The 8th edition of the India International Science Festival (IISF) was inaugurated at the Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology (MANIT), Bhopal, on January 21, 2023.
The theme of the four-day festival is Marching towards Amrit Kaal with Science, Technology, and Innovation.
The theme of the mission is aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to build a self-reliant India and is also aligned with the G20 vision, which is Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam or “One Earth· One Family · One Future”, Secretary for Department of Biotechnology, Rajesh Gokhale said at the event. India assumed the G20 presidency on December 1, 2022.
Union Minster Jitendra Singh said during the inauguration that science relates to the economy and future of India.
“Science is too serious to be left to scientists alone. It has reached people’s homes,” he pointed out.
The minister also highlighted the progress made by start-ups in the country. Madhya Pradesh can contribute immensely to three areas: Agriculture, bamboo and waste-to-wealth.
Bamboo, he said, is not merely restricted to the Northeast. “Madhya Pradesh has good reserves. Bamboo can find applications in furniture, garments, paper, jewellery and petrol,” he noted.
Moving forward, the country should focus on the sustainability of start-ups and inclusivity.
Ajay Sood, principal scientific adviser to the Government of India, noted that India is committed to working towards reaching net zero by 2070.
“It will also drive innovation in the years to come. We have to bring in technologies, green solutions for manufacturing, a circular economy, waste to wealth, clean energy, and the like,” he said at the event.
IISF will feature 14 thematic events:
More than 2,500 school students from across India have been invited to attend the festival. Additionally, the festival will feature Biotech and Agri-tech start-ups. Also, smart and knowledge toys made by local artisans at IISF will also be on display.