Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 21: Union Minister for Science and Technology, and Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh, today said that the upcoming 4-day India International Science Festival (IISF 2025) beginning December 6 will bring all the stakeholders under one roof.
Emphasising the transformative role of science and technology in driving India’s development, Dr Jitendra Singh said that the nation is witnessing an unprecedented expansion in scientific capabilities under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He stated that in the recent years, India’s accomplishments-like the Chandrayaan mission and Vaccine-have given the country an unparalleled recognition on the global stage.
Alongside these scientific milestones, India has also emerged as a world leader in preventive healthcare, marking a dramatic shift from the perceptions that existed in earlier decades, he added.
The Minister was delivering the keynote address at the Curtain Raiser programme of the India International Science Festival (IISF), organized at the Central University of Jammu in Samba district. The event marked the formal launch of the IISF, being held from 6th to 9th December in Panchkula Haryana, and will bring together researchers, students, educators, and scientific institutions to celebrate and promote India’s advancements in science and innovation.
The Union Minister said that ever since Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed the office, the country has witnessed a series of new and pioneering initiatives in the field of science and technology, including the creation of specialized scientific centres across India. He said these initiatives reflect the Government’s commitment to strengthening India’s scientific ecosystem and nurturing innovation-driven growth.
Highlighting one such achievement, Dr. Jitendra Singh noted that a state-of-the-art scientific centre has been established at the Central University of Jammu, marking a significant milestone for the region. The centre has already started offering graduate, postgraduate, and post-doctoral programmes, thereby creating new academic and research opportunities for students and scholars.
Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized that India is today globally recognized for its scientific capabilities, and the establishment of the Satish Dhawan Centre at the Central University of Jammu holds a special significance, as Satish Dhawan-an iconic figure of India’s space programme-is a proud ‘Dogra achiever’. This recognition is a tribute both to his contributions and to the rich legacy of the region.
The Minister further informed that two student hostels have been named after eminent personalities-Pandit Deena Nath Dograand Syama Prasad Mookerjee-as part of the Government’s efforts to honour national icons. Dr. Singh remarked that Prime Minister Modi has consistently worked to restore forgotten heroes to their rightful place in history, ensuring that their contributions receive the respect they deserve.
Dr. Jitendra Singh said that the forthcoming India International Science Festival would not only showcase India’s scientific achievements but also strengthen the collaborative ecosystem between academia, industry, and innovation-driven enterprises. He said the festival would be “A Celebration of Science,”bringing together researchers, educators, innovators, students, and community members for a day of hands-on learning and exploration.
In his address, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Dr M Ravichandran said the India International Science Festival, which is being held in Panchkula, Haryana, would focus on the theme “Science for Prosperity,” emphasising the vital role of scientific knowledge and technological innovation in driving sustainable development.
Advisor, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Dr. Jagbir Singh; Vice Chancellor, Central University of Jammu, Prof. Sanjeev Jain and Deputy Commissioner, Samba, Ayushi Sudan were among those present during the curtain raiser programme of IISF.
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