Newz Desk, Durgapur: The CSIR-Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-CMERI) on Thursday hosted a special curtain-raiser event to build momentum for the upcoming 11th India International Science Festival (IISF), set to take place in Panchkula, Haryana, from December 6 to 9. The event served as a platform to highlight India’s advancing scientific capabilities and the festival’s overarching theme, “Vigyan Se Samruddhi: For Aatmanirbhar Bharat.”
Jointly organised by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) and Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA), IISF-2025 aims to promote innovation, inspire scientific curiosity, and strengthen national commitment to self-reliance through cutting-edge research.
Padma Shri awardee Prof. Narayan Chakraborty, who attended as chief guest, addressed the gathering with a thought-provoking lecture. He underscored the pivotal role of indigenous technology development in propelling India towards becoming a global leader in science and engineering. Other speakers echoed these views, stressing the importance of collaborative research ecosystems and industry–institution partnerships.
One of the key moments of the ceremony was the release of a coffee table book on “Swaraj”, the first major technology indigenously developed by CSIR-CMERI. Officials said the publication pays tribute to the institute’s long-standing legacy in mechanical engineering research and its contribution to the nation’s technological progress.
The event also drew enthusiastic participation from school students, with 90 students and six teachers from Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Bankura, and Jemua Bhadubala Bidyapith (H.S.), Durgapur, attending the programme. Their presence, organisers said, reflects IISF’s mission of cultivating scientific temperament among young learners.
A live demonstration of CSIR-CMERI’s recent innovations added a dynamic end to the programme. Visitors witnessed advancements in agricultural machinery—such as the electric tractor and electric tiller—alongside technologies designed for societal needs, including the mechanised drain cleaning system and septic tank cleaning system.
Institute officials expressed optimism that IISF-2025 will serve as a powerful showcase of India’s scientific strength and continue inspiring the next generation of innovators committed to building a self-reliant nation.
