CSIR-Central Electronics Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-CEERI), Pilani (Jaipur Campus), under the Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India, hosted the Curtain Raiser of the India International Science Festival (IISF-2025) on 14 November 2025 in hybrid mode, in collaboration with Vigyan Bharati (VIBHA), Rajasthan. The event marked the formal beginning of India’s largest science festival dedicated to celebrating innovation, inspiration, and inclusion core drivers of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

With the overarching theme “Vigyan Se Samruddhi: For Aatmanirbhar Bharat,” IISF-2025 highlights the transformative potential of science in strengthening national prosperity, societal well-being, and global leadership. Aligned with the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister, “Vigyan Se Vikas,” the festival reinforces the idea that science must serve humanity by addressing real-world challenges and improving quality of life. Hon’ble Union Minister of Science & Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh has emphasized that scientific discoveries must reach society, advocating stronger collaboration among academia, industry, and startups to drive innovation-led development.

The Curtain Raiser commenced with opening remarks and lamp lighting, followed by a welcome address by Dr PC Panchariya, Director, CSIR–CEERI. He highlighted India’s significant strides across electronics, space, defence, agriculture, energy, and environmental sciences. He reaffirmed CEERI’s commitment to strengthening indigenous research and building a robust innovation and ecosystem contributing to a self-reliant India.

Dr Meghendra Sharma, National Coordinator (S&T Hackathon), IISF-2025 and Secretary, VIBHA Rajasthan, presented an overview of IISF-2025, elaborating on its structure, thematic events, and its vast outreach aimed at connecting science to citizens across the country.

The event witnessed participation of over 120 representatives from national institutes, universities, and science organizations. Dr Sanjeev Sharma, Vice-Chancellor, National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur was the Guest-of-Honour in the event. He emphasized harmonizing India’s traditional knowledge systems of ayurveda, yoga, and natural therapeutics with cutting-edge advancements in biotechnology, healthcare, and environmental sciences.

Dr Anoop S Mahajan, Scientist-F, IITM Pune was the Chief Guest of the event. He reflected on India’s emerging global leadership in atmospheric and climate sciences. He urged young researchers to embrace interdisciplinary approaches and work toward sustainable, climate-resilient technologies.

The program was coordinated by Dr Vijay Chatterjee, Principal Scientist, CSIR–CEERI, and was concluded with a vote-of-thanks delivered by Mr Sai K Vaddadi, Senior Principal Scientist, CSIR–CEERI.