Union Minister for Science and Technology, and Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh, today said that the upcoming 4-day India International Science Festival (IISF 2025) beginning 6 December will bring all the stakeholders under one roof. Emphasising the transformative role of science and technology in driving India’s development, Dr Jitendra Singh said that the nation is witnessing an unprecedented expansion in scientific capabilities under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He stated that in the recent years, India’s accomplishments—like the Chandrayaan mission and Vaccine—have given the country an unparalleled recognition on the global stage. Alongside these scientific milestones, India has also emerged as a world leader in preventive healthcare, marking a dramatic shift from the perceptions that existed in earlier decades, he added.

                                  

The Minister was delivering the keynote address at the Curtain Raiser programme of the India International Science Festival (IISF), organized at the Central University of Jammu in Samba district of Jammu & Kashmir. The event marked the formal launch of the IISF, being held from 6th to 9th December in Panchkula Haryana, and will bring together researchers, students, educators, and scientific institutions to celebrate and promote India's advancements in science and innovation. The Union Minister said that ever since Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed the office, the country has witnessed a series of new and pioneering initiatives in the field of science and technology, including the creation of specialized scientific centres across India. He said these initiatives reflect the Government’s commitment to strengthening India’s scientific ecosystem and nurturing innovation-driven growth.

                                   

Highlighting one such achievement, Dr. Jitendra Singh noted that a state-of-the-art scientific centre has been established at the Central University of Jammu, marking a significant milestone for the region. The centre has already started offering graduate, postgraduate, and post-doctoral programmes, thereby creating new academic and research opportunities for students and scholars.

                           

Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized that India is today globally recognized for its scientific capabilities, and the establishment of the Satish Dhawan Centre at the Central University of Jammu holds a special significance, as Satish Dhawan—an iconic figure of India’s space programme—is a proud ‘Dogra achiever’. This recognition is a tribute both to his contributions and to the rich legacy of the region.

 

The Minister further informed that two student hostels have been named after eminent personalities—Pandit Deena Nath Dogra and Syama Prasad Mookerjee—as part of the Government’s efforts to honour national icons. Dr. Singh remarked that Prime Minister Modi has consistently worked to restore forgotten heroes to their rightful place in history, ensuring that their contributions receive the respect they deserve.

 

Dr.Jitendra Singh stressed the need to break down institutional silos, noting that working in isolation often leads to overlapping responsibilities and inefficiencies. He called for greater coordination among research bodies, academic institutions, and industry to maximize outcomes and accelerate national progress.

 

Dr. Jitendra Singh said that the forthcoming India International Science Festival would not only showcase India’s scientific achievements but also strengthen the collaborative ecosystem between academia, industry, and innovation-driven enterprises. He said the festival would be “A Celebration of Science,” bringing together researchers, educators, innovators, students, and community members for a day of hands-on learning and exploration.

 

Dr Jitendra Singh said the guiding mantra of this year’s festival is ‘Whole of Government and Whole of Society.’ This represents the government’s commitment to deeper integration—bringing together government departments, scientific institutions, academia, industry, and society at large to work in unison, he said, adding that only through such collective effort can we accelerate innovation and unlock the full potential of our scientific capabilities.

 

In his address, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Dr M Ravichandran said the India International Science Festival, which is being held in Panchkula, Haryana, would focus on the theme “Science for Prosperity,” emphasising the vital role of scientific knowledge and technological innovation in driving sustainable development. He said the key component of the festival will address the pressing global issues of climate change and its impact on human health. He informed that a series of competitions and science-based games will be organized to enhance participation and make the event more engaging.

 

The Union Minister also highlighted the encouraging response to the Innovation Challenge launched ahead of the India International Science Festival (IISF) 2025. Startups, academia, researchers and student innovators from schools and colleges across the country have already begun participating in large numbers. He especially urged young minds from Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities to actively join this initiative, stating that their ideas and solutions will further accelerate India’s Aatmanirbhar journey.

 

Advisor, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Dr. Jagbir Singh; Vice Chancellor, Central University of Jammu, Prof. Sanjeev Jain and Deputy Commissioner, Samba, Ayushi Sudan were among those present during the curtain raiser programme of IISF.

 

The India International Science Festival (IISF) is one of the largest platforms in the country dedicated to promoting science among the masses and encouraging widespread participation in scientific activities. This year’s festival will feature scientific exhibitions and thematic pavilions, interactive sessions with leading scientists, skill development workshops for students and youth, and activities to popularise science among rural communities.

 

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