Hyderabad, 20th January 2023: The fourth edition of the India Science Festival 2023 (ISF 2023) began in full swing at the Hyderabad Public School (HPS), one of the most esteemed education systems in the country, organised as part of the centennial celebrations of (HPS) that is seeing a huge participation from including the alumni of HPS. The India Science Festival is brought by the Foundation for Advancing Science and Technology (FAST India) in association with the Telangana State Innovation Council (TSIC), Government of Telangana and is themed on ‘Future is Now’. The Guest of Honour and Chief Guests for this year’s ISF 2023 were Prof K Srinath Reddy (Honorary Distinguished Professor at the Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI) and former President of PHFI); and Dr Archana Sharma (Senior Scientist, CERN Switzerland). The other dignitaries who graced the occasion were Prof K Vijay Raghavan, Advisor to ISF; Mr Varun Aggarwal (Founder FAST India); Mr Ashish Dhawan (Founder FAST India and Ashoka University); Mr Jayant Krishna (CEO FAST India); Dr Shanta Thoutam (Chief Innovation Officer, TSIC); Dr Madhav Deo Saraswat (Principal, HPS); and Mr. Gusti J  Noria – The President, HPS Society. 

A stellar line up of speakers from Stanford, Microsoft, IBM, Google Research, The European Space Agency, AIIMS, Ashoka University and other prestigious students took to stage as they shared their thoughts on innovation and technology and the role Hyderabad has played in the arena. 

Dr Madhav Deo Saraswat – Principal, The Hyderabad Public School said, “As a teacher I feel the purpose of education has been compromised and has been limited to jobs and exploitation than for the purpose of growth internally and externally. Pupils should be instilled with a joy for learning. We need to understand how to realign the approach towards education and infuse in students the joy for music, utility of science and acquire knowledge at the same time. This is an opportunity for all of us to spearhead progress in this direction.”

The inaugural day was marked by talks, panel discussions, immersive workshops, interactive demos, film screenings, exhibits, fireside chats, competitions and games. Topics included AI, Climate Change, Genomics, Pubic Health, Robotics, Space Science, Sci-Art etc.. A a PHD programme booth for college students was also set up. Engaging exhibits ranging from AI Art, a brain-controlled helicopter, driverless cars, participatory Periodic table, genetically modified flies to a humanoid robot etc were also featured. Scientury – HPS’s scientific segment housed extremely creative indigenous exhibits created by the students of HPS. There were also Biodiversity trails and Photo Exhibition of the campus designed by the staff. 

Dr Shanta Thoutem – Chief Innovation Officer, TSIC said, “Hyderabad is becoming a startup destination in the world. TSIC has become a model for fostering the culture of innovation across the state. As the brainchild of Shri KTR Garu- our IT Minister, we are very motivated to take Science and Technology on a higher pedestal and treat both S & T as one component as seen from how we have already marched technologies. The aspect of commercialization is also where we are channeling our focus. We are spearheading initiatives in terms of bringing innovation from incubation labs to market and put Hyderabad on the world map. In this sense we are the bellwether for science and technology.”

When FAST India reached out to TSIC for ISF event to be hosted in Hyderabad, we were elated. Hyderabad is becoming a start up destination in the world. It is also giving us the opportunity to bring together the community of Science and Technology. It is wonderful to see the good line up of speakers here. TSIC has become a model for fostering the culture of innovation across the state. As the brainchild of Shri KTR Garu- our IT Minister, we are very motivated to take Science and Technology on a higher pedestal and treat both S & T as one component as seen from how we have already marched technologies. We have the Dhruva Space and Skyroot Aerospace as our novel examples of S & T startups that recently made news. But we are missing out on the aspect of commercialization and which is where we are channeling our focus. We are spearheading initiatives in terms of bringing innovation from incubation labs to market and put Hyderabad on the world map. In this sense we are the bellwether for science and technology. We are also soon to host over twenty international organisations visiting Hyderabad to see the progressive innovation ecosystem in Hyderabad.

Some of the workshops included ‘Inculcate a scientific temperament based largely on sessions related to have fun with Science’ with Busker David Price; ‘Ask me anything about climate change’ with Ian Stewart; ‘Walk in the path’ with wildlife scientist Dr. Arjun Srivathsa; ‘Communication through Radio Waves’ with Ashar Farhan. 

‘MAAHAA project’ a Live Band performance by Maahaa, an alumnus of HPSR chosen to bring about a connect and bond between the two schools. Students of classes 4-9 will be coming in and, along with their class teachers visit and winess the many activities and Class 11 will be volunteers and understand event management and life skills besides witnessing the Festival. 

A stellar Bharatnatyam dance theatre performance titled ‘The Dance of Life’ by Dr Mallika Sarbhai’s troupe from the Darpan Academy of Performing Arts added vigour to the fest.  

The India Science Fest will be held at Hyderabad Public School, Begumpet until 22nd January 2023 with exciting STEM workshops, games and contests besides a diverse set of speakers from around the world. 

 

The theme of this year’s festival ‘Future Is Now,’ is aimed at the novel ideas and advances in science and technology and is open to everyone. 

 

Registration links:

For educational institutions: https://bit.ly/School_College_ISF_Registration

General: bit.ly/ISF2023_Register 

 

About HPS: 

Established 100 years ago, The Hyderabad Public School, also known as HPS, has the distinction of being one of the oldest educational institution systems nurturing leaders of tomorrow. The HPS way makes learning the focus instead of teaching, helping it to stay in tune with changing times and delivering top-notch education to its students. What sets HPS apart is its ability to provide an ecosystem for all-round development, incorporating learning methodologies that rely on self-discovery, encourage curiosity and develop value-based leadership and management skills of the students. With a 120-acre campus, state-of-the-art labs, naturally ventilated classrooms, unparalleled sports infrastructure, residential facilities, and best-in-class faculty students, both day and boarding, have access to the best of facilities and teaching staff. Interestingly, Shaheen – the majestic Eagle – is the mascot of the School and is a reflection of the institute’s philosophy to always conduct oneself with dignity and respect and yet soar above the rest. HPS’ alumni base boasts of successful and well-known CXOs who run global corporations or are influencers in their fields. In 2019, the Harvard Business Review placed three of its alumni among the Top 10 best-performing CEOs globally. These include Satya Nadela, Shantanu Narayan, and Ajay Pal Banga. The Harvard Business Review rating is a testimony to HPS having found the secret sauce to creating leaders of tomorrow. In 2023, HPS is proudly celebrating its centenary completion, and is gearing up to achieve its vision of becoming one of the top schools globally by 2050.

About HPS Centenary Celebrations: The Centenary Celebrations beginning January 2023 will be a year-long grand celebration with multiple activities & events for students, staff, parents & alumni.

Gallery

India Science Fest- Day 1

India Science Fest Day 2

India Science Fest Day 3