Dr Jitendra Singh Inaugurates IISF 2025, Showcasing India’s Scientific Rise

Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, inaugurated the 11th India International Science Festival (IISF 2025) in Panchkula on 6th December 2025, marking the start of one of India’s largest public science outreach events scheduled from 6–9 December.

IISF 2025 is jointly organised by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Department of Science and Technology (DST), Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Department of Space, and the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), in collaboration with the Government of Haryana and Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA).

The festival aims to showcase India’s scientific strengths, celebrate innovation and deepen public engagement with science. The inaugural ceremony featured Saraswati Vandana, Lamp Lighting and an introductory IISF film, with scientists, students, innovators and science communicators from across the country in attendance.

Key announcements and highlights

Articulating the festival’s ethos through the three Cs — Celebration, Communication and Career. Dr Singh said IISF celebrates India’s scientific journey, takes science to wider audiences, and exposes young participants to opportunities in research, innovation, startups and industry.

He underlined science and technology as the foundation of India’s Viksit Bharat@2047 vision, citing achievements over the past decade including Chandrayaan-3, indigenous vaccine development, biotechnology advancements, improved weather forecasting, digital governance systems and strengthened polar research.

Dr Singh inaugurated the Science–Technology–Defence–Space Exhibition and the immersive Science on a Sphere installation, and interacted live with scientists at Bharati Research Station, Antarctica, reviewing India’s expanding polar research initiatives.

Welcoming participants, Dr M. Ravichandran, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, stressed strengthening scientific temper, encouraging sustainability and fostering inclusive scientific growth.

Senior dignitaries including Dr Shekhar C. Mande (President, Vijnana Bharati), Dr Ajay Sood (Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India), and NITI Aayog Members Dr V. K. Saraswat and Dr V. K. Paul commended India’s rapid progress in science and the festival’s role in broadening science communication and outreach.

What does IISF 2025 aim to achieve?

The four-day programme brings together stakeholders across government, academia, industry and civil society to:

• Showcase indigenous R&D, instrumentation and applications
• Promote science communication and hands-on learning for students
• Encourage innovation, entrepreneurship and career pathways in STEM
• Advance public participation and scientific temper aligned with sustainability goals

Day 1: Engagements across themes

Students participated in Blue Economy sessions, a Hackathon, and the Science Safari – Science through Games and Adventures, alongside hands-on learning and communication programmes.

Indian Astronaut Group Captain Subhanshu Shukla delivered an inspirational talk followed by an interactive session with students.

A fireside chat between Dr Jitendra Singh and Ms Shradha Sharma, Founder & CEO of YourStory Media, explored India’s innovation ecosystem and opportunities emerging for young entrepreneurs.

The Activity Guidebook for the National Children’s Science Congress was released, and winners of the One Innovation Challenge 3.0 were announced.

CSIR showcased advancements in indigenous scientific instrumentation, drawing strong participation from students, educators and industry partners.

The collaborative effort reflects India’s commitment to strengthening scientific temper, supporting innovation-led growth and enhancing public participation in science.