By Kamal Pratap Singh, Managing Editor, Biotech Express E-mail- kamal9871@gmail.com
The ninth edition of the India International Science Festival (IISF), four-day-long festival kickstarted at the Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI)-Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB) joint campus in Faridabad, Haryana on January 17th 2024. The eighth edition of IISF held in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.
The ninth edition of the India International Science Festival (IISF) was inaugurated by Union minister of science and technology Dr Jitendra Singh. He said, India’s achievements in the fields of science, technology and space over the last decade have helped gain global recognition and respect, ninth edition of the India International Science Festival (IISF) in Faridabad, Haryana.
“First, we landed Chandrayaan-3 near the south pole of the Moon, a feat that has not been achieved by any country in the world, then we made an identity in developing and administering COVID-19 vaccines to such a large population and we have also successfully achieved the Aroma Mission, benefitting thousands of farmers,” Dr Singh said. “Our government has made some revolutionary decisions over the last few years– the space reforms through the public-private partnerships, National Quantum Mission, Anusandhan-National Research Foundation (NRF), National Geospatial Policy, and National Education Policy (NEP),” he said.
Dr. Singh also added in his address during the inaugural ceremony of IISF 2023 that for the national development by science and technology, we are now focusing on the Indian Solutions to Indian Problems, Indian Data for Indian Research, Indian Doctors for Indian People, and Public-Private Participation.
Other dignitaries of the inaugural ceremony were Shri Moolchand Sharma, Cabinet Minister of Higher Education, Transport, Mines and Geology, and Elections, Government of Haryana; Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, PSA to the Govt. of India; Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, DST; Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary, MoES; Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Secretary, DSIR & DG, CSIR, Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary, DBT; Ms. A. Dhanalakshami, Joint Secretary, DST and Shri Shivkumar Sharma, National Organising Secretary, Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA).
While addressing the event, DST Secretary, Prof. Abhay Karandikar welcomed all the National and International guests coming from 23 countries to the India International Science Festival (IISF) 2023. He said that the festival has become the beacon for the scientific achievements from all over the country. He also explained the importance of IISF 2023 along with the brief introduction of the events scheduled on the four days from 17-20 January 2024 to the audience. He also added that our young students and researchers gets inspired and motivated by the scientific progress our country has made and contribute to make India the global leader.
Prof. Ajay Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor (PSA) to the Govt. of India said that the vision of IISF 2023 is to ensure science not only in the books but accessible to the public in many interesting and intellectual ways. He added that IISF provides extensive opportunities to get a deeper understanding of scientific disciplines through its events and programmes with many verticals of science and technology.
Dr. Shivkumar ji, National Organising Secretary, Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA) India greeted the audience and the other dignitaries present. He emphasised on our Indian tradition and values that has science embedded in them and said that science is a festival. He further stated that the science festival is organised with an aim to think and implement on how science in the labs should reach or become available to the society and be useful to the general public.
Shri Moolchand Sharma, Cabinet Minister, Government of Haryana said that country gets progress through the exchange of knowledge and innovative ideas. The India International Science Festival is the right platform for S&T based knowledge sharing.
During the inaugural session, the IISF Programme Guide and IISF News Bulletin’s Regional Languages Special Editions were released by the dignitaries. These language editions were brought out in seven Indian languages (Malayalam, Bangla, Haryanvi, Bhojpuri, Hindi, Marathi and Urdu). The Science Media Communication Cell (SMCC) of CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication & Policy Research (NIScPR) has prepared, designed and published these language editions of the IISF News Bulletin.
All the dignitaries on the dias were presented by the Dr. P.S. Goel, Chairman, Programme Committee, IISF 2023, the cow dung pot and mitti cool water bottle invented by a grassroot innovator justifying one of the mega science event’s objective of taking science grassroots innovations to society.
The inauguration ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Arvind C. Ranade, Director, National Innovation Foundation (NIF) India and Chief Coordinator, IISF 2023. The NIF-India, an autonomous organisation of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Govt. of India was the coordinating and implementing organisation of IISF 2023.
