Goa CM Inaugurates Sci-Fi Science Film Festival in Panaji

The Goa Chief Minister, Pramod Sawant, inaugurated the Sci-Fi Science Film Festival of India in Panaji on January 30, 2025. The festival, organised by Vidnyan Parishad Goa, celebrates science, innovation, and the spirit of curiosity, and is being held in honour of Dr. M. Swaminathan, a prominent scientist. The festival’s theme this year, “Green Revolution,” aims to inspire young minds and promote the path to a sustainable future. It is a 4-day event that emphasizes the importance of science and innovation for India’s progress and encourages the youth to engage actively in scientific endeavors.

Key Highlights of the Event

• Inauguration: Goa CM Pramod Sawant inaugurated the Sci-Fi Science Film Festival in Panaji.
• Organisers: The festival is organised by Vidnyan Parishad Goa in collaboration with the Goa Science and Technology Department.
• Theme: This year’s theme is “Green Revolution,” focusing on sustainability and encouraging curiosity in young minds.
• Tribute to Dr. M. Swaminathan: The festival is held in honour of Dr. M. Swaminathan, known for his contributions to science.
• Festival Duration: The event is a 4-day celebration of science, innovation, and cinema.
• Encouragement for Youth Participation: CM Sawant highlighted the importance of such festivals in fostering scientific curiosity among the youth, promoting careers in science, and contributing to India’s vision of “Viksit Bharat.”
• Scientific Institutions in Goa: Sawant also emphasized that Goa is emerging as a hub for scientific research, home to institutions such as IIT, NIT, NIO, and the National Forensic Sciences University.

Additional Information

• Involvement of Dignitaries: The festival was attended by Dr. Soumya Swaminathan (scientist), Harilal Menon (Vice-Chancellor of Goa University), and Prasad Rangnekar (President of Vidnyan Parishad Goa).
• Festival’s Origin: The Sci-Fi Science Film Festival was conceptualised by the late Manohar Bhai Parrikar and Jayantrao Sahasrabuddhe, reflecting their dedication to science and innovation.
• The Goa CM also stressed the critical role of sci-fi films in fostering curiosity, enthusiasm, and a scientific temperament among students, which can play a vital role in India’s growth trajectory.