Hon’ble Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, Shri Manohar Lal, attended Day 3 of the India International Science Festival (IISF) 2025 as the Chief Guest, highlighting the pivotal role of Artificial Intelligence in India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047.
AI for Development: A Transformative but Sensitive Technology
Shri Manohar Lal said that AI will drive future growth through innovation, startups, and skill development, while cautioning that it must be used responsibly. “AI is a good servant but a bad master,” he remarked.
He emphasised AI’s scope in problem-solving, data analysis, genetics, energy management, and housing technologies. He added that emerging technologies will create new jobs and boost economic productivity in line with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision.
Celebrating India’s Scientific Journey
Sharing personal anecdotes of early science demonstrations, the Minister said that curiosity-driven experiments often lead to major inventions. He recalled the journeys of Sir Isaac Newton and grassroots innovator Dharamveer Kamboj as examples of the power of questioning.
Shri Manohar Lal highlighted India’s strides—from ancient concepts of long-distance communication to Chandrayaan missions and digital technologies that have “made the world fit in our palm.”
AI Applications in Governance
The Minister outlined AI-driven initiatives in his Ministries, including smart metering, energy-efficient systems, and climate-responsive housing designs. He stressed the need for public trust, transparency, and awareness about emerging technologies.
He congratulated the Ministry of Science & Technology, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Vijnana Bharati, participating organisations, and all organisers for the successful conduct of IISF 2025. Appreciating the three-day collaboration among industry, academia, scientists, startups, and students, he said such synergy strengthens India’s resolve to lead in scientific innovation.
India’s Space Achievements Showcased
Secretary, Department of Space and Chairman of ISRO, Dr. V. Narayanan, presented India’s recent advances, noting that 57 Indian satellites currently support nearly 50 applications. He said these numbers will triple in coming years.
He highlighted progress in AI-enabled systems, new propulsion technologies, and next-generation payloads, noting that Aditya-L1 is performing exceptionally well. A special nine-minute film showcased India’s 63-year space journey and future missions envisioned under the guidance of the Hon’ble Prime Minister.
The event was attended by several distinguished dignitaries, including Secretary, Department of Space, Dr. V. Narayanan; Vijnana Bharati National Secretary, Shri Praveen Ramdass; IITM Director, Dr. Suryachandra A. Rao; CICIO Director, Shantanu Bhattacharya; former DRDO DRDL Director, Dr. Prahlad Ram Rao; Prof. Reetam Ghosh; Prof. Gaurav Verma; faculty members from Panjab University; and other eminent guests.
Director, CSIR-CSIO, Dr. Shantanu Bhattacharya, welcomed the dignitaries and delivered the Welcome Address. The session concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Dr. Sachin Ghude from IITM (Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology), Pune, who expressed gratitude to the dignitaries, speakers, organisers, and participants for contributing to the success of IISF 2025.
The Union Minister Shri Manohar Lal also participated in expert panel discussions, interacted with students and researchers, and visited the stalls set up by government departments, scientific institutions, and innovators.