The IISF 2025 Chandigarh Event is shaping up to be one of the most impactful science festivals ever hosted in North India. As a curtain-raiser to the 11th India International Science Festival (IISF), various scientific bodies and government departments came together at the Met Centre, Chandigarh, giving a detailed preview of the grandeur, innovation, and scientific spirit the upcoming festival promises.
This article covers everything you need to know — from who spoke at the curtain raiser, the event’s objectives, highlights, themes, student participation, expert insights, and what the main festival (scheduled in Panchkula from December 6 to 9, 2025) will bring to the region.
1. Overview of the IISF 2025 Chandigarh Event
The IISF 2025 Chandigarh Event, held at the Met Centre, offered a comprehensive glimpse into the 11th India International Science Festival, which is jointly organized by the Ministry of Earth Sciences, various science ministries, top scientific organizations, and Vigyan Bharati (VIBHA).
The event highlighted:
- The vision of the festival
- A detailed look at the theme
- Plans for outreach
- Scientific demonstrations
- Interactions between experts and students
- Participation from major government and research organizations
With the theme “Vigyan Se Samruddhi: For Aatmanirbhar Bharat,” the focus remains on promoting science-led growth, innovation, and self-reliance.
2. Key Personalities Who Spoke at the IISF 2025 Chandigarh Event
The ceremony witnessed participation from several distinguished scientists and organizing members.
Address by Surender Paul, Director, Met Centre Chandigarh
Surender Paul opened the event by outlining what the IISF 2025 edition has in store.
He emphasized the diversity of programs planned under the scientific and educational umbrellas, including:
- Awareness workshops
- Hands-on scientific sessions
- Innovation-centered exhibitions
- Sustainability-themed activities
- Meteorology-oriented demonstrations
Insights from Akash Pandey, Organising Secretary, VIBHA Chandigarh
Akash Pandey presented a historical perspective, explaining how IISF evolved from a national scientific initiative into a massive platform that connects scientists, policymakers, educators, startups, and the public.
He emphasized three key contributions IISF has made to India’s scientific landscape:
- Increasing scientific curiosity among school and college students
- Bridging the gap between researchers and society
- Making science accessible through public events and exhibitions
Session by Scientist-F Anoop Mahajan from IITM Pune
Anoop Mahajan highlighted the science festival’s objectives and explained the importance of choosing a theme that resonates with India’s developmental goals.
His discussion included:
- How science contributes to everyday life
- The role of technology in sustainable future growth
- Why scientific thinking is essential for youth
- The need to strengthen India’s innovation culture
He also elaborated on outreach strategies to ensure maximum participation from schools, universities, startups, and science enthusiasts across the Tricity region.
3. Student Engagement at the IISF 2025 Chandigarh Event
One of the most inspiring segments of the curtain-raiser was the interactive session between leading scientists and students from various schools.
Hands-On Demonstrations
Students got a chance to explore scientific concepts through real-world applications, such as:
- Understanding meteorological instruments
- Learning about weather forecasting
- Observing atmospheric data
- Engaging with climate-related scientific tools
Encouraging Curiosity and STEM Education
Scientists spent time answering student questions and motivating them to explore careers in:
- Atmospheric sciences
- Space research
- Environmental science
- Biotechnology
- AI & emerging technologies
This aligns with IISF’s core mission: “Making science accessible and exciting for every citizen.”
4. Participation From Major Scientific Institutions
The IISF 2025 Chandigarh Event was attended by nearly 250 participants, including officers, teachers, students, and scientific experts from top institutions such as:
- VIBHA Chandigarh
- IITM Pune
- PGIMER
- IMTECH
- IISER Mohali
- CSIR Labs
- DGRE (Defence Geoinformatics Research Establishment)
- The Met Centre staff
This wide representation shows the scale and importance of IISF 2025 for the entire northern scientific community.
5. IISF 2025 Theme: “Vigyan Se Samruddhi – For Aatmanirbhar Bharat”
The theme underlines how science and technology drive India’s economic, social, and technological growth.
What the Theme Represents
- Prosperity through science-led development
- Atmanirbhar Bharat through indigenous innovation
- Integration of traditional knowledge with modern research
- Boosting scientific literacy and public engagement
Key Areas of Focus in 2025
- Climate research & environmental sustainability
- Artificial intelligence and emerging technologies
- Science education & careers
- Startups & innovation ecosystems
- Space science & exploration
- Biotechnology, health, and life sciences
- Agricultural innovation and food security
6. Main IISF 2025 Festival: Scheduled for December 6–9 in Panchkula
While the curtain-raiser happened in Chandigarh, the main festival will be hosted in Panchkula from Dec 6 to Dec 9, 2025.
Expected activities include:
- Mega science exhibitions
- Public science lectures
- Science competitions for students
- Hands-on innovation labs
- Start-up showcases
- Cultural programs blending science & arts
- Workshops led by national & international experts
The Tricity will see a massive influx of researchers, students, and science enthusiasts during the festival.
Why IISF 2025 Matters for Chandigarh & Panchkula
Boost to Scientific Temper
Events like IISF build curiosity and shape young minds, motivating future innovators.
