Share your story and shine at JK Monitor!🌟 Welcome to JK Monitor, where every story matters and every achievement is celebrated! We invite you to share the remarkable journey of your life and showcase your accomplishments to the world. Join our exclusive interviews that honor exceptional individuals just like you. JAMMU: A Curtain Raiser of the 11th edition of the India International Science Festival 2025 (IISF-2025) was held today at the Central University of Jammu to popularize IISF-2025 to be held during 6-9 December 2025 in Panchkula and Chandigarh.
Celebrating and advancing the spirit of science-led growth for a self-reliant and prosperous India, IISF-2025 is being organised with the mission of “Vigyan Se Samruddhi: for Aatmanirbhar Bharat.” IISF-2025 will showcase the latest advances in Indian science and technology for making India self-reliant while contributing for the global good.
The Curtain Raiser was inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (MoS) for the Ministry of Earth Sciences & Ministry of Science &Technology. While speaking on the occasion, Dr. Singh congratulated the Central University of Jammu (CUJ) for hosting this event in Jammu and Kashmir. He also hailed CUJ’s progress and achievements in recent years.
Dr. Singh emphasised that India’s image in the world has significantly improved due to innovations in the field of science and technology under the able leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.“Innovation is going to be a key driver in sustainable development and employment generation. IISF is Govt. of India’s flagship event for promoting innovations and inspiring GenZ for startup culture,” said Dr. Singh. Taking innovations at the grassroots levels, IISF is being organised every year at a different location across the country, he added.
“Our GenZ has an aptitude for research and innovation. They only need the right opportunities to showcase their skills and potential,” Dr. Singh emphasised. “The government has instituted mentorship programmes across the country to make the youth future-ready,” he elaborated. In this direction, IISF plays a significant role. Dr. Singh informed that IISF is a festival celebrating science across R&D and academic institutions, involving the general public and students, while encouraging industry-academia collaborations.
As part of the curtain raiser event, Dr. Singh also flagged off a Nari Shakti Run for Science where female students and faculty members participated. He also inaugurated CUJ’s community radio station “Tawi Dhara” broadcasting at 91.2 MHz. The dignitaries also launched the IISF Mobile App for registering and accessing the various activities of IISF-2025. Dr. Singh invited people to download the App and experience the festival of science at their fingertips.
Further, CUJ organised various competitions among students of different schools in the surroundings to promote the culture of innovation through innovation challenges. While distributing prizes to the winners of these competitions, Dr. Jitendra Singh encouraged students to be the torch bearers of innovation in the country.
In his welcome address, Prof. Sanjeev Jain, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor of Central University of Jammu (CUJ) expressed pride in hosting the Curtain Raiser Ceremony of IISF-2025 at CUJ. “Today, we are opening the grant festival of science, IISF-2025, to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The festival is intended to promote innovations and research ecosystems in the country, making India a Vishwa Guru,” Prof. Jain said.
“This festival of science is expected to nurture an ecosystem of research and innovations in STI in J&K. CU Jammu is already taking a leading role in promoting cutting edge research in the frontiers and establishing advanced R&D centres,” said Prof. Jain.
While speaking on the occasion, Dr. A. Suryachandra Rao, Director, Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune provided an overview of IISF-2025, highlighting the key themes and different activities being organised therein. “IISF-2025 is celebrating science as a festival with the main focus on science for prosperity,” said Dr. Rao. “IISF aims to encourage the young generations to contribute to the STI ecosystem. I call the youth to accept innovation challenges to solve societal problems and help make India Atma Nirbhar Bharat,” said Dr. Rao enthusing the youth. He invited all the citizens of J&K to participate in the IISF-2025 in Panchkula and Chandigarh.
The event also witnessed the august presence of Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences; Dr. Shiv Kumar Sharma, National Organizing Secretary, VIBHA; and Prof. Vinay Aneja, North Carolina State University, USA.
The event was attended by Dr. Gopal Iyengar and Dr. Jagvir Singh from MoES, Prof. Parvesh Abrol from VIBHA, DC Samba Ms. Ayushi Sudan, SSP Samba Virendra Manhas, Prof. Praveen Lehana, Prof. Dheeraj Vyas, Mr. Sameer Vohra, CUJ faculty and staff, students and teachers from participating schools among others. As a mark of respect, dignitaries were felicitated with bouquets, shawls and a Dogra Pagdi by the organising committee. Prof. Yashwant Singh, Registrar of CU Jammu delivered the vote of thanks.