Times News Network
Kanpur: On Monday, the IIT-Kanpur hosted a virtual curtain raiser for India International Science Festival (IISF 2020) established by Ministry of science & technology and Ministry of earth sciences in association with Vijnana Bharti (VIBHA), which is set to begin on Tuesday. The highlight of the curtain raiser was the address by chief guest, Union minister for science & technology, earth sciences, and health & family welfare, Dr Harsh Vardhan. This will be the first virtual edition of this event since its inception in 2015.
This year, IISF 2020 partners with IIT-K, one of the leading educational institutions in the country spearheading tech-infused innovation and research across various sectors and known for pioneering innovation in fields including cognitive sciences, cyber security, criminal forensics, sustainability among others. This partnership aims to help India realign with its goals of being ‘Atma-Nirbhar’ (self-reliant) and a global hub of knowledge.
The sixth edition of this mega science festival that will take place from December 22 to 25, 2020 will bring to the fore the role of science in creating a self-reliant India and global welfare. Celebrating the achievements of India’s scientific and technological advancements with students and innovators, this virtual edition of the festival will also engage with the public, showing them how science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) play a pivotal role by providing solutions to improve our lives.
The curtain raiser was attended by Professor S. Ganesh, Deputy Director, IIT-K and Dr Sunil Mishra, General Secretary, Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA), Kanpur Prant, Associate Prof, Chemistry DAV College. Prof. A. R. Harish, Dean R&D, IIT-K and Prof. Siddhartha Panda, NCFlexE, IIT-K shared a short presentation on the upcoming festival. Jayant Sahasrabudhe, National Organizing Secretary, Vijnana Bharati(VIBHA), Professor Sandeep Verma, Secretary, Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) and Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Director, IIT-K also addressed the curtain raiser. Prof. Tarun Gupta, Associate Dean R&D, IIT-K delivered the Vote of Thanks.
The objective of the IISF is to accelerate the growth and development of India as a global hub of innovation aimed at bettering lives not just in India but also across the world.