Chandigarh, December 7 — Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini called on scientists to take science out of laboratory walls and ensure its benefits reach the last person in society. He said science creates real prosperity only when a researcher’s work increases a farmer’s yield, cures a patient’s illness, or strengthens an entrepreneur through innovation.
He made these remarks while attending the second day of the 11th India International Science Festival (IISF) in Sector-5, Panchkula, as the chief guest. During the event, he inaugurated the Students Science and Technology Village, described as the “New Nalanda” of modern India. He also visited the science exhibition and showed deep interest in new technologies and innovations.
Saini said science is not just a career but a powerful tool for nation-building. Addressing students, youth and scientists, he said they represent the generation that will build a developed India. He urged research institutions, the industry and start-ups to work together to create a science-driven development model that can improve citizens’ lives, strengthen India’s global leadership and ensure a sustainable future for the planet.
Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, he said Haryana is proud to host the Science Festival for the second time. He said more than 40,000 participants from India and abroad are attending the four-day “Vigyan Mahakumbh”. Special efforts have been made to involve youth from Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, and the northern and western states so that scientific progress reaches all regions equally.
Describing the festival as a celebration of innovation, start-up energy, future technologies and a new India’s aspirations, Saini said its theme—“Science for Prosperity in an Atmanirbhar Bharat”—is highly relevant. He said India is moving ahead rapidly in science and technology under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, from studying the Sun, Moon and space to advancements in quantum tech, deep tech, AI, drones and biotechnology. He called the festival a concrete step toward fulfilling the Prime Minister’s vision of making India a “developed nation” by 2047.
The Chief Minister said Haryana, despite being an agriculture-dominated state, is emerging as a hub of science, innovation and education. The government is prioritising STEM education, AI robotics, start-up training, cybersecurity, agritech, biotech and space technology. He added that Gurugram has become the capital of IT, AI and cyber technology, while Faridabad and Panchkula host advanced research and innovation centres. Karnal, Hisar and Rohtak are developing as major centres for agricultural technology and climate services. He also highlighted the new Mahabharata-based experience centre at Jyotisar, Kurukshetra, which is boosting science tourism.
Saini said the government aims to make Haryana a leading state not just in industrial growth but also in science-based development. To build scientific interest among students, the state runs the Science Talent Search Scholarship scheme. Under this, students in classes 11 and 12 studying science receive ₹1,000 per month, undergraduate students receive ₹4,000 per month and postgraduate students receive ₹6,000 per month. Students who win medals in international science Olympiads receive cash rewards up to ₹5 lakh, while junior science Olympiad gold medallists receive up to ₹2.5 lakh.
He said the government is also encouraging young scientists. Every year, two scientists above 40 years of age are honoured with the Haryana Vigyan Ratna award, while two scientists below 40 receive the Haryana Yuva Vigyan Ratna award.
The event was attended by DBT Secretary Dr. Rajesh Gokhale, Earth Sciences Ministry Joint Secretary D.S. Pandiyan, Vijnana Bharati National Organising Secretary Dr. Shiv Kumar Sharma, IITM Director Dr. Suryachandra Rao, INSA Executive Director Dr. Brijesh Pandey, scientists Jagveer Singh and Vinu Valsala, CM’s Media Secretary Praveen Atreya, researchers, students, start-ups and delegates from scientific institutions and industries.
