CSIR–National Botanical Research Institute (CSIR-NBRI), Lucknow, successfully hosted the Curtain Raiser Programme for the India International Science Festival (IISF) 2025 on 25 November 2025 at the Lotus Auditorium, KN Kaul Block. The event brought together distinguished scientists, educators, and representatives from various scientific bodies to highlight India’s scientific achievements and generate public enthusiasm for IISF 2025. Shri Ankit Rai, Organizing Secretary, Awadh Prant, Vigyan Bharti & Dr. Rajnish Chaturvedi, Chief Scientist, IITR were the invited guest on the occasion.

The Curtain Raiser aimed to build awareness and excitement about the upcoming India International Science Festival 2025, which will be held from 6th to 9th December 2025 at Chandigarh. IISF 2025 is being organized by the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India, in collaboration with various Science Ministries and Departments, and Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA).

While welcoming all, Dr. Ajit Kumar Shasany, Director, CSIR-NBRI emphasized India’s scientific heritage and NBRI’s contribution to national research. He highlighted the rich Indian traditional education system and ancient scientific capabilities, encouraging students to take pride in India’s history of knowledge while contributing to modern research and innovation.

This year’s festival is themed: “Vigyan Se Samruddhi: for Atmanirbhar Bharat.” The theme reflects the belief that true prosperity arises from the application of scientific knowledge—transforming ideas into innovation, discoveries into development, and science into societal well-being. IISF 2025 intends to bring together scientists, innovators, educators, students, industry partners, policymakers, and science communicators to encourage collaboration, creativity, and knowledge exchange on a national platform.

Shri Ankit Rai from Vigyan Bharati spoke about the inception and evolution of IISF, and the significant role played by Vigyan Bharati in organizing the festival since its beginning, ensuring broad public participation and the promotion of science culture across the country. Dr. Rajneesh Chaturvedi, Chief Scientist, IITR, addressed the students on the career opportunities in the field of science, motivating them to pursue scientific professions for national development, innovation-driven growth, and building a self-reliant India.

A special highlight of the program was the screening of the official IISF promotional video, offering a visual insight into the themes and events planned for IISF 2025.

On this occasion, more than 100 students from SR Group of Institutions, Lucknow visited CSIR-NBRI and toured various research facilities, interacted with scientists, and learned about ongoing work in plant biotechnology, floriculture, taxonomy, and conservation—providing them valuable exposure to real-world research environments.

Dr. Manish Bhoyar, Principal Scientist presented the vote of thank in end while Dr. KK Rawat, Senior Technical Officer compeered the programme.