Self-Reliance in Science No Longer a Dream, It’s Happening Now: Dr Jitendra Singh

Union Minister for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh today declared that self-reliance in science has moved from “aspirational” to “actual reality”, as he inaugurated the 11th India International Science Festival (IISF) 2025 at the National Institute of Electronics & Information Technology (NIELIT) campus here.

Speaking at the four-day mega event (December 6–9), Dr Singh framed the festival around three “C’s” – Celebration of India’s scientific achievements, Communication of science to the common citizen, and Career opportunities for the youth in cutting-edge research and startups.

“This is not just another academic conference. IISF is a people’s science festival that takes science out of laboratories and brings it to schoolchildren, college students, young researchers and the common man,” the Minister said.

From Chandrayaan-3 to Indigenous Vaccines – Tangible Outcomes

Highlighting India’s scientific journey over the last decade, Dr Singh pointed to landmark achievements such as the successful Chandrayaan-3 moon landing, rapid development of indigenous Covid vaccines, advances in biotechnology, and growing contributions to global climate models.

He announced that India is building major indigenous scientific assets, including:

• A multipurpose all-weather polar research vessel to be commissioned in 2028
• An indigenous human submersible under the Deep Ocean Mission
• Expanding polar research capabilities demonstrated through a live interaction with scientists at Bharati station in Antarctica during the inaugural session

Youth and Startups in Focus

Dr Singh emphasised that a large part of IISF 2025 is dedicated to school and college students. Sessions on quantum technology, biotechnology, blue economy, deep-tech entrepreneurship and defence-space innovations have been specially curated to expose young minds to emerging career avenues beyond traditional government jobs.

He noted the explosive growth of India’s startup ecosystem, rising patent filings by resident Indians and the country’s improved global innovation ranking as proof that science is now directly contributing to economic growth and Viksit Bharat@2047

.Science-Technology-Defence-Space Exhibition Launched

During the ceremony, the Minister inaugurated a grand Science-Technology-Defence-Space Exhibition and the interactive “Science on a Sphere” installation that showcase India’s latest advancements through immersive displays.

The four-day festival will feature over 50 events including science exhibitions, panel discussions, hands-on workshops, face-to-face interactions with scientists, and startup showcases.

With the clarion call “Vigyan se Samruddhi”, IISF 2025 aims to inspire the next generation of scientists, innovators and entrepreneurs while reinforcing India’s march towards becoming a self-reliant global science superpower.