CSIR-NIScPR and CSIR-NPL hold Curtain Raiser for IISF 2025; focus on science communication, discovery and national missions

New Delhi, November 26: CSIR-NIScPR and CSIR-NPL jointly organised the curtain raiser for the India International Science Festival (IISF) 2025 at Vivekananda Hall, CSIR-NIScPR, Pusa Campus, setting the tone for the 11th edition of one of India’s flagship science outreach events. The programme also marked the observance of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, highlighting India’s indigenous knowledge traditions.

Delivering the welcome address, Geetha Vani Rayasam, director, CSIR-NIScPR, outlined the vision of IISF 2025 and introduced the festival’s key thematic components. She emphasised the importance of the Science & Technology Media Conclave and Vigyanika – Science Literature Festival, both coordinated by NIScPR, in strengthening science communication.

In his introductory remarks, Sanjay R. Dhakate, officiating director, CSIR-NPL, spoke about the 11th edition of the festival and reiterated the central role of science in national development. Highlighting NPL’s mandate, he underlined the significance of India’s national time standard, which NPL maintains.

Addressing the gathering, RKS Roushan, controller of administration, CSIR-NIScPR, reflected on the importance of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas and spoke about the scientific knowledge, ecological practices and sustainable traditions followed by tribal communities.

Invited expert Rakesh Tripathi, education officer at the National Science Centre, delivered an interactive session on the nature of science and its everyday relevance. He conducted simple science demonstrations for students and explained the distinctions between scientific principles, tricks and illusions.

Students from PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya joined the programme, bringing energy and curiosity to the curtain raiser.

Highlighting the features of this year’s Science & Technology Media Conclave, Manish Mohan Gore, coordinator of the conclave, spoke about the expanding role of science and technology across various sectors. He noted that the programme will include a session on new trends in science journalism and discussions on the use of AI tools in defence contexts, including Operation Sindoor.

Paramananda Barman, coordinator of Vigyanika, outlined NIScPR’s science communication initiatives and provided an overview of the Science Literature Festival, a major component of IISF 2025 aimed at promoting science for all.

In his special address, Jagvir Singh, scientist G and adviser at the ministry of earth sciences, discussed the broad spectrum of science—from everyday applications to national-scale earth science initiatives. He highlighted India’s achievements in international science Olympiads and spoke about the national impact of IISF.

Another special address delivered by Avinash Chandra Pandey, director, Inter-University Accelerator Centre, focused on India’s scientific capabilities, major national missions including Gaganyaan and Samudrayaan, and the platform IISF offers for showcasing these achievements.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Sumit Mishra, senior principal scientist, CSIR-NPL, who acknowledged the contributions of all speakers, organisers and participants, and reaffirmed the significance of IISF 2025 in nurturing scientific temper and expanding public engagement with science.