New Delhi, 25 November 2025: The Curtain Raiser for the India International Science Festival (IISF) 2025 was held today at Vivekananda Hall, CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR), Pusa Campus, New Delhi. The event was jointly organised by CSIR-NIScPR and CSIR-National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL).  During the event, the institutes also commemorated the Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas.

In her Welcome Address, Dr. Geetha Vani Rayasam, Director, CSIR-NIScPR, highlighted the vision of IISF 2025 and briefed the audience on its key thematic events. She underscored the significance of the IISF events, Science & Technology Media Conclave and Vigyanika – Science Literature Festival, both coordinated by CSIR-NIScPR.

Delivering the Introductory Remarks, Dr. Sanjay R. Dhakate, Officiating Director, CSIR-NPL, spoke about the 11th edition of IISF and reiterated the role of science in national development. He also emphasised the importance of India’s time standard, maintained by the National Physical Laboratory.

Shri R.K.S. Roushan, Controller of Administration, CSIR-NIScPR, addressed the gathering on the significance of the Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas. He highlighted the need for observing this day and reflected on the scientific knowledge and practices followed by tribal communities since ancient times.

Invited Expert Dr. Rakesh Tripathi, Education Officer, National Science Centre, New Delhi, delivered an engaging address on the essence of science and its relevance to everyday life. He demonstrated exciting experiments to the students and explained the distinction between scientific principles, tricks, and illusions.

Students from PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya also participated in the programme, adding youthful enthusiasm and curiosity to the Curtain Raiser event.

Dr. Manish Mohan Gore, Coordinator, Science & Technology Media Conclave, highlighted the major features of the 11th edition of IISF. He introduced the objectives of the S&T Media Conclave, and spoke about the expanding role of science and technology across diverse sectors, including the new science journalism trends related session and deployment of AI tools in military operations such as Operation Sindoor.

Dr. Paramananda Barman, Coordinator, Vigyanika, spoke about the NIScPR’s contributions to science communication and the importance of science for all. He provided an overview of Vigyanika – Science Literature Festival, a major component of IISF 2025.

In his Special Address, Dr. Jagvir Singh, Scientist G & Adviser, Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), highlighted the wide spectrum of science—including earth sciences. He spoke about the role of science in daily life, IISF’s national impact, and India’s achievements in various science Olympiads.

Prof. Avinash Chandra Pandey, Director, Inter-University Accelerator Centre (IUAC), delivered another Special Address, focusing on IISF, India’s scientific capabilities, and major national missions such as Gaganyaan and Samudrayaan.

The event concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Dr. Sumit Mishra, Senior Principal Scientist, CSIR-NPL, who acknowledged the contributions of organisers, speakers, and participants, and reaffirmed the importance of IISF 2025 in strengthening scientific temper across the nation.

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NKR/AK

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