Chief Minister Shri Manohar Lal Khattar with Prof. Abhay Karandikar,  Secretary, DST
 

The Day 4 of the India International Science Festival (IISF) 2023 was marked with the gracious presence of Shri Manohar Lal Khattar, Chief Minister of Haryana. The mega science festival, which is being organized from January 17 to 20, 2024, has brought together the brightest minds in science and innovation, fostering a spirit of exploration and collaboration. It continues to receive overwhelming response, providing a platform for scientific exchanges and learning.

In his special address, Shri Manohar Lal Khattar emphasized the boundless benefits that science offers to society without any discrimination. Recognizing the importance of science in shaping the future, he expressed his commitment to further integrate science with society through various initiatives of the state S&T council. Shri Khattar announces the plans of the state government for the development of a state-of-the-art Science City in Faridabad (Haryana) spanning across 50 acres. This ambitious project aims to create a dedicated space for scientific exploration, learning, and engagement, fostering a culture of curiosity and discovery among the public, especially children.

In his announcement, Shri Manohar Lal Khattar highlighted the importance of nurturing a scientific temperament among the youth and creating an ecosystem that encourages innovation and research. The Science City is envisioned as a dynamic center that will play a pivotal role in promoting scientific awareness, fostering a love for learning, and inspiring the next generation of scientists. He said that the country is marching ahead under the leadership of our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in all walks of life including science and technology.

Shri Khattar highlighted the crucial role that the public engagement platforms like IISF play in fostering a scientific temperament among citizens. He emphasized that the festival serves as a bridge between the scientific community and the general public, demystifying complex concepts and showcasing the transformative power of science.

A new variety of lotus flower with 108 petals developed by CSIR-NBRI
 

Dr Abhay Karandikar (Secretary, DST), Shri Shivkumar Sharma (National Organizing Secretary, Vijnana Bharati), Dr. Arvind C Ranade (Chief Coordinator, IISF 2023), Dr. PS Goel (Chairman, National Innovation Foundation) was also present in the closing ceremony of IISF 2023. Dr Abhay Karandikar remarked that IISF is meant to inspire, motivate young students and innovators so that by looking at the progress of S&T that country made during the last several years, these young innovators and students can contribute to our country's S&T progress to make it global leader during next 25 years in Amrit Kaal. Dr. Ranade proudly announced that around 5000 picosatellites that were made by school students at the IISF Challenge event have  created history. Some of the eye-catching activities of day four are as follows.

Face To Face With New Frontiers Of Science & Technology

On the last day of IISF 2023, an interactive session with students was organised at Face To Face With New Frontiers Of Science & Technology. International experiences were shared by H.E. Madam Ruziah Binti Shafei, Deputy Secretary General, Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), Government of Malaysia on Malaysia’s S&T Development: Pioneering Advancements and Global Opportunities; and on One Health Approach: An Integrated Approach on Sustainable Ecosystems by Dr. Omosa Ochwang’i, University of Nairobi, Kenya.

Education For Aspiring India - National Science Teachers Workshop

Teachers Workshop entered its fourth day with an insightful panel discussion chaired by Prof. Nomesh Bolia from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi. The discussion, titled "Indian Knowledge System: Ancient to Aspiring India. Dr. Venkatnarayan Ramanathan emphasized the importance of sustainable science in the contemporary world and advocated for a reduction in consumerism. He highlighted the two fundamental components of science, namely observation and experience, citing examples like predicting groundwater levels through tree observation as a hands-on learning experience for children.

Additionally, a plenary talk on the "Role of Government Institutions: Strengthening Science Education through Schemes" was organized, chaired by Dr. Abhay Jere, Vice Chairman of the All India Council for Technical Education. Dr. Namita Gupta, Head of the INSPIRE Programme at DST, discussed the work undertaken to unravel the mysteries behind various results embedded in ancient teachings.

Young Scientists Conference

On the Day 4 of the Young scientists conference (YSC), in the Interactive Session on Science Technology and Innovation in North East, Jammu & Kashmir, Leh and Ladakh, various prospects for making Samridh Bharat in Amrit Kal were explored. Prof Surendra K Mehta, VC, University of Ladakh informed the audience that the university of Ladakh is the only university of ladakh and is a very unique place for research especially climate change, biodiversity, etc. He also talked about the upcoming government solar energy facility in Ladakh region. Prof Bolin K Konwar Nagaland, former VC of Nagaland Central University talked about how research is helping in developing the urban economy.  Prof. Gowhar Basheer Waqil, Director, Institute of Technology, University of Kashmir and Dr. Shweta Yadav, University of Jammu were also present as panellists.

New Age Technology Show

On the Day 4 of New Age Technology Show, a panel discussion on quantum technologies was organised and moderated by Dr Akhilesh Gupta, Secretary, SERB and Senior Advisor, DST. Dr. Sudhir Ranjan Jain, Adjunct Professor, UM-DAE Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences, Mumbai; Prof. Urbasi Sinha, Raman Research Institute, Bangalore; Mr. Manish Modani, Principal Solution Architect, NVIDIA, Bangalore and Dr. A Robert J Ravi, DDG, DoT, GoI (TBC) participated as panellists. In another session an interactive talk on Cyber Security was also organised. In the valedictory session of the event, Prof Abhay Karandikar, Secretary DST announced that the pre proposal has been invited from academia institutions/ R&D Labs to submit innovative pre-proposals in consortia mode aligned with objectives of National Quantum Mission (NQM) to setup T-Hubs in Quantum Computing, Quantum Communication, Quantum Sensing & Metrology and Quantum Materials & Devices.

Startup, Technology And Innovation B To B Meet

Startup, Technology And Innovation B To B Meet invited a distinguished Panel of Investors on to the stage for Start Up - Investors Meet on its last day. It was an excellent opportunity for the Start ups to pitch their novel ideas and Innovations to the Investors. Startups like Arc Robotics, MyWays.ai pitched their Start Up ideas. The Meet was succeeded by the arrival of the Distinguished Chief Guest ,Prof. Abhay Karandikar(Secretary,  Department of Science and Technology) and his facilitation. Addressing the Startup B2B Meet, Mr.Karandikar remarked that he's hopeful for the future of young innovators that they'll be able to Create Jobs and contribute to the economy. He also announced that 10% of the funds to be allotted to the upcoming ANRF would be dedicated to innovation and startups.

Valedictory session

The India International Science Festival (IISF) 2023 concluded with a significant valedictory session on January 20, 2024. Dr. P S Goel, Chairman of NIF – India, expressed appreciation for all contributors, highlighting the integration of innovation. Prof. Sudhir Bhaduria, Secretary General of Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA) India, delineated the vision for this year's event. Noteworthy moments encompassed Dr. Arvind C Ranade, Chief Coordinator's presentation, revealing a record-breaking turnout with more than 13,000 delegates and 25,000 students. The ceremony also solidified international collaborations through the signing of MoUs.

A number of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed at IISF 2023

 

During the valedictory session, winners of the Student Innovation Festival-Space Hackathon 2023 were announced, achieving remarkable feats in the world record category. Awards were conferred upon exceptional pavilions, acknowledging excellence in conceptualization, technology, interactivity, and special mentions.

Dr. Akhilesh Gupta, Senior Advisor, DST, and Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary, DBT also the gathering. Ms. A. Dhanalakshmi, Joint Secretary, DST proposed he vote of thanks. Ms. Dhanalakshmi appreciated the Science Media Communication Cell (SMCC) of CSIR-NIScPR to actively coordinate and ensure media publicity and visibility of the whole IISF2023.

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