• Vigyanika – an International Science Literature Festival – is slated to showcase science communication efforts and concepts through an interesting mix of media including drama, poetry, panel discussions and paper presentations during the 5th India International Science Festival (IISF) beginning in Kolkata on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. The Vigyanika, to be held from November 5-7, 2019, will also include a science book fair displaying scientific publications from more than 30 reputed publishers.


  • Vigyanika is being coordinated by the CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Information Resources (CSIR-NISCAIR), Vigyan Prasar, and Vigyan Bharati.


  • The Union Minister of Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, and Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Harsh Vardhan, will be the Chief Guest of the inaugural function. Prof. Ashutosh Sharma, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology will deliver the keynote address and Dr. Shekhar C. Mande, DG-CSIR and Secretary, DSIR will Chair the inaugural session.


  • Spread across 16 multiple sessions of Vigyan Manthan (panel discussions), Vigyan Manchan (drama and poetry), Vigyan Spandan (scientific sessions) and Vigyan Prakashan (book fair), Vigyyanika will see nearly 75 eminent science communicators, authors, researchers and science journalists from India, USA, UK, South Korea, Indonesia, Vietnam and Nepal addressing more than 200 delegates from across the country.


  • Vigyan Manthan will have four panel discussions on the themes Science of Happiness, Contemporary Science Literature: A perspective, Science Communication in Indian Languages and Taking Science to the People – Challenges & Solutions. The panel discussions will have 27 experts deliberating on these contemporary topics.


  • Vigyan Spandan will have two scientific sessions on the theme Science Communication – Innovative Approaches during which fourteen research papers will be presented by researchers and scientists.


  • Apart from discussions on the current state of science communication in the country and the attendant challenges & solutions, the International Science Literature Festival this time promises an eclectic mix of science communication media in the form of science poetry (Vigyan Kavi Sammelan), science drama on Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray, and a science magic show. All these events are expected to entertain and educate the audience on science communication through unconventional methods.


  • Two competitions will also be held as part of Vigyanika – a science debate competition and a science cartoon competition.


  • The International Science Book Fair (Vigyan Prakashan) will have 30 publishers and research institutions exhibiting their science and technology publications and archives at Vigyanika. Book releases, meet-up and interactive discussions with authors will be part of the book fair. Six science books are slated for release at the book fair.






  • Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for AYUSH Shri Shripad Yesso Naik inaugurated today National Research Institute of Unani Medicine for Skin Disorders (NRIUMSD) upgraded from Central Research Institute of Unani Medicine (CRIUM) at AG Colony Road, Erragadda, Hyderabad. Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Shri G. Kishan Reddy was also present on the occasion.






  • Vigyanika-International Science Literature Festival, being organised as part of the 5th India International Science Festival (IISF) 2019 at Kolkata, will also feature a Science Book Fair where more than thirty publishers will display their scientific publications.


  • IISF 2019 is an annual event organised jointly by the Ministry of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences and Vijnana Bharati (Vibha). The fifth edition of IISF this year is being held at Kolkata during November 5–8, 2019.


  • Vigyanika-International Science Literature Festival is being coordinated by the CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Information Resources (CSIR-NISCAIR), Vigyan Prasar and Vigyan Bharati. The event would be held at the Biswa Bangla Convention Centre in Kolkata.


  • The International Science Literature Festival will be inaugurated on 5th November 2019 by the Union Minister of Science & Technology, Earth Sciences and Health and Family Welfare, Dr Harsh Vardhan. Secretary, Department of Science & Technology, Govt. of India Prof. Ashutosh Sharma will deliver the keynote address while Dr Shekhar C. Mande, Secretary, Department of Scientific & Industrial Research and Director General, Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) will chair the session.