Science is a system of understanding how the universe works. It is a constantly evolving field of study, and is involved in everything from our everyday lives to the development of technology. It is one of the great gifts of humanity, and has played a significant role in improving our quality of life. Science is always at work in our lives, helping us make sense of the world around us and improving our lives in countless ways. 

The India International Science Festival (IISF) is an initiative of the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Earth Science of the Government of India in association with Vijnana Bharati, a science movement with a Swadeshi spirit led by eminent scientists from the country. This year, it was held from 21st to 24th January 2023. The event was inaugurated by Shivaraj Singh Chauhan (Chief Minister Madhya Pradesh) in the august presence of Jitendra Singh (Union Science and Technology Minister) and Om Prakash Saklecha (State Science and Technology Minister).

The Vigyanika Science Literature Festival was a part of this event which was held on 22nd and 23rd January, 2023. The event was organized at the Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology (MANIT), Bhopal, as part of the 8th India International Science Festival. The celebration of science is important for the health and well-being of India and humanity, and IISF provides opportunities for people to engage with science in a joyful and entertaining way. Through its creative programs and activities, IISF helps people and the scientific community connect and work together to achieve common goals. This helps create a thriving community of scientists who are proud of their work and contribute for the betterment of all. The India International Science Festival hosted 15 major events at the same time, including the Vigyanika-Vigyan Sahitya Mahotsav. 

Additionally, Dr. Santosh Choubey (Poet and Chancellor of Rabindranath Tagore University) along with Vice Chancellor of Makhanlal Chaturvedi National Journalism University – KG Suresh, Associate Professor of Jawaharlal Nehru University Dr. B.S. Balaji, Scientist C M Nautiyal, Dr Hasan Javed Khan, Senior Scientist, CSIR New Delhi, Dr. Meher Wan, CSIR – (National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research) and Manish Mohan Gore (Editor of Vigyan Pragati) were several dignitaries who attended the Vigyanika-Vigyan Sahitya Mahotsav. The literary event aimed to introduce students to the world of science literature. This year’s theme was inspired by the idea that science can be used to explore all aspects of life. Participants were asked to bring out the most creative stories related to different fields of science.

Many distinguished guests participated in the India International Science Festival, which was organized to promote science and spread awareness about science through multilingual scientific literature, science poetry, science drama and folk art. The grand festival also aimed to recognize, appreciate and honor the concerted efforts of people who have significantly contributed in various streams of Science. Some esteemed guests who attended the forum included representatives, eminent scientists and officials from S&T organizations and private institutions.

This year’s India International Science Festival featured a National Short Play Video Competition themed “Inspiring Indian Scientist: A Story to Remember.” Piyush Sagar, the founder and CEO of Beat of Life Entertainment, took third prize for his voice-documentary film based on the autobiography of Sir Jagdish Chandra Bose, which highlighted the life, struggles and successes of the iconic figure of India. The movie also depicted and showcased the life of Sir JC Bose in Giridih, Jharkhand, where he spent the last few years of his life. This local connection makes the film particularly poignant, as Sir JC Bose took his final breath in the city. 

The event was a great opportunity to see some amazing talent and see what amazing accomplishments science can achieve. It’s important that we work together to use science to its full potential, and this event was a great example of what can be accomplished when we work together.