Jamshedpur: A curtain-raiser event for the 10th edition of the India International Science Festival (IISF-2024) was organized today at the CSIR-National Metallurgical Laboratory (CSIR-NML) in Jamshedpur. The event, which marks the lead-up to the upcoming IISF in Guwahati, is aimed at celebrating science and technology, particularly highlighting the contributions of the North East region.
The 10th IISF, scheduled to take place from November 30 to December 3, 2024, at IIT Guwahati, is being organized by the Ministry of Science & Technology, the Ministry of Earth Sciences, and Vigyan Bharati (VIBHA). The theme for this year’s festival is “Transforming India into a Science and Technology-Driven Global Manufacturing Hub.”
As part of the celebrations, the curtain raiser event at CSIR-NML brought together students, teachers, scientists, and local industry leaders to explore the critical role of science and technology in India’s manufacturing sector. The event showcased CSIR-NML’s contributions to national development, with exhibits focusing on ‘Mining, Minerals & Materials’, ‘Engineering & Infrastructure’, and ‘Ecology & Environment’.
Dr. Sandip Ghosh Chowdhury, Director of CSIR-NML, welcomed the chief guest, Shri Ranjot Singh, Chairman of the CII Jharkhand State Council and Managing Director of Emdet Jamshedpur Pvt. Ltd., along with Professor Ranjit Prasad, former professor at NIT Jamshedpur, and Professor Fr. Kuruvilla J. Pandikattu from XLRI Jamshedpur. Dr. Chowdhury emphasized the importance of IISF in providing a platform for students and researchers to engage with cutting-edge scientific developments.
Ranjot Singh, in his address, highlighted the role of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in promoting local industries and developing indigenous technologies. He stressed the importance of strengthening Jharkhand’s manufacturing sector to contribute to India’s goal of becoming a developed nation and invited students to utilize CII’s resources for skill training.
Professor Ranjit Prasad, speaking as the Guest of Honour, emphasized the significance of indigenous technology and processes in building a self-reliant India. He encouraged students to pursue their passions and work towards innovation, beyond just academic degrees.
Professor Fr. Kuruvilla J. Pandikattu delivered a keynote lecture on the intersection of physics, metaphysics, and management in driving industrial growth. He explored the philosophical underpinnings of ethical practices that are essential for the sustainable development of India’s manufacturing sector.
Dr. Trilochan Mishra, Chief Scientist and Chairman of the IISF 2024 Curtain Raiser event, proposed the vote of thanks. He commended the enthusiasm and participation of over 350 students from BPM 10+2 High School and Srinath University, as well as the contributions of CSIR-NML staff and the organizing committee in making the event a success.
Following the inaugural session, students visited various exhibition stalls, poster displays, and the CSIR-NML labs to learn about the latest scientific developments and technologies. The students expressed their excitement about the innovative work being done at CSIR-NML and the potential for such advancements to contribute to India’s industrial and technological progress.
The event also served as an outreach initiative to share CSIR-NML’s 74-year legacy of scientific research and technological development with the public, academia, and industries. By offering insights into the lab’s innovations, the event aimed to inspire future generations of scientists and industry professionals to contribute to India’s growing digital and technological economy.
The 10th India International Science Festival promises to be a significant event for celebrating India’s scientific achievements and fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and research institutions.
