The National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR), Chennai, today hosted the Curtain Raiser for the 11th India International Science Festival (IISF 2025) setting an engaging prelude to the festival scheduled to be held in Chandigarh from December 6-9, 2025.

This year’s theme, “Vigyan Se Samruddhi: For Aatmanirbhar Bharat,” reflects India’s resolute commitment to accelerating scientific innovation, technological progress, and national self-reliance.

IISF 2025 is being organised by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) in collaboration with Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Department of Science and Technology (DST), Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Department of Atomic

Energy (DAE), Department of Space (DoS), and Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA), a PIB release said.

The programme began with opening remarks by Dr. R. S. Kankara, Director, NCCR, who highlighted NCCR’s pivotal role in advancing coastal and ocean research for national resilience. He emphasised how NCCR’s scientific outputs are supporting climate-adaptive infrastructure, community preparedness, and sustainable coastal management across India’s 11099-km shoreline.

This was followed by remarks from Dr. Jagvir Singh, Scientist-G, MoES, who highlighted MoES’ leadership in driving the IISF festival and India’s integrated approach to science-led development.

He highlighted the Ministry’s stewardship in orchestrating this national science movement and emphasised its key initiatives in ocean observation, early warning and climate services, and deep-sea exploration, which collectively strengthen India’s scientific capabilities and advance the nation’s commitment to sustainable, technology-driven growth.

During the Curtain Raiser, NCCR’s institutional video and key scientific achievements were showcased, followed by the screening of the official IISF 2025 promotional video.

The IISF film highlighted the festival’s 14 thematic frontiers including Blue Economy, Circular Economy, Quantum Technologies, AI & AGI, Gene Editing, Semiconductor Technologies, New Space, Drones & UAVs, Bio-Economy, Naari Shakti, Clean Energy, and the Himalayas in a Changing Climate reflecting India’s comprehensive vision for scientific advancement.

Delivering the Chief Guest Address, Dr. B. Chandrasekaran, Executive Committee Member, Arivial Sangam, Vijnana Bharathi, and Former Director, CSIR-CLRI, underscored the role of scientific institutions in driving evidence-based growth and enhancing India’s innovation ecosystem.

The technical expert lecture was delivered by Prof. Manell E. Zakharia, International Technical Expert on Blue Economy, NIOT, on “Blue Economy - Role of Science and Technology.” He emphasised how technology enabled marine research, sustainable ocean resource utilisation, and advanced observation systems are catalysing India’s economic aspirations under the expanding Blue Economy framework.

The event drew enthusiastic participation from students and young researchers from academic institutes across Chennai like Sathyabama University, SRM University, Vellore Institute of Technology, VELs, Ethiraj College and Jerusalem Engineering College, aligning with IISF’s mission to inspire youth and broaden scientific engagement.