The 6th Edition of Indian International Science Festival 2020 (IISF 2020) took place virtually in New Delhi through virtual mode from December 22-25, 2020. Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi inaugurated the event in the presence of Dr Harsh Vardhan, Minister of Science & Technology, Earth Sciences & Health & Family Welfare.
i.Theme of IISF 2020 – “Science for Self-Reliant India and the Global Welfare”.
ii.Organized jointly by Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), Department of Science & Technology (DST), Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in association with Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA). The nodal institution for IISF 2020 is CSIR-NISTADS (National Institute of Science, Technology & Development Studies), New Delhi.
Note- 5th India International Science Festival 2019 held in Kolkata, West Bengal.
Key Points from PM’s address:
i.National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020) will help in building scientific temper for kids from an early stage.
ii.Emphasize shifted from outlays to outcome, from textbooks to research & application.
iii.This change is being supported through establishment of Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) & Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL).
iv.Support for Quality Research through Prime Minister Research Fellows Scheme which is helping scientists in top institutes.
v.Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Schemes introduced by the Government focuses on sectors related to Science & Technology.
Vigyanika-International Science Literature Festival 2020:
CSIR-NISCAIR (National Institute of Science Communication & Information Resources), MoES & VIBHA organized the Vigyanika-International Science Literature Festival 2020 to mark the Birth Anniversary of Srinivasa Ramanujan (December 22, 2020).
Conclaves & Meets at IISF 2020:
Global Indian Scientists & Technocrats (GIST) meet 2020:
The session was inaugurated by Union Minister Harsh Vardhan.
i.Key topics discussed during the GIST 2020 meet were Water, Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications, Healthcare, Education & Skilling for better employability.
ii.Harsh Vardhan highlighted initiatives taken by the Government of India to connect with Scientists & Technocrats.
- VAIBHAV summit – ‘Vaishvik Bhartiya Vaigyanik’ organized by Scientific Departments, Ministries & Council to discuss on topics related to priority areas.
- PRABHASS – ‘Pravasi Bharatiya Academic and Scientific Sampark’ an initiative by CSIR to engage with scientist diaspora.
iii.GIST Meet 2020 has participants from several countries including USA, UK, Qatar, Angola, Anguilla, Australia, Switzerland, many other countries.
Overseas Science & Technology Ministers’ & Diplomats’ Conclave 2020:
Key points from Harsh Vardhan’s address:
i.He stated that Immunoassay Laboratory of Translational Health Science & Technology Institute (THSTI) in Pali, Haryana has been recognized by Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) as one of the six Global networks of Laboratories for Centralized assessment of COVID-19 Vaccines.
ii.He added that Pandemic has accelerated the process of digitization, AI & Big Data needed to be used with responsibility & accessibility.
State Science & Technology Ministers Conclave 2020:
Harsh Vardhan urged Science & Technology (S&T) Ministers to use science, technology & innovation to solve problems of their states.
i.The State S&T is held annually as part of the IISF, the conclave acts as a platform for discussing centre-state S&T cooperation.
ii.Harsh Vardhan released a Compendium on the activities done by all State S&T Councils. It can be accessed here. He also inaugurated its web portal.
Science and Technology Media Conclave 2020:
Responsible Science Communication during disasters such as pandemic was one of the important points of discussion.
i.HarshVardhan emphasized the power of Responsible Science Communication to fight the ‘infodemic’ arising during pandemic.
ii.A Science Media Virtual Exhibition was held which showcased cover pages of popular science magazines & science newspapers.
Traditional Crafts & Artisan Meet & Expo 2020:
A Traditional Crafts & Artisan Meet & Expo Programme was held to showcase the Scientific achievements of Indians to students, young researchers & the general public.
i.CSIR-AMPRI (Advanced Materials and Processes Research Institute), Bhopal organized the event.
ii.The event highlighted the activities of primitive tribes of the country like Agaria, Bharia & other tribes.
iii.The main objective of the program is to make traditional crafts competitive at global level and to make them self-reliable.
Women Scientists & Entrepreneurs Conclave 2020:
During this conclave women scientists & entrepreneurs share their experience.
i.The session showcased short films based on Living Inspirations of Rural & Tribal Indian Women.
ii.Prominent personalities like Rohini Hattangadi, Dr. Urmila Mitra Kraev, Professor Rohini Godbole, Dr. Sharmila Mande & Harpreet Singh shared their experience with them.
Conclave on Assistive Technologies & Divyangjan 2020:
The 2020 conclave was held based on the theme – “Empowering Divyangjan through Science, Technology & Innovations for Self-Reliance”.
i.The panel held discussions on Assistive Technology Ecosystem in India, Independent Daily Living, Education & Skill Development & Employability including women, Northeastern States.
ii.Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri Thawar Chand Gehlot stated that the implementation of Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan will help in realizing the dream of ‘Accessible India-Empowered India’.
Agriculture Scientists Meet 2020:
i.The meet served as a platform for agricultural scientists, farmers, teachers & students discussion of sustainable agriculture, precision farming technologies & agricultural production systems, data-driven technologies in agriculture, management, Innovation and agriculture.
ii.The main aim of the event is to reduce the impact of weather vagaries on agriculture and make agriculture a reliable income earning pursuit for marginal stakeholders.
Energy Conclave 2020:
i.The key areas discussed under the conclave are Renewable Energy Generation, Energy Conservation/Energy Reduction in build Environment & Cross Sectoral Technologies & Innovations.
ii.RK Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Power & Ministry of New & Renewable Energy stated that by 2030, 40% of established capacity will be from non-fossil fuel.
Guinness World Record (GWR):
During the event 5 GWR events were attempted. They are:
- IISF-2020 – Virtual Science Festival (2000 approx. per day at peak hour)
- Light, Shadow and Time Device Making (5,000 Students)
- Online Hand Hygiene lesson and Activity (30,000 Students)
- Applying Protective Masks and Taking an Oath Online (30,000 Students)
- Nutrition and Health Lesson (35,000 Students)
Student Science Village 2020:
i.Harsh Vardhan also inaugurated the Student Science Village 2020-Mega Science Hub, one of the main events of the 6th IISF, 2020.
ii.The main aim of the student science village is to make ‘science enjoyable’ for school students.
Vigyan Yatra:
Indian Association of the Cultivation of Science (IACS), Kolkata organised the Vigyan Yatra to promote the IISF 2020. Mobile Science exhibitions were started in various cities of India to promote scientific temper & inculcate culture of science among the masses.
About Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA)
President – DR. Vijay P. Bhatkar
Headquarter – New Delhi, Delhi.
