Dr. Harsh Vardhan Hon’ble Union Minister for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, and Health & Family Welfare graced the curtain raiser as Chief Guest

December 21, 2020, Kanpur: As the much awaited India International Science Festival (IISF 2020) is set to begin on December 22, IIT Kanpur (IIT-K) hosted a virtual curtain raiser on December 21, 2020. The curtain raiser take placed on December 21, 2020 at 10:30 AM. The highlight of the curtain raiser address by Chief Guest, Hon’ble Union Minister for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, and Health & Family Welfare, Dr. Harsh Vardhan. This year, IISF 2020 partners with IIT-K, one of the leading educational institutions in the country spearheading tech-infused innovation and research across various sectors and known for pioneering innovation in fields including cognitive sciences, cyber security, criminal forensics, sustainability among others. This partnership aims to help India realign with its goals of being ‘Atma-Nirbhar’ (self-reliant) and a global hub of knowledge.

The curtain raiser also have Prof. S. Ganesh, Deputy Director, IIT-K and Dr. Sunil Mishra, Gen. Secretary, Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA), Kanpur Prant, Assoc. Prof. Chemistry DAV College delivering the welcome address. Prof. A. R. Harish, Dean R&D, IIT-K and Prof. S. Panda, NCFlexE, IIT-K shared a short presentation on the upcoming festival. Shri. Jayant Sahasrabudhe, National Organizing Secretary, Vijnana Bharati(VIBHA), Prof. Sandeep Verma, Secretary, Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) and Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Director, IIT-K will also address the curtain raiser. Prof. Tarun Gupta, Assoc. Dean R&D, IIT-K will deliver the Vote of Thanks.

The sixth edition of this mega science festival that will take place from December 22 to 25, 2020 will bring to the fore the role of science in creating a self-reliant India and global welfare. Celebrating the achievements of India's scientific and technological advancements with students and innovators, this virtual edition of the festival will also engage with the public, showing them how science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) play a pivotal role by providing solutions to improve our lives. This will be the first virtual edition of this event since its inception in 2015.

IISF was established as a platform by the Ministry of Science & Technology and Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India in association with Vijnana Bharti (VIBHA) to demonstrate how science could lead India towards a developed self-reliant nation. The objective of the IISF is to accelerate the growth and development of India as a global hub of innovation aimed at bettering lives not just in India but also across the world.

Video link for Dr Harsh Vardhan, Hon’ble Union Minister for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, and Health & Family Welfare speech at the e-curtain raiser of IISF 2020 at IIT Kanpur on 21 December 2020

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eiws7r0p9KA&feature=youtu.be

Video link for Curtain Raiser @ IIT Kanpur of IISF 2020 event

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWPCa1frjBM&feature=youtu.be