Haryana Governor Prof Ashim Kumar Ghosh inaugurated the curtain raiser event for India International Science Festival-2025 at CSIR–CSIO, Chandigarh

Publish Date : November 21, 2025

Chandigarh, November 21, 2025: The Central Scientific Instruments Organisation (CSIR–CSIO), Chandigarh, on Friday hosted the Curtain Raiser of the India International Science Festival (IISF) 2025, marking the beginning of nationwide celebrations for one of the world’s largest science outreach initiatives.

The event was presided over by the Hon’ble Governor of Haryana Prof Ashim Kumar Ghosh who addressed an audience comprising distinguished scientists, eminent academicians, representatives of Vigyan Bharati (VIBHA), teachers, students, and invited guests. Lady Governor Smt Mitra Ghosh and Secretary to Governor Shri DK Behera, IAS, were also present on the occasion.

In his address, Hon’ble Governor, while praising CSIR–CSIO as one of India’s most respected scientific institutions, said that IISF, established in 2015 by the Ministry of Science & Technology, the Ministry of Earth Sciences, and Vijnana Bharati, has grown into a national celebration of scientific excellence and public engagement.

The Governor emphasised that IISF’s mission has always been to cultivate scientific temper, promote innovation, and bridge the gap between science and society. He noted that the festival achieves this by making science accessible through exhibitions, hands-on experiments, theatre, demonstrations, innovation showcases, and student-led initiatives. “IISF transforms science into a lived experience for students, farmers, homemakers, artisans, and citizens from all walks of life,” he said.

Reflecting on the festival’s broader purpose, Hon’ble Governor Prof Ashim Kumar Ghosh stated that IISF has the potential to evolve into a mass movement for scientific awareness. He referenced India’s civilizational wisdom, noting that knowledge is regarded as the greatest wealth — subtle, secure, and ever-lasting.

Speaking on this year’s theme, “Vigyan Se Samruddhi: For Aatmanirbhar Bharat,” the Governor underlined the need to transform scientific knowledge into technology and innovation that uplift society.

Addressing the students, he urged them to carry forward India’s scientific legacy with curiosity, creativity, and commitment. The event concluded with a call to collectively broaden scientific awareness and strengthen innovation as the nation prepares for IISF 2025.

Earlier Hon’ble Governor Prof Ashim Kumar Ghosh and First Lady of Haryana Smt Mitra Ghosh also planted two saplings on the campus.

Prominent among others who were present on the occasion included Prof Shantanu Bhattacharya, Director CSIR-CSIO, Prof Renu Vig, Vice Chancellor, Panjab University, Shri Praveen Ramdas Ji, National Joint Organizing Secretary, Vigyan Bharti and ⁠Prof Satish Kumar, Chief Scientist CSIR-CSIO.