The events scheduled for the IISF 2023 included Student Science Village, Face to Face with New Frontiers of Science & Technology, Science through Games & Toys, Students Innovation Festival – Space Hackathon 2023, State S&T Ministers and Centre and State S&T Secretaries and Officials Conclave, Education for Aspiring India – National Science Teachers Workshop, Young Scientists’ Conference, New Age Technology Show, National Social Organisations and Institutions Meet (NSOIM), Science, Technology and Innovation Exhibition, and India International Collaboration followed by a Cultural programme.
During the second day of this science festival on 18 Jan 2024, the Know-How Technology on “Bamboo Composites” was transferred to a well-known materials manufacturing company, M/s Asili Bamboo Products, Meerut, in the presence of Dr. Avanish Kumar Srivastava, Director, CSIR-AMPRI, Bhopal, and Mr Akshay Joshi, Director, M/s Asili Bamboo Products, Meerut. On this occasion various other dignatries were also present, namely Mr Md. Ali Shah, Sadhana; Dr. C. Anandharamakrishnan, Director, CSIR-NIIST Trivandrum; Prof. Manoranjan Parida, Director, CSIR-CRRI, New Delhi; Dr. B. Chandrasekaran, Former Director, CSIR-CLRI; Prof. Sudhir Singh Bhadauria, Director, UIT RGPV Bhopal; Shri Mayank Mathur, RC Member from CSIR-Headquarter; Dr. J.P. Shukla, Chief Scientist; Mr. Somnath Mazumder, CoA; Dr. J.P. Chourasia, Head PPD, CSIR-AMPRI; Dr. Sandeep Singhai, Head Business Development; Dr. Sarika Verma, PI and Principal Scientist; Dr. Neeta V.M. Khalkho, Sr. Principal Scientist, CSIR-AMPRI; and Dr. Satanand Mishra, Principal Scientist, CSIR-AMPRI, Bhopal.
Prof. Ashutosh Sharma, President, Indian National Science Academy addressed young researchers, introducing the concept of “Vigyan Karmayogi” and various fellowships to support and recognize young scientists. The conference delved into the realm of scientific journals and publications, encouraging young researchers to publish in Indian scientific journals.
On Day-3, the Student Science Village event caters to active engagement between students and esteemed scientists like Professor Narinder Mehra, Vice President of the Indian National Science Academy (INSA). Prof. Mehra shed light on organ transplantation, providing valuable insights into life-saving medical procedures. The day also featured activities like Foldscope making, hands-on experiments in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, Inspire Manak Expo, and Mega Science Expo, creating a dynamic learning environment for students.
Around 2000 students from Palwal district of Haryana, attended the Face to Face with New Frontier of Science and Technology event. Dr. D K Singh from ISRO discussed “Stellar Odyssey: Human Presence in Space,” while Prof. Nagata Kyosuke, President of Tsukuba University, shared advancements in pharma through virology and molecular biology.
The second day of the S&T Media and Communicators Conclave began with a panel discussion on “Enhancing S&T Representation in Media,” chaired by Prof. K.G Suresh. Dignitaries were honored by Prof. Ranjana Aggarwal, setting a ceremonial tone. The discussion, featuring insights from Archita Bhatta, Dr. Pallav Bagla, Shri Vijay Joshi, and Shri Raj Chengappa, highlighted the importance of simplicity in science communication. The event also included a panel on “Science through Cinema,” exploring the intersection of science and film, emphasizing the creative role of AI in filmmaking. The event affirmed its role as a vital platform for cross-disciplinary dialogue.
The Day 4 of the India International Science Festival (IISF) 2023 was marked with the gracious presence of Shri Manohar Lal Khattar, Chief Minister of Haryana. Dr Abhay Karandikar (Secretary, DST), Shri Shivkumar Sharma (National Organizing Secretary, Vijnana Bharati), Dr. Arvind C Ranade (Chief Coordinator, IISF 2023), Dr. PS Goel (Chairman, National Innovation Foundation) was also present in the closing ceremony of IISF 2023.
In his special address, Shri Manohar Lal Khattar emphasized the boundless benefits that science offers to society without any discrimination. Recognizing the importance of science in shaping the future, he expressed his commitment to further integrate science with society through various initiatives of the state S&T council. Shri Khattar announces the plans of the state government for the development of a state-of-the-art Science City in Faridabad (Haryana) spanning across 50 acres. This ambitious project aims to create a dedicated space for scientific exploration, learning, and engagement, fostering a culture of curiosity and discovery among the public, especially children.
