CHANDIGARH, Nov 9 – The 11th edition of the India International Science Festival (IISF) will be hosted by Panjab University (PU) from December 6 to 9, bringing together thousands of students, researchers, and dignitaries from across the country.
The four-day festival is being organised by the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences in collaboration with the Departments of Science and Technology, Biotechnology, Space, Atomic Energy, and the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, in association with Vijnana Bharati.
A curtain-raiser event for the festival was held on Saturday at PU’s Law Auditorium in the presence of Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences; Dr. Suryachandra Rao, Director, Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune; PU Vice-Chancellor Renu Vig; and former UT Adviser Dharam Pal.
“This year’s festival focuses particularly on north-west India. We are exploring how science and technology can address challenges including weather prediction, disaster management, and societal development for the region and the country,” said Dr. Ravichandran while addressing the gathering.
He said the festival aims to inspire students to pursue science as a core discipline and to explore its role in national development. “Science must be embodied among students in a practical and easy way,” he added, encouraging young participants to actively contribute to the vision of “Vigyan Se Samruddhi: For Aatmanirbhar Bharat.”
“We are working towards a Viksit Bharat by 2047. For that, young minds must develop technologies that can be commercially utilised. We are creating ecosystems that strengthen innovation and nurture scientific thinking,” Dr. Ravichandran noted.
Responding to a question, he said India was expanding its network of observing systems and related facilities to enhance weather forecasting accuracy and preparedness.
PU Vice-Chancellor Renu Vig urged students from across north India to register for the event at https://iisf2025.in and participate in this “celebration of science.”
Dr. Rao elaborated on the upcoming festival’s theme and itinerary, saying it would showcase India’s technological advancements while promoting science communication, innovation, and collaboration.
