The India International Science Festival serves as a vital bridge between the scientific community and society
Scientific discoveries and innovations hold value only when their benefits are appreciated by the general public. Unfortunately, in our society, the average person often fails to comprehend the effort our scientific community invests in bringing forth innovations. They seldom acknowledge the scientific community for the benefits of science they enjoy, whether it be the food they consume, the healthcare they receive, or the communication systems facilitating speedy information transfer. It is in this context that science festivals serve as a bridge between the scientific community and society. Science festivals can bring about significant transformations in society by fostering a deeper appreciation for science, advancing scientific literacy, and motivating individuals to actively participate and contribute to the scientific community. The India International Science Festival (IISF) is a distinctive science festival conceived by Vijnana Bharati in 2015 and supported by various central government ministries. Over the years, it has become a model system for popularising and propagating science in the community. What sets IISF apart is its format for designing various sessions. The events are crafted in a way that allows every citizen, regardless of their profession, education, or age, to appreciate the advancements made in science, particularly in Indian science. IISF provides a platform for scientists, researchers, and educators to directly interact with the public, bridging the gap between the scientific community and the general public and fostering a better understanding of scientific concepts and discoveries. The ninth edition of IISF will be held at the campus of the Department of Biotechnology's institute THSTI-RCB in Faridabad, Haryana, from January 17 to 20, 2024, featuring 17 major events. The festival is coordinated and implemented by the autonomous organization of the Department of Science and Technology, the National Innovation Foundation-India. Key events of this year's IISF include the Student Science Village, Face-to-Face with New Frontiers of Science and Technology, Science through Games and Toys, Students Innovations Festival-Space Hackathon, Vigyanika – Science Literature Festival, State S&T Ministers, Centre, States S&T Secretaries and Officials Conclave, IISF Challenge, Education for Aspiring India – National Science Teachers Workshop, Young Scientists' Conference, New Age Technology Show, National Social Organisations and Institute Meet, Science, Technology and Innovations Exhibition, S&T Media and Communicators Conclave, Start-up, Technology and Innovation B2B Meet, Women Scientists and Entrepreneurs Conclave, and IISF Outreach Events. IISF provides a platform for hundreds of common people from Kashmir to Kanyakumari to share the stage with reputable scientific institutions in the country. This fosters a sense of community around the appreciation of science, encouraging dialogue, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas.
Organized annually since 2015, IISF has played a crucial role in developing a culture that values and celebrates science. This cultural shift can have a lasting impact on educational priorities, public policies, and overall support for scientific endeavors.
Making science accessible and enjoyable for children, primarily through events like the Student Science Village, Science through Games and Toys, can inspire young individuals to pursue careers in science.
IISF brings together people from diverse backgrounds and different parts of the country, creating a sense of community around the appreciation of science. This collaborative environment can lead to increased community engagement in scientific initiatives and projects, promoting a culture knowledge-sharing.
(The writer is an adjunct faculty at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bangalore; views are personal)
