Panchkula, December 6 (IANS). Union Science and Technology Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated the Indian International Science Festival (IISF) in Panchkula, Haryana on Saturday. He defined it as celebration, communication and career.
Dr Jitendra Singh emphasized that India’s scientific progress must go beyond laboratories and involve citizens, students and young professionals in a meaningful way. The 11th edition of this festival is being organized from 6 to 9 December.
In his address, Dr Jitendra Singh said that the India International Science Festival has been envisioned not as a regular academic conference, but as an open, people-centric platform that brings science closer to the people. He said the festival encourages dialogue between scientists and the targeted beneficiaries of scientific research, demonstrating the government’s effort at better coordination and coordination between science ministries and departments.
He said IISF celebrates India’s scientific journey and achievements in various fields, communicates scientific knowledge beyond academic and research institutions and serves as a platform for career exploration for young participants. He said students, researchers and first-time learners get the opportunity to get acquainted with emerging opportunities in research, startups and industry through structured sessions as well as informal networking during the festival.
Dr. Jitendra Singh said that science and technology lay the foundation of economic development and social change. He said that over the past decade, India has adopted a mission-driven vision towards science, underpinned by reforms, increased investment in infrastructure and an emphasis on talent development.
He pointed out that scientific advances are now directly driving governance and public service delivery, ranging from better weather forecasting and early warning systems to polar research and digital technologies.
Referring to the theme of IISF 2025 “Science to Prosperity: Towards Self-reliant India”, Dr Jitendra Singh said that self-reliance in science is gradually taking shape. He highlighted initiatives to build key scientific assets indigenously, including a multi-purpose, all-weather research vessel, expected to be launched in 2028, and the ongoing manned submergence program in the country. He further said that Indian institutions are also providing climate data and models which are used internationally.
Dr Jitendra Singh also stressed the importance of strong collaboration between public research institutions and private industry and said that when policy support, funding and enterprise work together, innovation flourishes.
With exhibitions, lectures and interactive sessions to be held over the next four days, the India International Science Festival aims to deepen public engagement with science, as well as contribute to long-term national objectives in research, innovation and human resource development.
–IANS
AMT/DSC
