Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi speaking in the inaugural function of IISF 2020
The sixth edition of the India International Science Festival (IISF), which came into existence in 2015, was organised during 22-25 December 2020. IISF is a celebration of science, technology, innovation and entrepreneurship. This mega science festival is organised by the Ministry of Science & Technology and Ministry of Earth Sciences in collaboration with Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA).
Over the years, IISF has become a unique platform for public engagement with science to inspire curiosity for science and an appreciation for scientific achievements of the country. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the sixth IISF was organised in a virtual environment. The central theme of IISF 2020 was ‘Science for Self-Reliant India and Global Welfare’ to strengthen the vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.
Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated IISF 2020 on 22 December 2020. In his inaugural speech, he said that India has a rich legacy in science, technology and innovation. Our scientists have done path-breaking research. Our tech industry is at the forefront of solving global problems but India wants to do more. He said that IISF aims to promote scientific temper among the masses and inspire young children to involve in scientific research for making India a global scientific leader. This science festival will catalyze and trigger the relationship between Science and Society leading to the development of new frontiers of growth both scientifically and economically.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Shekhar C. Mande, Director-General, CSIR, highlighted the vision, significance and salient features of IISF 2020. He said that in spite of the pandemic situation, the total registration in this mega science festival had crossed the figure of one lakh. This reflected people’s interest in science and IISF. Talking about the S&T efforts in India, he said that our country has faced so many challenges since independence and the scientists and technologists of the country have always taken these challenges as opportunities to serve the society.
The India International Science Festival-2020 started on 22 December on the occasion of the birth anniversary of great Indian mathematician Srinivas Ramanujan and culminated on 25 December, on the occasion of the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpai who added the phrase ‘Jai Vigyan’ to the slogan ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan’.
In IISF 2020, there were 41 events under 9 broad verticals. Every year, new events have been added and this year 13 new events were included such as ‘Science and Philosophy’, ‘Science Education in India’ and ‘Games and Toys’.
IISF 2020 secured 5 Guinness World Records. The first record was the largest participation of people (2000 people per day) in any Virtual Science Festival of its kind. The second was the most people assembling Sundial-Kit simultaneously online (6874 students). The third record was most people (30000 students) washed their hands simultaneously online. The fourth record was most people (30000 students) applying protective masks and taking an oath simultaneously online and the fifth world record was most viewers (35000 students) of a nutrition lesson live stream on a bespoke platform.
The International Science Film Festival of India (ISFFI) is one of the prominent events of IISF 2020. It seeks to promote science popularisation among citizens and aims at attracting talented young science filmmakers and science enthusiasts. In the IISF 2020, a record 632 science documentaries, short films, and animation videos were received from 60 countries. Internationally acclaimed and award-winning foreign and Indian films on science, health and environment were screened via online platform. A competition for Indian and International professional and student filmmakers was also organised. In the valedictory session, renowned film actor Shri Amitabh Bachchan and film director Shri Shekhar Kapoor shared their valuable experiences and thoughts.
The International Science Literature Festival – VIGYANIKA has been a significant event of IISF since 2018. This event provides a platform for science journalists, writers and communicators to discuss the existing challenges and concerns of science communication. This year, renowned science communicators participated in various sessions of VIGYANIKA. Science poet conference was a huge attraction to this event.
In the valedictory session, the Chief Guest, Honourable Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu said that science and technology provide solutions to improve our lives. Science is the lifeline of humanity and such science festivals provoke the scientific spirit among the public. He emphasised that science inspires us for rational enquiry and this is our Fundamental Duty. So we must enquire, investigate and reason before reaching any conclusion. Even this pandemic also reinforces us to be scientifically tempered, he said. Shri Naidu congratulated all the organising Ministries, Departments and Vijnana Bharati for the outstanding efforts and success of India International Science Festival 2020.
On this occasion, Union S&T Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan said, “IISF serves as a platform drawing representation from every section of the society whether it be a farmer, a villager, an artisan, scientist or a policymaker. Participation of science enthusiasts from all corners of the world has made this festival truly unique and unmatched in its scope and reach. Through various thoughtfully planned events, IISF has been deepening engagements between science and our citizens. The theme for this year’s festival was ‘Science for Atmanirbhar Bharat and Global Welfare’ which showcased the contribution of scientific and technological endeavours to realise the goal of the Atmanirbhar Bharat Mission. In this science festival, a large number of students, teachers, scientists, researchers, entrepreneurs and artisans participated. Dr Vardhan congratulated all the organisers, stakeholders and participants.” He wished that in 2021, we would like to celebrate a much grander IISF connecting even more people from and to science.
Dr Vijay Bhatkar, President, Vijnana Bharati said that whenever great challenges and high constraints come up, we always go ahead and achieve them. He congratulated all the organisers and participants for the great success of IISF 2020.
On this occasion, the Chief Coordinator and Director of the Nodal Institute (CSIR-NISTADS), Dr Ranjana Aggarwal said that IISF started in the year 2015, with a purpose to engage the common people of the country to celebrate the achievements and advancements of India’s science and technology. IISF has emerged as a unique platform to integrate science and people from various strata of society. This year due to the pandemic, a large congregation was not possible. Therefore, Hon’ble S&T Minister envisioned organising this programme on the virtual environment.”
Dr Ranjana informed that many Ministers, Governors, MPs and VIPs graced the events. More than 400 sessions were conducted in 41 events. She said that the Mega S&T Expo was a prime attraction where more than 300 government organisations/agencies showcased their achievements in S&T. Dr Aggarwal mentioned that in IISF 2020, events were organised under 9 broad verticals: Science for Masses, Science for Students, New Frontiers, Industry and MSME, Science for Agriculture and Rural Development, Inclusive Development, Science and Humanities, National and International Linkages, and Sustainable Development. She mentioned that during the festival, five Guinness world records were made.
Dr Shekhar C. Mande, Director-General, CSIR, congratulated all the people who participated in this festival. He also expressed gratitude to all the organising agencies, scientists, students, and other stakeholders of IISF 2020.
On this occasion, Secretary DST, Dr Ashutosh Sharma, Secretary MoES Dr Madhavan N. Rajeevan, Secretary DBT Dr Renu Swarup, and others were also present.
Dr Manish Mohan Gore, Scientist, CSIR-NISCAIR
