In presence of more than 3000 dignitaries, students, scientists, researchers, innovators and stakeholders Honorable Prime Minister formally inaugurated the 5th edition of India International Science Festival (IISF) 2019. He said that Kolkata, the City of Joy is an apt place to celebrate India International Science Festival as this place has given birth to many eminent and renowned scientists like CV Raman and JC Bose.

Addressing the audience through video conference at Biswa Bangla Convention Centre, Kolkata, he said that India has have given the world many great scientists in the past and doing so even today. Hence India’s responsibility towards society increases and science and technology is needed to carry out these responsibilities.

He pointed out that the birthday of C. V. Raman is on November 7th which falls within the span of the IISF 2019 and said that the IISF was an auspicious occasion to recall the many lessons from the lives and works of great masters of science.

Hon’ble Prime Minister said that a strong S&T ecosystem was needed which inspires future generations so that students just out of school can join the innovation spaces like 5000 + Atal Tinkering Labs in the country. He added that no nation is successful without science and we should remember that at every step.

He appreciated the efforts made by our scientists for Chandrayan 2. He emphasized that the mission was successful as it created a milestone, motivated the children and inspired curiosity among them. He said that such occasions create a surge of interest among the youngsters and it is our responsibility to give that the right direction. 

He said there was no failure in science, but only effort and even results that are seem like a collapse are invaluable lessons. 

In his address he said that the government is trying its’ best to bring out the innovative spirit among the students and for this they are being provided institutional support.

Problem and tireless effort to solve them are two key ingredients of science. In our constitution we have a fundamental duty to inculcate scientific temper among people and this involves reasoning and application that challenges the fear of the unknown.

Hon’ble PM pointed out that science always works for the welfare of society. He explained that being a scientific society we have to provide real time solutions to everyday problems and should work for long term solutions.

He added that aiming for this, we hope for a new energy to arise from the IISF 2019 celebrations at Kolkata that will strengthen and inspire scientific temper and scientific solutions for the betterment of humanity.

Dr Ashutosh Sharma, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology greeted Hon’ble Prime Minister and other dignitaries present on the occasion.  

The India International Science Festival will continue till November 8 and will feature several events to generate interest in science.