Jammu, Oct 18 (NationPress) On Saturday, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, and MoS in the PMO, Jitendra Singh, visited President of India, Droupadi Murmu, at Rashtrapati Bhavan to extend Diwali greetings and update her on recent developments as well as upcoming government initiatives within his ministries.

According to an official statement, "During the meeting, Jitendra Singh provided insights into the current status of Jammu & Kashmir, his constituency. The Union Minister informed the President about two significant forthcoming national science events — the 4-day India International Science Festival (IISF-2025) scheduled to take place in Chandigarh, and the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC-2025) set for New Delhi — both aimed at highlighting India’s innovation landscape and furthering the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

Discussing the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC-2025), Jitendra Singh informed the President that the event, taking place from November 3 to 5, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, will signify India’s inaugural integrated platform focused on science, technology, and innovation.

The conclave, themed ‘Imagine, Innovate, Inspire for Viksit Bharat 2047’, will gather scientists, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to discuss advanced technologies such as semiconductors, quantum computing, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, space science, and clean energy.

He emphasized that ESTIC-2025 has been designed with the collaboration of 13 ministries and departments, reflecting a "whole-of-government" strategy to promote innovation.

Jitendra Singh mentioned that the conclave will comprise 11 thematic sessions and facilitate interactions among researchers, startups, and industry representatives to foster practical collaborations.

He pointed out that India’s innovation sphere has experienced an impressive evolution over the last decade, positioning the country among the top six globally in patent applications and anticipated to outpace major economies in research publications by 2029.

The Minister asserted that ESTIC-2025 will act as a strategic platform for outlining India’s long-term scientific and technological strategy, aligning innovation with national objectives and sustainable development goals.

Providing an update on the preparations for the India International Science Festival (IISF-2025), Jitendra Singh stated that the four-day event, commencing on December 6 at Panjab University, Chandigarh, will revolve around the theme ‘Vigyan Se Samriddhi – Science to Prosperity’.

Jitendra Singh conveyed that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India is experiencing its most dynamic phase in scientific and technological progress.

He noted that every significant address by the Prime Minister — from Independence Day to policy declarations — has highlighted the importance of science and technology in national advancement. Referring to the recent kick-off events for both IISF and ESTIC, the Minister stated that the two gatherings complement each other: while ESTIC concentrates on the study and comprehension of science, IISF celebrates discovery and innovation.