Panjab University to Host 11th India International Science Festival from December 6–9

Chandigarh, November 8, 2025: Panjab University, Chandigarh will host the 11th India International Science Festival (IISF-2025) from December 6–9, 2025.
 
Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES); Prof. Renu Vig, PU Vice-Chancellor; Dr. Suryachandra Rao, Director, IITM Pune; Shiv Kumar Sharma, National Organising Secretary, Vijnana Bharati; Prof. Yojna Rawat, Dean of University Instruction; Prof. Meenakshi Goyal, Director, Research and Development Cell; Dr. Arvind C. Ranade, Director, National Innovation Foundation, Gandhinagar & National Organizer, IISF-2025; and Prof. Gaurav Verma, Coordinator, IISF, today flagged off the Cycle Rally to mark the beginning of the countdown for the grand international science festival at Chandigarh. Dharam Pal, former Adviser to the Administrator, U.T. Chandigarh was also present on the occasion.
 
A large number of scientists, faculty, distinguished persons and hundred of students from various schools, colleges, and departments of Panjab University participated in the curtain raiser event organised at the PU Auditorium. The event was organised by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Government of India, in collaboration with PU, DST, DBT, CSIR, DoS, DAE, and in association with Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA) at the Law Auditorium, Chandigarh. The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, under MoES, is the main implementing organization for IISF-2025.
 
Addressing the gathering as the Chief Guest, Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), highlighted the importance of making science an integral part of everyday learning. He remarked, “Science must be embodied among students in a way that seems more practical and easy to convey.” He encouraged young minds to participate actively in the India International Science Festival (IISF) and contribute to the vision of ‘Vigyan Se Samruddhi: For Aatmanirbhar Bharat’. He informed that the IISF is the annual flagship event of the Ministry aimed at promoting science, technology, and innovation among the youth of the country. The festival seeks to inspire students to take up science as a core discipline and explore how it can drive national development, he added.
 
“We are working towards a Viksit Bharat by 2047. For that, young minds must develop technologies that can be commercially utilised. We are creating ecosystems that strengthen innovation and nurture scientific thinking,” Dr. Ravichandran added. “This year’s IISF focuses particularly on North-West India; we are also exploring how science and technology can address challenges including weather prediction, disaster management, and societal development for the region and the country,” he further added.
 
Responding to a question, Dr. Ravichandran informed that India is expanding its network of observing systems and related facilities to enhance weather forecasting accuracy and preparedness.
 
In her inaugural address, PU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Renu Vig, welcomed the dignitaries, guests, and participants to the curtain raiser ceremony. She emphasised the significance of IISF as a platform to promote scientific curiosity and innovation among youth. “IISF-2025 will not only celebrate India’s scientific achievements but also inspire students and researchers to contribute towards the nation’s progress through science and innovation,” she remarked. She informed that many exhibitions will also be organised as part of the festival. She called upon students from all parts of North India to register for IISF-2025 and participate in this celebration of science.
 
Dr. Suryachandra Rao, Director, IITM Pune, in his presentation, elaborated on the theme and itinerary of the upcoming science festival. He highlighted that IISF-2025 aims to showcase India’s technological advancements and create avenues for science communication, innovation, and collaboration.
 
Speaking on the occasion, Shiv Kumar Sharma, National Organising Secretary, Vijnana Bharati, reflected on the transformative journey of science, stating, “There was a time when people debated whether science was a boon or a bane, but today, science has become the foundation of innovation that is reshaping the world around us.”
 
The event concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Prof. Meenakshi Goyal, Director, RDC, Panjab University, Chandigarh.