SEP 29: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, convened senior officials to review preparations for the India International Science Festival (IISF) 2025, scheduled to be hosted in Chandigarh under the Ministry of Earth Sciences. The meeting focused on ensuring a seamless, engaging, and participatory experience, with special emphasis on student outreach.
Dr. Singh instructed ministries and state governments in Haryana and Chandigarh to collaborate on awareness campaigns targeting schools, parents, and local communities. Initiatives include science fairs in schools, mobile exhibits, regional roadshows, and public installations in city spaces. He highlighted the importance of science communication hubs in every district and the deployment of youth ambassadors to generate early interest.
The Minister emphasized the inclusion of startup booths, citizen-science displays, and innovation zones, ensuring that young innovators and entrepreneurs occupy a prominent place within IISF exhibits. He also called for expedited cross-ministry coordination, clearances, and media partnerships to maximize participation.
Stressing that IISF has evolved from a scientific showcase to a participatory public event, Dr. Singh noted that success depends on bridging science with students and society at large. He urged officials to handhold startups, provide mentorship opportunities, and integrate interactive elements to make the festival appealing for schoolchildren and their families.
IISF has emerged as one of India’s largest science outreach platforms, combining exhibitions, youth forums, science theatre, and interactive programmes to make scientific knowledge accessible to the public. The 2025 edition aims to further strengthen public engagement, foster innovation, and inspire the next generation of scientists and innovators through hands-on experiences and widespread awareness campaigns.
Prominent officials at the meeting included Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Dr. M. Ravichandran, Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty, Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Dr. Rajesh Gokhale, and Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, alongside representatives from Vijnana Bharati.
 for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, convened senior officials to review preparations){kind=link}