecosystem.

Dr. Singh framed this year’s IISF around three “C’s” — Celebration, Communication and Career. The festival, he stressed, is designed not as a traditional academic conference but as an open, citizen-centric platform that bridges the gap between scientific institutions and everyday life. IISF, he said, enables direct engagement between scientists and the people who ultimately benefit from their work, reflecting the government’s emphasis on synergy across science ministries.

Celebration, Communication and Career: The New Pillars of IISF

The Minister explained that IISF celebrates India’s achievements in emerging technologies, space science, health innovations, climate modelling and biotechnology. It communicates scientific knowledge beyond laboratories through demonstrations, exhibitions and public dialogues. It also opens up career pathways for young learners by connecting them with researchers, incubators, startup founders and industry mentors.

Thousands of students and first-time participants are expected to attend structured workshops and informal learning sessions, gaining exposure to opportunities in deep tech, AI, climate science, defence technologies, agritech and more.

Science for Viksit Bharat@2047

Dr. Singh placed the festival within India’s long-term development blueprint, saying science and technology are the backbone of Viksit Bharat@2047, a vision for a fully developed nation. Over the last decade, India has shifted to a mission-driven model of scientific growth, supported by enhanced R&D investment, talent development programs and modern infrastructure.

He highlighted how sophisticated scientific tools now influence governance and public service delivery—from real-time weather forecasting and disaster warnings to digital public infrastructure and precision agriculture. India’s scientific output, he said, is now directly linked to improving quality of life.

Towards Self-Reliance in Science

The theme of IISF 2025 — “Vigyan se Samruddhi: Towards an Atmanirbhar Bharat” — reflects India’s steady march toward scientific self-reliance. Dr. Singh cited key projects such as:

• A multipurpose all-weather ocean research vessel to be launched by 2028.

• Advances in India’s human submersible programme, boosting deep ocean research.

• Indigenous climate modelling and data contributions to global climate studies.

He emphasized that India is now recognized for rapid improvements in innovation rankings, research publications, startup growth and patent filings.

Breakthroughs in Space, Health and Biotechnology

The Minister highlighted milestones such as the Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission, India’s pioneering role in producing indigenous COVID-19 vaccines, and new breakthroughs in biotechnology, genomics and healthcare innovation. These achievements, he said, demonstrate the impact of coordinated national missions and the expanding capabilities of young Indian scientists.

Youth-Centric Science Festival

A major part of IISF’s programming targets school and college students. Dedicated sessions on quantum technologies, biotechnology, blue economy, cybersecurity, robotics and deep-tech entrepreneurship aim to broaden awareness of modern scientific careers. Dr. Singh urged young people to look beyond government careers, noting the vast opportunities in startups, industrial R&D, innovation hubs and emerging technologies.

Public–Private Collaboration for Innovation

The Minister highlighted that strong scientific ecosystems depend on collaboration among government institutions, academia and private industry. Reforms allowing greater private participation in space, medical technologies, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing are designed to accelerate India’s innovation-led growth.

Exhibitions, Live Interfaces and Polar Research

During the inaugural ceremony, Dr. Singh opened the Science–Technology–Defence–Space Exhibition, showcasing India’s latest capabilities through interactive displays. He also launched the Science on a Sphere installation, an immersive data-visualization platform used to explain climate systems, oceanography, space science and planetary studies.

In a live interaction with researchers at Bharati, India’s Antarctic research station, Dr. Singh reviewed ongoing scientific activities in extreme polar environments. He lauded India’s growing polar research footprint and the increasing use of indigenous technologies in harsh-weather expeditions.

A Four-Day Celebration of Scientific Thought

Over the next four days, IISF will host lectures, exhibitions, hands-on labs, innovation showcases, hackathons, student-scientist interactions and public science demonstrations. The goal, Dr. Singh said, is not only to ignite curiosity but to contribute meaningfully to India’s long-term goals in research, innovation and skilled human resource development.