The 107th session of the Indian Science Congress Association, will be held at the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru from 3 to 7, January 2020 under the theme ‘Science and Technology: Rural Development’. As per tradition, this prestigious conference will be inaugurated by the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi in presence of other state ministers and dignitaries. The five days event will bring together more than 15,000 delegates from the scientific fraternity and academia, R&D institutes, defence, government, PSUs and Corporate Houses. The Pride of India Expo 2020 which is organized concurrently with the Indian Science Congress is a confluence of new ideas, innovations and products surrounding the entire canvas of scientific world will also be inaugurated simultaneously.

Over the years, the PoI Expo has emerged as a perfect platform for meaningful relationships between the scientific fraternity, academia, and entrepreneurs to leverage collaborations in R&D, technology transfers, launch of tech-driven innovative products, concepts etc. among stakeholders. Academics, researchers, professionals, scientists, educational leaders, policy makers, students, PSU’s, ministries, corporates and others are expected to participate in large numbers.

Speaking at the curtain raiser of the 107^th Indian Science Congress – Pride of India Expo-2020, Dr. C N Ashwath Narayanan, Hon. Deputy Chief Minister and Minister Higher Education, Medical Education and IT, BT and S&T, Government of Karnataka said, “Indian Science Congress (ISC) is India’s oldest, biggest and one of the most prestigious scientific events and we are proud to host this edition in Bengaluru at the University of Agricultural Sciences from January 3 to 7, 2020. Karnataka and Bengaluru is a hub for technology and research in India. I appeal to the organizations, entrepreneurs, startups and young scientists to take part in the science congress in large numbers and showcase their innovations, ideas and interact with India’s premier research institutes and distinguished scientist.”

In his address Prof. K. S. Rangappa, General President, 107^th Indian Science Congress and Former Vice-Chancellor, University of Mysore said, “The Pride of India Expo (PoI) showcases cutting-edge technologies, scientific products and services, achievements, innovations, initiatives, research labs, institutions dealing with education, defence, space, life sciences and healthcare, agriculture and food processing, energy, environment, infrastructure, automobiles, ICT, BFSI etc. Spread over an area of 15000 sqm and over 150 organizations from all across the globe, PoI will provide unlimited resources and a unique platform to interact, collaborate and network with the leaders of industries.”           

Dr. S Rajendra Prasad, Chairman Organizing Committee, 107^th Indian Science Congress and Vice Chancellor, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru said, “Some of the major attractions include Vigyan Jyot (VJ) – the Flame of Knowledge, Genesis, Eduvision, Host State Pavilion and Special Pavilions. Vigyan Jyot (VJ) - Flame of Knowledge, is a novel initiative to popularize science and encourage it as a career amongst the youth thus preparing scientists and innovators of tomorrow. VJ is inspired by the vision 2020 of our former President Dr. A.P.J Kalam to make India a powerful and prosperous nation by reaching the benefits of science and technology to every Indian and enriching their quality of life. VJ will be kept at PoI Expo venue on all the five days of the event and will be handed over to the General President elect, 108^th Indian Science Congress, at the valedictory function.”

Genesis is a one day symposium which is organized concurrent to the ISC with complimenting theme to the main science congress. The objective is to bring scientists, industrialists, academicians and policy makers on a common platform to exchange ideas and explore collaborative opportunities. Eduvision is a unique theme pavilion that hosts leading institutions, academic bodies, universities, research and other stakeholders associated with the education sector, while host State pavilion represents the initiatives and policies adopted by the government in the field of Science and Technology, Agriculture, Healthcare, Education etc.