A Festival of Discovery: IISF 2024 to Showcase India's Scientific Excellence
Guwahati is scheduled to host the India International Science Festival (IISF) from November 30 to December 3, 2024. In collaboration with Vijnana Bharati, a science movement with a Swadeshi ethos led by some of the nation's most renowned scientists, the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India, are organizing this significant event. Beyond only celebrating science, the 10th edition of IISF offers a chance to highlight the Northeast as a significant contributor to India's development narrative ~ Leading Mind Into A Skillset of Critical Thinking (Source: Google Images) Since its founding in 2015, IISF has been a well-known forum dedicated to honoring and advancing science as a shared national value. Known as the biggest of its type, the festival aims to unite many facets of society and promote a culture of scientific innovation and excitement. With a wide range of exhibits and programs aimed at igniting interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education and showcasing India's scientific accomplishments, this year's event, which marks the 10th IISF, promises to have a particularly significant impact. The CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (NIScPR) hosted a curtain-raiser program at Vivekanand Hall, Pusa Campus, in advance of this momentous occasion. According to the Ministry of Science and Technology, the occasion prepared the ground for IISF 2024. In her opening remarks, CSIR-NIScPR Director Prof. Ranjana Aggarwal emphasized the purpose of the festival: “Welcome to the 10th edition of the India International Science Festival.”The purpose of this curtain raiser activity is to educate all scientific students about this important occasion ~ Guwahati Will Be Blooming With Science Geeks Super Soon (Source: Google Images) Notably, Article 51A (h) of the Indian Constitution exemplifies scientific temper in a unique way, encouraging scientific temper, observation, and an attitude of inquiry that transcends scientific limits. We celebrate science, which is why we call it a festival. Innovative displays, including a moon model, will be on display during IISF 2024 and will be a big draw for students. Attendees were also addressed by the Chief Guest, Prof. AC Pandey, Director of the UGC-Inter University Accelerator Center in New Delhi, who emphasized the significant influence of science and technology on the development of the country. "Festival celebrations have a long history in Indian culture," Prof. Pandey said. "Science has an engaging story as well. Both everyday life and artificial intelligence are impacted by bio-inspiration.Our ancient rishis exemplified scientific thinking because they were naturally curious. Notably, Schrodinger found India's intellectual climate to be favorable during his visit to Allahabad University. IISF makes learning fun, creates scientific connections, and simplifies difficult ideas. Students' curiosity will be piqued by their variety of themes. In addition to speeches outlining the themes and anticipated events, the event featured an engaging promotional video that highlighted the goals and key moments of IISF 2024. The upcoming festival aims to create a dynamic platform for advancing STEM education, fostering creativity, and showcasing India’s scientific achievements to a diverse audience, with a special focus on schoolchildren.