The mega science festival, which is being organized from January 17 to 20, 2024, has brought together the brightest minds in science and innovation, fostering a spirit of exploration and collaboration. It continues to receive overwhelming response, providing a platform for scientific exchanges and learning, Shri Khattar said.
In his announcement, Shri Manohar Lal Khattar highlighted the importance of nurturing a scientific temperament among the youth and creating an ecosystem that encourages innovation and research. The Science City is envisioned as a dynamic center that will play a pivotal role in promoting scientific awareness, fostering a love for learning, and inspiring the next generation of scientists. He said that the country is marching ahead under the leadership of our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in all walks of life including science and technology.
Shri Khattar highlighted the crucial role that the public engagement platforms like IISF play in fostering a scientific temperament among citizens. He emphasized that the festival serves as a bridge between the scientific community and the general public, demystifying complex concepts and showcasing the transformative power of science.
Highlights of the events
Vigyanika
The Science Literature Festival “Vigyanika” was held as a part of India International Science Festival 2023. The inaugural ceremony on 18th January 2024 began with the Welcome address by Prof. Ranjana Aggarwal, Director, CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR), New Delhi. Prof. Aggarwal highlighted the importance of scientific temper and CSIR-NIScPR’s commitment to foster scientific awareness. Emphasising the importance of science communication in Indian languages through diverse mediums like puppetry and poems, she underscored Vigyanika’s role as a platform for networking among scientists and science enthusiasts.
Dr. Dinakar M. Salunke, Former Director, ICGEB and DBT-RCB, Dr. Subhra Chakraborty, Director, National Institute for Plant Genome Research, New Delhi, and Shri. A Jayakumar, Vijnana Bharati, were the distinguished guests of the inaugural ceremony.
Prof. Salunke emphasised the importance of increasing scientific temper and acknowledged that the gap between common masses and scientists should be bridged through various inclusive efforts such as Vigyanika. Dr. Subhra Chakraborty, underscored Vigyanika’s role in fostering discussions on science, aligning with the goals of the New Education Policy 2020 to integrate varying fields such as science and literature in education. She also highlighted development of new innovative technologies that are capable of making India a technologically competent country and the need to take these technologies to the public through science communication channels.
Along with the scientific sessions, there was an exhibition by CSIR-NIScPR showcasing its publications and by SVASTIK, a CSIR initiative to disseminate scientifically validated Indian traditional knowledge.
Face To Face With New Frontiers Of Science & Technology
In this event, interactive sessions with students were organised. International experiences were shared by H.E. Madam Ruziah Binti Shafei, Deputy Secretary General, Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), Government of Malaysia on Malaysia’s S&T Development: Pioneering Advancements and Global Opportunities; and on One Health Approach: An Integrated Approach on Sustainable Ecosystems by Dr. Omosa Ochwang’i, University of Nairobi, Kenya.
Education For Aspiring India – National Science Teachers Workshop
Teachers Workshop provided an insightful panel discussion chaired by Prof. Nomesh Bolia from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi. The discussion, titled “Indian Knowledge System: Ancient to Aspiring India. Dr. Venkatnarayan Ramanathan emphasized the importance of sustainable science in the contemporary world and advocated for a reduction in consumerism. He highlighted the two fundamental components of science, namely observation and experience, citing examples like predicting groundwater levels through tree observation as a hands-on learning experience for children.
Additionally, a plenary talk on the “Role of Government Institutions: Strengthening Science Education through Schemes” was organized, chaired by Dr. Abhay Jere, Vice Chairman of the All India Council for Technical Education. Dr. Namita Gupta, Head of the INSPIRE Programme at DST, discussed the work undertaken to unravel the mysteries behind various results embedded in ancient teachings.
Young Scientists Conference
In the Young scientists conference (YSC), in the Interactive Session on Science Technology and Innovation in North East, Jammu & Kashmir, Leh and Ladakh, various prospects for making Samridh Bharat in Amrit Kal were explored. Prof Surendra K Mehta, VC, University of Ladakh informed the audience that the university of Ladakh is the only university of ladakh and is a very unique place for research especially climate change, biodiversity, etc. He also talked about the upcoming government solar energy facility in Ladakh region. Prof Bolin K Konwar Nagaland, former VC of Nagaland Central University talked about how research is helping in developing the urban economy. Prof. Gowhar Basheer Waqil, Director, Institute of Technology, University of Kashmir and Dr. Shweta Yadav, University of Jammu were also present as panellists.
