Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush Shri Sarbananda Sonowal today attended the India International Science Festival (IISF) 2021 in Panaji, Goa. IISF is an annual event considered to be the biggest platform in the country which brings together students, the public, researchers, innovators and artists from around the globe. IISF 2021 is being organised jointly by the MoES, Department of Science and Technology, Department of Biotechnology, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, in collaboration with Vijnana Bharati.

At the inaugural function, tributes were paid to recently deceased Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat by observing silent prayer. The Union Minister visited various stalls at the IISF, and interacted with students on the occasion. Goa Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant, Union MoS Dr Jitendra Singh, Shri Shripad Naik and various dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Sonowal highlighted the rapid growth of science and technology under the leadership of PM Shri Narendra Modi. He said, PM’s call of Aatmanirbhar Bharat has connected every citizen of the country. The huge success of the Covid-19 vaccination programme in India is a reflection of the success of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. It is a victory of science, scientists and human values, the Minister said.

The Minister lauded the role of Union MoS Dr Jitendra Singh in promoting science and technology in India, especially among the student community. He also lauded the role of Goa CM Dr Pramod Sawant in bringing fast growth to Goa. Speaking on the growing popularity of Ayush globally, the Union Minister said that scientists are doing new studies to validate India’s age-old traditional systems of medicine. Today, Ayush has captured a global market worth of more than 18 billion dollars.

The Minister added that the government is taking various steps to explore the resources in the seas. Along with scientific growth, we also have to pledge to make a pollution-free India, he said.

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MJPS/MS/jk