CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR), New Delhi, organised the outreach event for the mega science event, India International Science Festival 2023 (IISF-2023), on 18 December 2023. So far, eight editions of IISF have been successfully celebrated since 2015 with the primary goal of connecting science with society. This year, the ninth edition of IISF will be celebrated from 17-20 January 2024 in DBT RCB-THSTI campus, Faridabad, Haryana. Dr Raj Mehrotra, Curator ‘F’, National Science Centre, was the chief guest, and other distinguished guests were Dr Tripta Thakur, Director General, National Power Training Institute, and Shri Praveen Ramdas, Secretary, Vijnana Bharati, India.

While addressing the event, Dr CB Singh, Head of the Jigyasa Programme, CSIR-NIScPR, briefed about the IISF-2023. Besides, he explained the CSIR’s Jigyasa programme that inculcates scientific temper in students and motivates them to choose science as a career option.

Dr Raj Mehrotra said, “Do something that your classroom does not allow you”, but do not ignore the classroom too. He emphasised the application of rational thinking to believe in things.  He added, “This century belongs to information; the more information you have, the more aware you are, and be as informed as you can be”. Citing various examples, he also mentioned about the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM). He emphasised the importance of being scientifically tempered and channelling the Yuvashakti — the nation's youth, in Amritkaal. Finally, he demonstrated the experiment of viewing air through a fun activity. Wireless Electricity was the experiment of the day! 

In her welcome address, Dr Ranjana Aggarwal, Director, CSIR-NIScPR, discussed the IISF and its relation with science. Moreover, she stressed the importance of science and the festive nature of the mega science event, IISF. She further highlighted that the event engages people from different walks of life, including students, entrepreneurs, scientists, farmers, artisans, etc., in an exciting and enjoyable interaction with science. The festival acts as a bridge between science and society, she emphasised. Later, Dr Aggarwal invited everyone to attend the mega science festival and experience the wonders of science.

Talking about the message IISF conveys, Shri Praveen Ramdas said that IISF is a festival to popularise science among all segments of society in the form of various planned events.

Dr Tripta Thakur talked about traditional science and how India can become a Vishwa Guru through traditional science and not leave the Bharatiya spirit. In addition, she spoke about the importance of science in Amritkaal.

Shri Kuldeep Dhatwalia, Sr Consultant, Science Media Communication Cell (SMCC), CSIR-NIScPR, briefed the audience about the Media Conclave programme for two days during IISF.

Dr Paramananda Barman, Scientist, CSIR-NIScPR, briefed the audience about the Vigyanika event to be organised during IISF. Vigyanika 2023 is jointly coordinated by the National Innovation Foundation (NIF) India, an autonomous institute of DST and CSIR NIScPR.

Concluding the event, Dr Manish Mohan Gore, Scientist, CSIR-NIScPR, presented the vote of thanks. The informative outreach event ended with a vote of thanks by Dr Manish Mohan Gore, Scientist, CSIR-NIScPR.