Mizoram Governor Inaugurates Curtain-Raiser for India International Science Festival 2025 in Aizawl

Aizawl, Nov 2025: Mizoram Governor, General (Dr) Vijay Kumar Singh, PVSM, AVSM, YSM (Retd), today graced and formally inaugurated the curtain-raiser event for the 11th India International Science Festival (IISF) 2025. The programme, organised by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) at its Meteorological Centre in Aizawl, precedes the main festival themed ‘Vigyan Se Samruddhi: For Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, which is scheduled to take place in Chandigarh from 6 to 9 December 2025.

Addressing the gathering, General (Dr) Vijay Kumar Singh described the IISF as a crucial platform for accelerating scientific progress and harnessing expertise more effectively towards realising the vision of an Aatmanirbhar Bharat and a Viksit Bharat. He praised the sustained efforts of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh in advancing science and technology, noting that India now is well ahead in forecasting and is regarded as a benchmark by many nations. He highlighted India’s remarkable achievements, including the indigenous development of satellites and the ability to place them in desired orbits. “India today ranks first globally in the number of start-ups launched every day and second in the total number of start-ups worldwide,” he added.

The Governor observed that daily life has become increasingly challenging without the integration of science, and progress is difficult to achieve in its absence. He urged students and young researchers to devote greater attention to science, to think innovatively, and to generate fresh ideas that serve the nation. He expressed the hope that participants would gain maximum benefit from the IISF, which he described not merely as a festival but as a significant global movement uniting researchers, students, entrepreneurs, innovators and ordinary citizens. Commending the India Meteorological Department, he voiced confidence that IISF 2025 would bring new scientific ideas and solutions to emerging challenges in Mizoram, thereby contributing to the creation of a modern, resilient and self-reliant India.

Pu K. Lalrammuana, Principal Scientific Officer, Directorate of Science & Technology, Government of Mizoram, said the IISF seeks to drive national development through scientific knowledge and emphasised the need to make advanced skills accessible to all. He stressed that scientific learning must extend beyond textbooks and be put to practical use.

Shri Sudheer Kumar Dwivedi, Director and Head, Meteorological Centre, Aizawl, extended a warm welcome and outlined the department’s initiatives. In line with the Governor’s remarks, he informed the audience 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).

The India International Science Festival, held annually since 2015 under the vision of the Prime Minister, aims to highlight the importance of science and demonstrate its practical application for societal progress. The 11th edition will be held in Chandigarh from 6-9 December 2025.

Earlier in the day, General (Dr) Vijay Kumar Singh visited various facilities of the India Meteorological Department, Aizawl, and the Mizoram Science Centre. He reviewed their activities, expressed appreciation for their commendable work, and urged both institutions to continue striving with full commitment towards the advancement of science & technology in the state.