Why in news?
The eleventh edition of the India International Science Festival (IISF) took place from 6 to 9 December 2025 in Panchkula, Haryana. With the theme “Vigyan Se Samruddhi: for Aatmanirbhar Bharat,” the festival aimed to showcase how science and technology can drive self‑reliance and prosperity.
Background
IISF was launched in 2015 to popularise science among the public and celebrate the achievements of Indian scientists. Organised by the Ministry of Earth Sciences and coordinated by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, the festival partners with multiple government departments and the voluntary organisation Vijnana Bharati. Each edition focuses on bringing together students, researchers, industry and society to exchange ideas and inspire innovation.
Features of the 2025 edition
- Broad participation: More than 40,000 participants from India and abroad attended, including students, scientists, entrepreneurs and policymakers.
- Theme and vision: The theme underscored the role of science in achieving economic self‑reliance (Aatmanirbhar Bharat). Exhibitions and lectures showcased how research can translate into local manufacturing and job creation.
- Multiple sessions: Over 150 thematic and technical sessions covered topics such as climate change, clean energy, biotechnology, space science, agro‑technology and artificial intelligence.
- Five focus areas: The festival emphasised (1) science, technology and ecology of North‑West India and the Himalayas; (2) science for society and education; (3) Aatmanirbhar Bharat through science and technology; (4) biotechnology and bio‑economy; and (5) integration of traditional knowledge with modern science.
- Inclusive platforms: Special programmes for schoolchildren, women innovators, rural entrepreneurs and start‑ups encouraged participation from diverse sections of society.
Significance
- Promoting scientific temper: The festival fosters curiosity and critical thinking among students and the general public, reinforcing the importance of evidence‑based reasoning.
- Encouraging innovation: By showcasing cutting‑edge research and indigenous technologies, IISF encourages start‑ups and industries to collaborate with academia.
- Bridging knowledge systems: Sessions on traditional practices, such as Ayurveda and indigenous farming, highlighted the value of local knowledge when combined with modern science.
Conclusion: The 2025 India International Science Festival celebrated science as a catalyst for self‑reliance and prosperity. Through interactive sessions and inclusive participation, it nurtured a culture of innovation and demonstrated how research can translate into societal benefits.
Source: Press Information Bureau
