IIT Guwahati to Host Nation’s Largest Science Festival

The India International Science Festival (IISF) 2024, India’s largest science celebration, will take place at IIT Guwahati, Assam, from November 30 to December 3, 2024. Organized under the aegis of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), with the National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST) as the coordinating body, IISF promotes science-society engagement and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Great Feat

• For the first time, this mega event is being hosted in North East India.
• The theme, “Transforming India into an S&T driven Global Manufacturing Hub,” aligns with the government’s vision of merging science, technology, and industrial growth to establish India as a global manufacturing leader.

Key Details and Features

Organizers and Partners

• Nodal Agency: CSIR.
• Coordinating Body: CSIR-NIIST, Thiruvananthapuram.

Key Ministry Organizers,

• Ministry of Science and Technology (MoS&T).
• Department of Biotechnology (DBT).
• Department of Science & Technology (DST).
• Ministry of Earth Science (MoES).

Key Collaborators

• Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA), Departments of Atomic Energy (DAE), Space (DoS), and Defence Research (DDR&D).

Thematic Highlights

1. Chandrayaan – Museum of the Moon

• Replica of the Moon showcasing real lunar surface imagery, celebrating India’s Chandrayaan Mission success.

2. Mega Science & Technology Exhibition

• Displays STEM achievements and technologies by Indian research institutions.

3. Make in India, Make for the World

• Discussion platform for fostering India as a global manufacturing hub.

4. The New Nalanda (Student Science Village)

• Interactive sessions and exhibits for students and teachers to ignite interest in STEM.

5. Pragya Bharat

• Promotes cutting-edge research in AI, quantum computing, robotics, and more for a “Viksit Bharat” by 2047.

6. Nari Shakti

• Focuses on empowering women in STEM and entrepreneurship through active participation.

7. S&T Hackathon

• Competition for students to develop innovative solutions for Viksit Bharat Sankalp.

8. Young Scientists Conclave

• Encourages young researchers below 45 years to explore scientific policies and infrastructure.

9. Thought Leaders Round Table

• Collaboration among policymakers, ministers, and CEOs for impactful public-private sector advancements.

10. The Gurukula

• Workshops for educators to equip them with modern teaching methodologies in science.

11. Mission Start-Up

• Platform for showcasing start-ups, fostering investment, and partnerships.

12. Reimagining Bharat Exhibition

• Highlights new-age technologies in agriculture, space, healthcare, and more.

13. Sagarika – Tale of Earth Sciences

• Focuses on meteorology, ecology, and environmental awareness.

14. Science Beyond Borders

• Fosters global partnerships and collaboration in addressing S&T challenges.

15. Vigyanika – Science Literature Festival

• Promotes science communication and literature in Indian languages.

16. Fusion Forum – The Atomic Assembly

• Discusses the benefits of nuclear energy in various fields like medicine and agriculture.

17. Student-Scientist Interaction Program

• Enables students to interact with experts for career inspiration.

18.Vision Sansad

• Engages institutional leaders to strategize for future scientific collaboration.

19. Science Safari

• Showcases educational toys and games with teaching workshops for educators.

20. S&T Media Conclave

• Discusses effective science communication and preventing misinformation.

21. Saga of Science Chronicles

• LED light shows narrating Indian scientific achievements and history.

22. Science Odyssey of the North East

• Highlights challenges and growth opportunities in North East India’s science sector.

23. The Taste of the Hills – North East Food Street

• Showcases traditional food and culture from North East India.

24. North East Symphony – Cultural Fest

• Celebrates diverse North East Indian traditions through music, dance, and crafts.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	The India International Science Festival (IISF) 2024, India’s largest science celebration, will take place at IIT Guwahati, Assam
Date & Venue	November 30 – December 3, 2024 at IIT Guwahati, Assam
Theme	“Transforming India into an S&T driven Global Manufacturing Hub”
Nodal Organizer	Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
Coordinating Body	CSIR-NIIST, Thiruvananthapuram
Key Organizing Partners	MoS&T (DST, DBT, MoES), Vijnana Bharati, PSA Office, DAE, DDR&D, MeitY, MoEFCC, others
Major Themes	Chandrayaan Museum, Science Expo, Student Village, S&T Hackathon, Nari Shakti, Pragya Bharat, Vision Sansad, North East Food Street, and more.
Key Objectives	Promote science literacy, foster collaboration, inspire youth, highlight scientific achievements, and engage public participation.
Special Events	Chandrayaan Museum, Saga of Science Chronicles, North East Symphony, Science Beyond Borders, S&T Hackathon.
Cultural Components	Food Street and Cultural Fest showcasing North East traditions.