Advancement of Regional Innovation
Chandigarh’s strong research ecosystem — IIT Ropar, IISER Mohali, PGI, CSIO — will get national attention.
Tourism & Economic Benefits
A festival of this scale brings:
- Increased footfall
- Local business growth
- Tourism boost
- Media visibility
- Opportunities for educational institutions
Expected Impact on Schools & Colleges
With hundreds of schools and colleges participating, the IISF 2025 Chandigarh Event aims to:
- Strengthen career awareness: Students will gain insights into various scientific fields and potential career paths through interactive sessions, lectures, and workshops.
- Encourage science competitions: The event will host competitions that challenge students to apply their knowledge creatively and innovatively.
- Promote STEM literacy: Activities are designed to make science, technology, engineering, and mathematics concepts accessible and engaging for students of all levels.
- Build student-researcher collaboration: Students will have opportunities to interact directly with scientists and researchers, fostering collaboration and hands-on learning experiences.
- Create mentorship opportunities: The event encourages mentorship by connecting students with experienced professionals who can guide them in research, innovation, and academic pursuits.
The IISF 2025 Chandigarh Event is more than just a festival — it’s a platform to nurture curiosity, inspire future scientists, and strengthen India’s scientific ecosystem.
How Chandigarh Residents Can Participate
1. Public Lectures at IISF 2025 Chandigarh Event
Public lectures at the IISF 2025 Chandigarh Event are interactive sessions where renowned scientists, researchers, and experts share their knowledge and experiences. These talks are designed for all audiences, including students, teachers, and the general public. Topics may range from cutting-edge technology, space exploration, environmental science, climate change, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and more. Attendees can ask questions, engage in discussions, and gain a deeper understanding of scientific concepts and their real-world applications.
2. Exhibitions at IISF 2025 Chandigarh Event
Exhibitions at the IISF 2025 Chandigarh Event will showcase innovative projects, research breakthroughs, and technological advancements from various scientific disciplines. Visitors can explore interactive displays from universities, research institutions, startups, and government agencies. Exhibits may include robotics models, climate monitoring devices, AI-based tools, sustainable energy solutions, and science-themed installations. These exhibitions are designed to inspire curiosity and demonstrate how science impacts daily life.
3. Live Demonstrations at IISF 2025 Chandigarh Event
Live demonstrations at the IISF 2025 Chandigarh Event allow attendees to witness science in action. Experts will perform experiments or showcase working models to explain complex concepts in a simplified way. Examples could include:
- Simulating weather patterns with meteorological instruments
- Demonstrating chemical reactions safely
- Showing renewable energy solutions like solar or wind-powered devices
- Highlighting robotics or AI-driven systems
These sessions are designed to make science tangible and engaging for students, educators, and the general public.
4. Science Shows
Science shows are entertaining and educational performances designed to make learning fun. These can include physics or chemistry shows with interactive experiments, science magic, or visual demonstrations that captivate audiences of all ages. The goal is to make science enjoyable while sparking curiosity and encouraging young minds to explore STEM fields.
5. Model-Making Competitions
Students and participants can engage in model-making competitions, where they design scientific models, prototypes, or innovative devices related to sustainability, technology, or research. These competitions encourage:
- Creativity and innovation
- Application of theoretical knowledge
- Problem-solving and design thinking skills
- Teamwork and collaboration
Winning models often get displayed in the main festival, motivating participants to strive for excellence.
6. Innovation Talks
Innovation talks are short sessions focused on new ideas and breakthroughs. Entrepreneurs, innovators, and scientists share insights into how technology can solve real-world problems, such as climate change, healthcare challenges, agriculture, and smart city solutions. These talks are meant to inspire young innovators, students, and professionals to think creatively and pursue projects that can make a difference.
Registration information will be released soon via the official IISF portal.
FAQs:
1. What is the IISF 2025 Chandigarh Event?
It is the curtain-raiser program of IISF 2025, held to introduce the theme, activities, goals, and upcoming plans for the main festival.
2. When is the main IISF 2025 festival happening?
The main festival will be held from December 6 to 9, 2025 in Panchkula.
3. Which organizations are involved?
The festival is being organized by:
Ministry of Earth Sciences
Various central science ministries
Government of India departments
Vigyan Bharati (VIBHA)
National research institutions & laboratories
4. What is the theme of IISF 2025?
“Vigyan Se Samruddhi: For Aatmanirbhar Bharat”
5. Who attended the curtain-raiser event?
Around 250 participants, including scientists from PGI, IMTECH, IITM Pune, IISER Mohali, CSIR labs, DGRE, teachers, and students.
Conclusion:
The IISF 2025 Chandigarh Event successfully showcased the vision, scale, and impact of India’s most influential science festival. With participation from leading scientific institutions, inspiring interactions with students, and a strong theme centered on self-reliance and innovation, IISF 2025 is poised to transform the Tricity into a national hub of science and innovation.
As Panchkula prepares to host IISF 2025 from 6–9 December, residents, students, educators, and science lovers have much to look forward to.
👉 For more Chandigarh news, event updates, and detailed stories, visit: chandigarhut.in
