Guwahati: The 10th edition of India International Science Festival (IISF) 2024 has officially begun at IIT Guwahati, marking a four-day celebration of India’s scientific achievements and its growing role in global innovation. The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and Vijnana Bharathi, and the CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST) jointly organized the festival, a collaborative initiative of the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Earth Sciences. The event offers a platform to explore the dynamic fields of science, technology, and innovation, bringing together over 8,000 delegates, researchers, and scientific organizations from across the globe.
The grand inauguration ceremony on November 30 saw participation from prominent dignitaries, including Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh.
In his inaugural speech, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma highlighted the growing prominence of India in the global scientific landscape, stressing that IISF 2024 is not just about showcasing advancements but also about fostering a spirit of collaboration and innovation.
Inauguration by Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Assam,
Dr. Jitendra Singh, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Science & Technology (X image)
"India is emerging as a global leader in science and technology, with notable achievements in space, biotechnology, and startup ecosystems," the Assam Chief Minister said. He also emphasized the event's focus on initiatives such as Nari Shakti, which aims to promote women in STEM, and Science beyond Borders, a program to foster international partnerships in science.
Union Minister for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh also underscored the importance of self-reliance and global leadership in science for India's future at the event. He pointed to crucial initiatives such as the National Research Foundation and the bio-economy revolution propelling India forward while reflecting on India's transformative journey. The union minister also launched the India Science, Technology & Innovation (ISTI) Portal, which provides access to funding, fellowships, scholarships, and other resources for students, researchers, and innovators.
In an exclusive conversation with Business North East (BNE), Keshab Mahanta, Minister for Information Technology in Assam, spoke about the immense value IISF 2024 brings to Assam and beyond.
"This festival is a unique opportunity for Assam to showcase its rich cultural and scientific potential. With a focus on innovation and education, the event is poised to have a lasting impact on students, researchers, and young scientists, not just from Assam but from all over India," Keshab Mahanta said, emphasizing that the festival would enhance the visibility of Assam as a hub for scientific research and technological advancement.
Several exhibitions were unveiled that captured India’s strides in space exploration, defence technologies, and digital advancements, followed by the festival’s opening ceremony. One of the most notable exhibits was the Chandrayaan - Museum of the Moon, which featured the moon's life-sized replica with detailed imagery from NASA. The exhibit celebrated India’s Chandrayaan mission and provided an engaging platform for discussions on the future of space exploration.
The Science-Technology-Defence-Space Exhibition showcased India’s advancements in defence and space research, highlighting self-reliance initiatives such as AatmaNirbhar Bharat and Digital India. Another highlight was the Reimagining Bharat Exhibition, offering a glimpse into India’s future with key innovations in AI, robotics, quantum computing, and renewable energy. The festival also presented an exciting culinary experience at the North East Food Street, where visitors could savour the diverse flavours of the Northeast while enjoying traditional music performances that celebrated the region’s cultural heritage.
One of the most innovative components of IISF 2024 is Safari Science, a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at hands-on science learning. The initiative brought together 173 school science teachers, including 45 from the Northeast, to engage in educational toy demonstrations and interactive science experiments. The Science Institutional Leaders Meet - Vision Sansad also provided a platform for industry leaders and policymakers to discuss transformative policies and initiatives that could shape the future of science and technology in India.
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Another notable aspect of the festival is the Students Science & Technology Village, which attracted over 3,000 students, 75 per cent of which came from Northeast and border districts. The village featured interactive exhibits, STEM challenges, and educational games designed to inspire students to pursue careers in science and technology. Mahanta noted this initiative is crucial for Assam and the Northeast, as it provides students with the tools and motivation to explore the possibilities of science and innovation.
IISF 2024 aims to ignite scientific curiosity, foster collaboration, and fuel innovation across diverse communities. With a packed agenda that includes workshops, panel discussions, and networking events, the festival is poised to become a beacon of inspiration, offering a platform for scientists, students, and innovators to unite and work together toward India's vision of becoming a global leader in science and technology.
The festival continues until December 3 and is expected to attract thousands of visitors, including students from schools and colleges, researchers, and innovators. Through its diverse programs, IISF 2024 is set to play a pivotal role in enhancing India’s scientific capabilities, fostering global collaborations, and inspiring future generations to take the nation to new heights in innovation and technological advancement.
FIRST Business Portal addressing the potential of business capability of North East Region.
