Mizoram governor inaugurates curtain-raiser for 11th India International Science Festival (IISF)
Aizawl: Mizoram Governor Vijay Kumar Singh on Thursday inaugurated the curtain-raiser event for the 11th India International Science Festival (IISF).
The programme, organised by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) at its Meteorological Centre in Aizawl, preceded the main festival themed 'Vigyan Se Samruddhi: For Aatmanirbhar Bharat', which is scheduled to take place in Chandigarh from December 6 to 9.
Speaking on the occasion, Singh described the IISF as a crucial platform for accelerating scientific progress and effectively harnessing expertise to realise the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat.
He said the IISF will serve as a vital platform bringing together researchers, educators, innovators, students, industry partners, and policymakers under one roof.
The Governor praised the sustained efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister of State for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, Jitendra Singh, in advancing science and technology, noting that India is now well ahead in forecasting and is regarded as a benchmark by many nations.
“Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is witnessing pioneering initiatives in science and technology, including the creation of specialised scientific centres across the country,” he said.
Highlighting India’s achievements, including the indigenous development of satellites and the ability to place them in desired orbits, Singh said the country now ranks first globally in the number of start-ups launched daily and second in the total number of start-ups worldwide.
He also noted that the Chandrayaan mission and the development of vaccines have strengthened India’s global scientific standing.
The Governor added that India has emerged as a world leader in preventive healthcare, marking a significant shift from previous decades.
He urged students and young researchers to devote greater attention to science, think innovatively, and generate fresh ideas that serve the nation.
Commending the India Meteorological Department, Singh expressed confidence that IISF would bring new scientific ideas and solutions to emerging challenges in Mizoram, contributing to the creation of a modern, resilient, and self-reliant India.
Mizoram Science and Technology Department principal scientific officer K. Lalrammuana said the IISF seeks to drive national development through scientific knowledge and emphasised the need to make advanced skills accessible to all.
He added that scientific learning must extend beyond textbooks and be put to practical use.
Meteorological Centre (Aizawl) director and head Sudheer Kumar Dwivedi outlined the department’s initiatives, noting that IMD Aizawl now issues weather forecasts in Mizo, in addition to English and Hindi, and regularly provides updates on the Air Quality Index (AQI).
Earlier in the day, Governor Singh also visited various facilities of the India Meteorological Department, Aizawl, and the Mizoram Science Centre.