CSIR–National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR–NIScPR), New Delhi, in collaboration with Vijnana Bharti (VIBHA), the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, and Panjab University, Chandigarh, successfully hosted Vigyanika: Science Literature Festival 2025 on 8–9 December as part of the India International Science Festival (IISF) 2025. The two-day festival celebrated the intersection of science, literature, culture, and creative communication, uniting distinguished science communicators, researchers, editors, scholars, and science poets from across the country. The event underscored the importance of multilingual, culturally rooted approaches to promoting scientific temper in society.
The festival commenced on 8 December with an inaugural session titled “Bhartiya Vigyan Vimarsh me Sahitya aur Sanchar Madhyamo ki Bhoomika.” Speakers reflected on the role of literature and communication platforms in shaping India’s scientific narrative. Dr. Paramananda Barman (CSIR-NIScPR) introduced the concept of Vigyanika, while Dr. Neel Sarovar Bhavesh (VIBHA) emphasized the significance of communicating science within India’s diverse cultural context.
Delivering the keynote address, Vivekananda Pai, General Secretary of VIBHA, highlighted the importance of developing an Indian narrative in science communication and acknowledged India’s major contributions to science and technology. Prof. Arun Kumar Grover, Former Vice-Chancellor of Panjab University, spoke about the evolution of India’s scientific institutions, and Dr. Geetha Vani Rayasam, Director of CSIR-NIScPR, underscored the need for accessible science communication. Dr. Rashmi Sharma, Head, NCSTC-DST, discussed contemporary science communication strategies. The inaugural session concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Dr. Atul Kumar Srivastava (IITM).
The Vigyan Kavi Sammelan, held later that day, brought together eminent science poets including Prof. Manoj Kumar Patairiya, Prof. Rajesh Kumar, Mohan Sagoria, Radha Gupta, Prof. Neera Raghav, Yashpal Singh ‘Yash’, TSRS Sandeep, and Dr. Anurag Gaur. Their performances showcased the power of poetry in simplifying scientific ideas and increasing public engagement.
Day two of Vigyanika opened with “Vigyan Se Samruddhi – For Atmanirbhar Bharat,” a session focused on traditional knowledge systems and their relevance to national self-reliance. Speakers included Dr. Arvind Ranade (Director, NIF), who emphasized the need to safeguard traditional knowledge through intellectual property protection; Dr. Viswajanani J. Sattigeri (CSIR-TKDL), who highlighted documentation and dissemination efforts; Dr. N. Srikanth (CCRAS), who stressed scientific validation and value-addition; and Dr. Kanupriya Vashishth (DBT-BIRAC), who discussed India’s biotech and life-science innovations. The session highlighted India’s rich heritage of traditional knowledge and its integration into modern innovation ecosystems.
The panel discussion “Apni Bhasha Apna Vigyan” explored the importance of Indian languages in science outreach. Panelists—including Prof. Arun Kumar Grover, Debobrat Ghose (Science India), Dr. Manish Mohan Gore (Vigyan Pragati), Dr. H. S. Sudhira (Research Matters), and Dr. Nanaocha Sharma (BRIC-IBSD)—emphasized that communicating science in local languages fosters inclusion, clarity, and greater public participation.
Vigyanika concluded with an interactive session titled “Engaging and Creative Ways of Communicating Science.” Experts such as Kollegala Sharma (CSIR-CFTRI), Mr. G. Harikrishnan (ISRO), Dr. Saurabh Sharma (JNU), and Pooja Rathod (Wildlife Filmmaker) presented innovative outreach strategies spanning storytelling, digital media, field engagement, and creative science narratives.
As a significant component of IISF 2025, Vigyanika reaffirmed its mission to bridge the gap between science and society. Through the integration of literature, Indian languages, arts, and multimedia, the festival showcased the transformative potential of culturally resonant science communication in building an informed and engaged public.
