Igniting Young Minds: CSIR–IIIM Jammu Inspires Future Innovators at 4th Children’s Science Festival, Students from across Jammu dive into real-world science, guided by top scientists and mentors

JAMMU: In order to ignite the young minds in Science, the CSIR–Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM) Jammu today organised the 4th Children’s Science Festival, bringing together over more than 150 enthusiastic students from various schools across the Jammu region.

The day-long event aimed to inspire scientific curiosity among young learners and encourage them to explore the world of research, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The students got the opportunity to visit the institute’s laboratories and research facilities, where they interacted with scientists and gained first-hand exposure to real scientific work.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director, CSIR–IIIM Jammu, described the young participants as the “guiding lights” of the nation’s future. He said that the curiosity, imagination, and energy of students reflected the spirit of Viksit Bharat 2047 — a vision of a developed, self-reliant India. Further, Dr. Ahmed also encouraged the students to think of science not merely as a subject, but as an essential part of life that shapes every aspect of human progress, from health and environment to technology and communication. Dr. Ahmed also assured that CSIR–IIIM Jammu would always remain open to students who wished to develop their scientific ideas or innovative projects.

Er. Abdul Rahim, Chief Scientist & Head, RMBD & IST Division inspired students to pursue science with commitment and curiosity. He said that science not only builds knowledge but also develops patience, creativity, and innovation. Highlighting the growing importance of scientific disciplines, he noted that in the coming years there would be immense demand for skilled science graduates across the country and urged students to remain dedicated in their pursuit of learning.

Earlier, Dr. Asha Chaubey, Senior Principal Scientist and Nodal, Jigyasa Programme welcomed the students and other and said that the festival provided a valuable opportunity for students to explore laboratories, participate in interactive experiments, and develop a scientific attitude that would benefit them throughout their lives. Dr. Chaubey also thanked the teachers for their encouragement and active participation, which helped make the event successful.

The festival featured a variety of competitions, including quiz, debate, slogan writing, and model presentation, which witnessed spirited participation from all schools. In the quiz category, the first prize went to Anuradh and Prabjeet from Army Public School, Jammu Cantt, while Saksham and Swastik from Cambridge International School, Jammu, bagged the second position, and Kavya Gupta and Afreen Nair from RRL High School secured the third. In the model presentation competition, Aditya and Naksha from Army Public School, Jammu Cantt, stood first, followed by Tajesvini and Sanna from RRL High School in second place, and Avadh and Dilshaan from Army Public School, Jammu Cantt, in third.

In the slogan writing competition, Arnav from Cambridge International School won the first prize, Kavita from Army Public School, Jammu Cantt, came second, and Sunina Nagi from GGHSS Canal Road secured third position. The debate competition saw outstanding performances as well, with the first prize going to Mauri and Kaavya Arnav from RRL High School, the second prize to Arinjay Wali from Army Public School, Jammu Cantt, and the third prize to Radhika from GGHSS Canal Road. Later, winners were felicitated by the Director and other officials.

Dr. Saurabh Saran, Senior Principal Scientist delivered the formal vote of thanks while proceedings of the event conducted by Dr. Vidushi Abrol.