iit-guwahati-hosts-india-s-largest-science-festival-iisf2024

India is gearing up to host its largest science festival at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati from November 30 to December 3, 2024. The India International Science Festival (IISF) will be held with the theme "Transforming India into an S&T-driven Global Manufacturing Hub."

 

This event, organized by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and coordinated by the National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST) in Thiruvananthapuram, marks a milestone as it is the first time this grand event will be held in the northeastern region of India.

 

The IISF was first initiated in 2015 at IIT Delhi and has since become the largest science event in India, drawing thousands of participants from across the country and around the world to celebrate scientific achievements and foster collaboration in the fields of science, technology, and innovation.

 

The festival's primary goal is not only to engage scientists but to create a joyous and accessible celebration of science for the entire public. It will feature exhibitions, interactive events, and discussions aimed at making science approachable and fun for people of all ages.

 

With a focus on transforming India into a global leader in science and technology-driven manufacturing, the event highlights the government's vision of merging scientific advancements with industrial growth to boost the country's manufacturing sector.

 

The IISF 2024 is a collaborative effort, with key support from various government departments, including the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoS&T), the Department of Science & Technology (DST), and the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), along with ministries dedicated to biotechnology, atomic energy, space, health, agriculture, environment, and renewable energy.

 

Get ready to experience the future of science & tech! IISF 2024 presents Sci-Tech Expo, showcasing India's achievements in science, tech, defence & space! @CSIR_IND @csir_niist @Vibha_India @csirimmt @IISF_2024 @IITGuwahati @PIB_India #IISF2024 #SciTechExpo pic.twitter.com/wXPnEvV3so

— Science Media Communication Cell (SMCC) (@SMCC_NIScPR) November 28, 2024

 

The festival is also supported by Vijnana Bharati, a movement that has been involved in organizing the festival since its inception. This year, CSIR is coordinating the event, with CSIR-NIIST taking the lead in organizing the various thematic events.

 

The festival is designed to offer a wide variety of events that cater to different audiences, ranging from young students and teachers to seasoned scientists and industry leaders. One of the highlights of IISF 2024 will be “Chandrayaan - The Museum of the Moon,” an impressive installation by British artist Dr. Luke Jerram.

 

The exhibit will feature a seven-meter diameter model of the moon, showcasing real-life imagery of the lunar surface where India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission landed in August 2023. This display celebrates India’s significant achievement in space exploration.

 

Another key attraction will be the Mega Science and Technology Exhibition, which will feature the country’s significant advancements in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

 

The exhibition will serve as a platform for showcasing the achievements of Indian scientific institutions and the country’s contributions to various scientific fields. The "Make in India, Make for the World" event will focus on how India can become a global manufacturing hub by encouraging both national and international organizations to collaborate in technology, manufacturing, and logistics.

 

Students will have an opportunity to engage in interactive exhibits, educational games, and challenges at the New Nalanda event. This initiative aims to ignite an interest in STEM fields among students by making science both fun and informative.

 

Similarly, the Pragya Bharat event will discuss the new frontiers in science and technology that are crucial to India’s development, exploring topics such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, robotics, and quantum computing.

 

The event will also highlight the active participation of women in science and technology through the "Nari Shakti – Women’s Development to Women-led Development in S&T" event.

 

This initiative will focus on empowering women in the fields of science and entrepreneurship and will showcase various government schemes aimed at promoting gender equality in these fields.

 

Additionally, the S&T Hackathon will encourage students from schools and colleges to come up with innovative ideas to contribute to India’s vision of becoming a Viksit Bharat (developed nation) by 2047.

 

The festival will also host several special events, such as the Young Scientists Conclave, which will bring together young researchers, innovators, and scientists under the age of 45.

 

This conclave will provide them with opportunities to engage with policy makers and learn about recent developments in the scientific landscape of India. The Thought Leaders Round Table event will facilitate discussions between key leaders from the government, science councils, and industry CEOs on strategies to drive India’s S&T sector forward.

 

Several thematic exhibitions will also take place, including "Reimagining Bharat" and "Science Beyond Borders," both of which aim to showcase new-age technologies and foster international collaboration.

 

Additionally, there will be interactive sessions for students to meet experts in various fields, and events like "Fusion Forum – The Atomic Assembly" will focus on nuclear energy and its applications in different sectors such as agriculture, power generation, and healthcare.

 

For those interested in the arts, IISF 2024 will feature the "Vigyanika" Science Literature Festival, which will promote science literacy through engaging interactions with science authors and performances such as science dramas and arts.

 

The "Science Safari – Science through Games and Adventures" will also offer workshops for teachers, allowing them to learn how to use science-based games and toys in their classrooms.

 

The "Taste of the Hills" food street will offer visitors a chance to explore the rich culinary heritage of Northeast India, while the "North East Symphony" will celebrate the diverse cultural traditions of the region through music, dance, and crafts.