The ‘City of Joy’ Kolkata will be celebrating science festival from November 5. Around 12,000 eminent scientists, innovators and those with scientific tempers besides Government officials from the country and abroad will congregate at the four-day India International Science Fest (IISF)2019 at West Bengal’s capital.
To be inaugurated by President Ram Nath Kovind, the theme for this year’s fest is ‘Research, Innovation, and Science Empowering the Nation (RISEN- India)’ .
In a press conference here recently, Union Minister of Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr Harsh Vardhan said that the 5th edition of IISF is a festival to celebrate the achievements of Indian science. “Our Government is keen that science is used to solve the various problems facing the people such as health and in this context wanted to promote scientific temper particularly among the younger generation,” he had said.
The IISF will host more than 28 events, including ‘Young Scientists’ Conference (YSC)’, Students Science Village (SSV), North-East Students Conclave, Agricultural Scientists’ Meet, Assistive Technologies Conclave & Expo for Divyangjan, VIGYANIKA - International Science Literature Festival and International Science Film Festival of India (ISFFI).
Maan Bardhan Kanth from Vigyan Prasar, DST under the Ministry, said that those in search of understanding the ways to instill science spirit or develop creative and compassionate mind, there are events customized as per their interest — like YSC, SSV and Women Scientists’ and Entrepreneurs’ Conclave in which large number of youth will be busy in finding innovative solutions to the diverse challenges that our society faces today.
“Women Scientists’ and Entrepreneurs’ Conclave is a step forward to inspire young women to set their career in science or technology and promote the understanding of modern technology among common public, through exhibitions, presentations, discussions and social events,” explained Kanth.
Another interesting first of its kind event will be VIGYANIKA, especially for those in love with science literature.
The major attractions of this science lit fest will be Vigyan Manthan (panel discussions), Vigyan Spandan (scientific paper presentations, science writing workshops, scientoon & debate competition, storytelling), vigyan manchan (vigyan kavi sammelan, science drama, folk art), and vigyan prakashan involving book fair, book release and meet the author activities.
The mega fest is being organised jointly by Science and Technology-related Ministries and Government Departments and Vijnana Bharati.