New Age Technology Show
During this event, Students from the Bengaluru-based Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research displayed a ‘cost-effective’ method to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the atmosphere. The team, led by their professor Sebastian C Peter, came up with a way to convert carbon dioxide to methanol, which is categorised as a low-carbon fuel. The NITI Aayog calls it the ‘best pathway’ for meeting India’s global carbon emissions reduction targets.
In New Age Technology Show, a panel discussion on quantum technologies was also organised and moderated by Dr Akhilesh Gupta, Secretary, SERB and Senior Advisor, DST. Dr. Sudhir Ranjan Jain, Adjunct Professor, UM-DAE Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences, Mumbai; Prof. Urbasi Sinha, Raman Research Institute, Bangalore; Mr. Manish Modani, Principal Solution Architect, NVIDIA, Bangalore and Dr. A Robert J Ravi, DDG, DoT, GoI (TBC) participated as panellists. In another session an interactive talk on Cyber Security was organised. In the valedictory session of the event, Prof Abhay Karandikar, Secretary DST announced that the pre proposal has been invited from academia institutions/ R&D Labs to submit innovative pre-proposals in consortia mode aligned with objectives of National Quantum Mission (NQM) to setup T-Hubs in Quantum Computing, Quantum Communication, Quantum Sensing & Metrology and Quantum Materials & Devices.
Startup, Technology and Innovation B To B Meet
Startup, Technology and Innovation B To B Meet invited a distinguished Panel of Investors on to the stage for Start Up – Investors Meet. It was an excellent opportunity for the Start ups to pitch their novel ideas and Innovations to the Investors. Startups like Arc Robotics, MyWays.ai pitched their Start Up ideas. The Meet was succeeded by the arrival of the Distinguished Chief Guest ,Prof. Abhay Karandikar(Secretary, Department of Science and Technology) and his facilitation. Addressing the Startup B2B Meet, Mr. Karandikar remarked that he’s hopeful for the future of young innovators that they’ll be able to Create Jobs and contribute to the economy. He also announced that 10% of the funds to be allotted to the upcoming ANRF would be dedicated to innovation and startups.
Valedictory session
The India International Science Festival (IISF) 2023 concluded with a significant valedictory session on January 20, 2024. Dr. P S Goel, Chairman of NIF – India, expressed appreciation for all contributors, highlighting the integration of innovation. Prof. Sudhir Bhaduria, Secretary General of Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA) India, delineated the vision for this year’s event. Noteworthy moments encompassed Dr. Arvind C Ranade, Chief Coordinator’s presentation, revealing a record-breaking turnout with more than 13,000 delegates and 25,000 students. The ceremony also solidified international collaborations through the signing of MoUs.
During the valedictory session, winners of the Student Innovation Festival-Space Hackathon 2023 were announced, achieving remarkable feats in the world record category. Awards were conferred upon exceptional pavilions, acknowledging excellence in conceptualization, technology, interactivity, and special mentions.
Dr. Akhilesh Gupta, Senior Advisor, DST, and Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary, DBT were also the gathering. Ms. A. Dhanalakshmi, Joint Secretary, DST proposed he vote of thanks. Ms. Dhanalakshmi appreciated the Science Media Communication Cell (SMCC) of CSIR-NIScPR to actively coordinate and ensure media publicity and visibility of the whole IISF2023.
Industrial Growth discusion at IISF
At one end of the vast exhibition hall was a section dedicated to the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, which emphasised initiatives such as the ‘steel slag’ roads constructed in Arunachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Jharkhand. These roads are made by reusing slag, an industrial waste from steel plants.
CSIR’s Director General Dr N Kalaiselvi also spoke about the ‘purple revolution’ heralded by the organisation. Started under CSIR’s ‘Aroma Mission’, this movement aims to encourage lavender growth in the Jammu region, giving incentive to the home-grown cultivation, processing and marketing of lavender scents, oils, and products.
