India to hold 4-day ‘International Science Festival’ at Chandigarh: Dr Jitendra

Excelsior Correspondent

NEW DELHI, Oct 17: 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 today launched the curtain raiser for the India International Science Festival (IISF) 2025, describing it as a “celebration of science” that complements the country’s growing spirit of scientific inquiry and innovation.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Jitendra Singh said the festival will serve as a platform to showcase India’s scientific achievements and inspire greater public participation in science-driven progress.
The festival, scheduled to be held from December 6 to 9, 2025, at Panjab University, Chandigarh, will bring together scientists, researchers, innovators, and students to showcase India’s progress in science, technology, and innovation. This year’s edition will be themed “Vigyan Se Samriddhi-Science to Prosperity”, reflecting the government’s emphasis on harnessing science for national growth and self-reliance.
Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India is witnessing its most dynamic phase in scientific creativity and technological innovation. He pointed out that every major address by the Prime Minister over the past decade – from Independence Day speeches to policy announcements – has carried a strong message underscoring the importance of science and technology in national development.
The Minister said that the theme “Vigyan Se Samriddhi for Atmanirbhar Bharat” captures the essence of India’s next growth phase, which will be powered by technology, innovation, and sustainability. He noted that India’s progress toward self-reliance depends on reducing import dependence and strengthening domestic capacity in fields such as life sciences, agriculture, fuel, and automotive technologies.
IISF 2025 will focus on five broad themes – Science, Technology and Ecology of North-West India and the Himalayan Region; Science for Society and Education; Atmanirbhar Bharat through Science and Technology; Biotechnology and Bio-economy; and Integration of Traditional Knowledge with Modern Science. According to Dr. Jitendra Singh, the event will bring together institutions from Jammu, Chandigarh, and the Himalayan belt to showcase region-specific innovations that promote sustainable development.
Referring to the recently held Curtain Raiser of another upcoming meet, the ESTIC Conclave Dr. Jitendra Singh said that the conclave was focused on the study of science, IISF symbolises the joy of discovery and inspiration. “The two events complement each other – you study to know what to celebrate, and you celebrate to get inspired to study more,” he remarked.
Dr. Jitendra Singh said that the initiatives such as Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) will democratize research funding by extending support to universities and institutions across states, ensuring that innovation is no longer confined to traditional centres of excellence. He also emphasized India’s unique ability to blend traditional knowledge systems with cutting-edge modern science, noting that this synergy is one of the country’s greatest scientific strengths.
The curtain raiser event was attended by senior officials and scientists, including Prof. Renu Vig, Vice Chancellor of 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; and Dr. Shiv Kumar Sharma, National Organising Secretary, Vijnan Bharti, among others.

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