India International Science Festival
Unlocking Scientific Excellence for Viksit Bharat
Dr. Manish Mohan Gore
The India International Science Festival (IISF) is a celebration of science, technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship. This festival is attended by people from all sections of society and demonstrates how science and technology transform and improve our lives. IISF also shares India's scientific legacy with the public. The foundation of this festival was laid in 2015 by the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India, in collaboration with VijnanaBharati (a science movement with a Swadeshi spirit). In the same year, it was decided that one of the departments from the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Earth Sciences would organise this science festival annually, in partnership with other ministries and departments of science and VijnanaBharati. The primary objective behind the initiation of this programme was to involve the general public in celebrating India's scientific and technological achievements and progress. People from different countries around the world participate in many of its programmes, giving it a global dimension. The key objective of this mega science festival is to serve society and humanity, fostering curiosity and a scientific temper among people. Today, it has become a unique platform to connect people with science.
Science Festival: An Innovative Experiment to Bring Science to Society
Science and technology have a vast impact on society and human life. Therefore, it is essential for the general public to be informed about science and technology. Generally, there is little interaction between science and the general public, and several efforts have been made over time in India to bridge this gap. The science festival is one such experiment in which the latest scientific information is shared with the public. From the 1960s, science fairs or festivals were introduced in India as part of a People's Science Movement, under which science groups and science-related activities were organised in semi-urban and rural areas of the country.
Science festivals are celebrated in many countries around the world, acting as a bridge between science and the public. However, the India International Science Festival (IISF), organised every year in India since 2015, is unique in many ways. In this vast science festival, activities are organised not only for the country's leading children, teachers, and scientists, as is the case in other science festivals, but also, going beyond these key stakeholders, programmes are organised for many important sections of society whose lives and professions are impacted by science and technology in some way or another. Apart from children, teachers, and scientists, IISF has a place for every section of society, including artisans, farmers, entrepreneurs, science communicators, science journalists, science ministers, start-ups, women, etc. In this way, the India International Science Festival is an inclusive event, organised annually in different parts of the country, incorporating the science inherent in local culture, traditions, food, etc. This year, the tenth edition of IISF is scheduled at IIT Guwahati from November 30 to December 3, 2024. This will be the first IISF to be hosted in North East India, a region with eight states located in the far North-Eastern part of India. The culture, traditions, and food systems of these states have a scientific approach.
Concept Behind IISF
The India International Science Festival is an initiative inspired by VijnanaBharati. This voluntary organisation is a science movement started by eminent Indian scientists. The basic objective of IISF is to provide an opportunity for all people in society to celebrate science. People from various sections of society get a chance to meet and connect with the scientific community of the country and the world, and to learn about the innovative scientific initiatives being adopted in other countries, including India, through the creative events and activities of IISF. Ultimately, human welfare is intrinsic to the activities of science, which impact all of us.
Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, is working towards making India a developed nation by the year 2047, when the country will complete 100 years of independence. Science and technology will play a crucial role in India's journey to becoming a developed nation. The central theme around which IISF 2024 is being organised is "Transforming India into a Science and Technology-Based Global Manufacturing Hub." To turn this vision into reality, the Government of India aims to create a prosperous India, in harmony with modern infrastructure and nature, providing citizens from all regions the opportunity to reach their full potential through science and technology.
Important Events of IISF 2024
A giant 10-metre high replica of the moon will be constructed in Guwahati to celebrate the success of the Chandrayaan mission, as the city hosts IISF from 30 November. During the four-day event at IIT Guwahati, a 1:50,000,000 scale model of the moon will be placed in the city's central location. The moon replica will be installed by British artist Luke Jerram.
This moon model will spark curiosity among children, youth, and the general public, allowing them to understand the structure of the moon, its surface, and the area on the south pole where India's Chandrayaan has landed.
A Science-Technology-Defence- Space Expo is also being organised at IISF 2024. The Science-Tech Expo will highlight India's glorious achievements, progress, successes, and success stories, with the aim of promoting science and technology, space, defence, scientific temper, raising awareness on social issues, and inspiring future generations.
IISF 2024 will feature a programme called "Science Odyssey," which will propose scientific solutions to challenges faced by North East India, in particular. There will be two sessions each day, with 250-300 participants, especially from the North East. The sessions will include interactive public lectures and panel discussions.
The "Student Science & Technology Village - The New Nalanda" event, designed to bring together and inspire the younger generation, will be an integral part of IISF 2024. This event aims to generate curiosity among students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) through educational games and challenges. These activities will encourage problem-solving and critical thinking among young minds.
The "Pragya Bharati" event will showcase a new dimension in science and technology that aligns with the broader goals of development and progress for a developed India by 2047. The programme will focus on cutting-edge research in scientific fields such as AI, ML, Big Data, Quantum Computing, Biotechnology, Genomics, Sustainable Green Technology, Space Technology, Cyber Security, Advanced Manufacturing, Healthcare Innovation, Automation, and Robotics.
The "Nari Shakti" event, focused on women's leadership in S&T, will aim to actively involve women in targeted discussions, creating space for their leadership and ensuring their perspectives influence science and technology policies and practices.
The S&T Hackathon of IISF 2024 will encourage school and college students to develop innovative solutions related to science and technology, with a focus on India's vision for a developed future. The problem statements for this hackathon will be submitted by various departments of Science and Technology, Space, Atomic Energy, and Earth Sciences in the Government of India.
The Minister-Secretary-CEO Conclave will bring together Science Ministers from the Central and State Governments, Departmental Secretaries, and CEOs from industry to discuss critical issues, share insights, and collaborate on strategies that impact both the public and private sectors. These sessions will focus on how science and technology can be effectively used to meet the requirements of a developing India by 2047.
"Gurukul" is an event dedicated to enhancing the quality of science education in India. It will equip teachers with innovative teaching methodologies, modern tools, and strategies to effectively impart scientific knowledge to students. Gurukul will focus on providing a comprehensive toolkit to help educators become effective and inspiring teachers.
The "Sagarika" event aims to educate and connect people with the interlinked fields of meteorology, oceanography, and ecology, helping them understand their impact on the Indian ecosystem.
"Vigyanika" is a unique IISF event focused on science popularisation. It will showcase the communication of scientific concepts and discoveries through literature.
The event titled "Fusion Forum - Atomic Assembly" will engage the public on the role of nuclear energy in achieving energy independence and self-sufficiency in India. It will discuss the current outlook, future benefits, and pressing challenges of nuclear energy implementation in various sectors.
The Science & Technology Media and Communicators Conclave will provide a unique platform for media personnel, journalists, communicators, and scientists to stay updated on the latest scientific developments and share their stories with the public. The Conclave will also discuss the challenges and opportunities of science journalism.
One unique event at IISF 2024 will appeal to food lovers. "Taste of the Hills" will offer North-Eastern cuisine to the participants of IISF 2024. The dishes and flavours of North-Eastern food are distinct from other regional cuisines in India, often featuring a fusion of local indigenous ingredients and traditional cooking methods, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Thus, with these exciting and informative events, the tenth edition of the India International Science Festival will be the first in North East India from November 30 to December 3, 2024. This unique science festival will bring together participants and experts from different countries, including India, to share their experiences, ensuring that everyone benefits from science and technology. All are encouraged to participate in this event to experience science as a celebration.
(The author is a Scientist with CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research, and Editor of the popular science magazine 'Vigyan Pragati')