Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh, chaired a high-level meeting on Monday to review preparations for the upcoming India International Science Festival (IISF) 2025, which will be held in Chandigarh under the Ministry of Earth Sciences’ stewardship.
During the meeting, Singh reviewed logistical arrangements, exhibition layouts, and cross-agency programme planning. He directed all departments to launch a sustained awareness campaign targeting schools and parents to ensure maximum participation. “Science must reach beyond laboratories and inspire curiosity among young students,” he said, urging close coordination with the governments of Haryana and Chandigarh to organise school science fairs, mobile exhibits, roadshows, and local media promotions well ahead of the festival.
The Minister also instructed officials to set up “science communication hubs” in every district and deploy youth ambassadors to create teaser installations in public spaces, turning IISF into a city-wide event. He emphasised the importance of including startup booths, citizen-science displays, student innovation zones, and interactive exhibits as part of the festival layout to make it more participatory and engaging for the public.
Singh stressed that startups should be placed at the forefront of IISF programming rather than treated as side events. He called on science secretaries to expedite final clearances, strengthen inter-ministerial coordination, and forge media partnerships to ensure a smooth and impactful festival.
Officials attending the meeting included Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India; Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences; Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty, Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy; Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Department of Science & Technology; Dr. Rajesh Gokhale, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology; and Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Secretary, DSIR and DG, CSIR. Representatives from Vijnana Bharati were also present.
IISF, one of India’s largest science outreach platforms, has evolved into a participatory public event blending exhibitions, youth forums, startup pavilions, and interactive science theatre. With Chandigarh hosting the 2025 edition, its success will depend not only on the strength of the exhibits but also on mobilising students and families to engage with science as a celebration of knowledge and innovation.
