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India's International Science Festival Celebrates Rapid Scientific Ascendancy

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  Published in Science and Technology on Sunday, December 7th 2025 at 3:55 GMT by Hindustan Times

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India’s Rapid Rise in Science and Technology: Highlights from the International Science Festival

India has long been a country of paradoxes – a land of deep tradition and modern innovation. Yet in the last decade, the nation has surged forward as a global powerhouse in science and technology, a fact celebrated at this year’s International Science Festival (ISF). The festival, held in New Delhi, brought together researchers, policy makers, entrepreneurs and the general public to showcase India’s cutting‑edge achievements and chart the way forward.

1. The Genesis of the International Science Festival

The International Science Festival was first launched in 2012 by the Ministry of Science & Technology (MoST) as a platform to encourage public engagement with science. By 2024, the festival had grown to include more than 200 events – lectures, panel discussions, live demonstrations, science cafés and a children’s science fair. The 2024 edition was themed “India: Innovating for a Sustainable Future,” reflecting the country’s focus on green technologies and inclusive growth.

2. Government Initiatives Fueling the Momentum

The government’s role has been pivotal. Under the “Make in India” initiative and the “Startup India” scheme, India has seen a 35 % increase in science‑based start‑ups over the past five years. The “Science and Engineering Research Board” (SERB) has injected over ₹5,000 crore in funding into research projects spanning biotechnology, nanotechnology, artificial intelligence, and space science.

In the festival’s opening address, Dr. P. S. S. Karthik, the Minister of Science & Technology, highlighted that India now hosts 12 national laboratories, including the newly commissioned Quantum Technology Hub in Bangalore. He also mentioned the launch of a “National Science Digital Library” to provide free access to research papers for students and educators across the country.

3. Spotlight on Shubhanshu: A Young Scientist’s Breakthrough

One of the most talked‑about moments of the festival was the presentation by Dr. Shubhanshu Jha, a 29‑year‑old researcher at the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. Dr. Jha’s talk, “Quantum Machine Learning for Climate Modeling,” showcased a novel algorithm that could reduce the computational time for climate simulations by 40 %. His research, funded by the SERB and a partnership with the University of Oxford, has already attracted interest from European climate agencies.

The festival’s “Young Innovators” award, presented to Dr. Jha, recognizes scientists under 35 who have made a significant impact in their fields. Dr. Jha’s work demonstrates India’s potential to lead in quantum research – a field where global leaders like the United States, China, and the European Union invest heavily.

4. Key Highlights and Innovations

a. Space Exploration

India’s space program, spearheaded by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), showcased its new “Gaganyaan” mission – a crewed orbital spacecraft. The festival’s live demonstration included a virtual launch sequence and a discussion with Dr. Anuradha Prasad, ISRO’s mission director, about the challenges of human spaceflight.

b. Biotechnology and Health

A breakout session on “Precision Medicine” featured research from the National Institute of Biomedical Genomics. Scientists demonstrated how genomic sequencing can predict disease risk and tailor treatments. The session was attended by representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO), who praised India’s strides in affordable healthcare solutions.

c. Artificial Intelligence & Ethics

The festival’s “AI for Good” track hosted a debate on the ethical use of artificial intelligence. The panel, composed of AI researchers and ethicists, discussed bias in algorithms, data privacy, and the need for India’s own AI governance framework. Dr. R. K. Narayanan, a leading AI ethicist, urged policymakers to adopt the “AI Bill of Rights” to safeguard citizens’ digital liberties.

d. Sustainable Energy

India’s renewable energy ambitions were highlighted through a showcase of a 100‑MW solar farm in Rajasthan, built by the state government in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC). The event underscored India’s goal of achieving 175 GW of renewable capacity by 2025.

5. International Collaborations and Global Recognition

India’s science community has become increasingly global. The festival’s “Global Partnerships” section featured collaborations with the European Space Agency (ESA), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). Dr. S. M. S. Venkatesh, the director of the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), emphasized that India’s collaborative mindset has opened doors for joint research projects and student exchange programs.

Furthermore, the “Science Diplomacy” forum at the festival discussed how scientific cooperation can be a tool for diplomatic engagement. Representatives from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) highlighted India’s role in providing rapid-response technology solutions during the COVID‑19 pandemic.

6. Challenges Ahead

While celebrating successes, the festival also addressed the hurdles that India must overcome:

• Funding Gap: Despite increased investment, the total R&D spending remains only 1.1 % of GDP, below the OECD average of 2.4 %.
• Talent Drain: A significant number of Indian scientists seek opportunities abroad, creating a brain‑drain problem.
• Infrastructure: Many research institutions still lack state‑of‑the‑art laboratories and computational resources.
• Public Engagement: While the festival attracts thousands, the overall public interest in science remains relatively low compared to other nations.

The government’s “National Innovation Challenge” aims to address these issues by providing grants to small research labs and establishing “innovation hubs” in tier‑two cities.

7. The Road Ahead: What’s Next for India’s Science Landscape?

The International Science Festival concluded with a forward‑looking vision. Dr. K. S. S. Prasad, the chairman of the Science and Technology Board, announced a national roadmap to achieve 3 % of GDP allocation to R&D by 2030. The roadmap emphasizes:

1. Human Capital Development: Scholarships for advanced STEM courses and fellowships for interdisciplinary research.
2. Infrastructure Expansion: Building world‑class labs in emerging sectors like quantum computing and bio‑electronics.
3. Policy Reform: Streamlining grant application processes and protecting intellectual property for Indian researchers.
4. Public Engagement: Expanding the science‑café model across cities to make science accessible to all age groups.

Conclusion

The International Science Festival not only celebrated India’s remarkable achievements but also illuminated the path forward. From quantum breakthroughs and space exploration to AI ethics and renewable energy, India is carving out a niche as a leader in global science and technology. The festival’s blend of research, policy discussion, and public outreach underscores a holistic approach: nurturing talent, building infrastructure, and ensuring that science benefits society at large. As India’s innovators, scholars, and policy makers continue to collaborate on a national and international scale, the promise of a more technologically advanced, equitable, and sustainable future appears brighter than ever.