A story of Delay, Determination and Destiny
The road from my quint village Sheeri in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district to the bustling venue of the India International Science Festival (IISF) 2025 at Panckula Chandigarh was paved with uncertainty, resilience, and a strong belief in destiny.
It is with immense pride and a sense of responsibility that I write this — not just as a teacher, but as one of the few educators from Jammu & Kashmir selected for the prestigious Science Safari at IISF 2025. Out of over a thousand nominations from across India, I was honored to be among the top 200 delegates, invited to participate in one of the nation’s largest platforms for scientific exchange and inspiration.
But the journey here was far from straightforward.
My Indi-go flight from Srinagar — scheduled for the day before the festival — was delayed by nearly eight hours before being cancelled altogether. Stranded at the airport, with the clock ticking toward the inaugural session, I faced a choice: return home or find another way. The thought of disappointing my students, my school and friends, which had celebrated this opportunity, steeled my resolve. I decided to travel by road — a decision that brought back memories of difficult winter journeys and unpredictable blockades.
Yet, this time, the mountains seemed to conspire in my favour. The cab ride from Srinagar to Jammu was smooth, and the companionship of fellow stranded travellers — sharing stories and a hurried dinner — turned anxiety into warmth. From Jammu, I boarded a sleeper bus to Chandigarh. As I sipped coffee in the quiet of my berth past midnight, it struck me that every meaningful journey is marked by both struggle and sweetness. Even the half-eaten roti left behind in the midnight on way to Chandigarh at a Panjabi Daba in the rush felt symbolic — a small sacrifice on the path to a larger dream.
I arrived in Chandigarh at wee hours before dawn begin, at just before morning prayers. I offered prayers and went to sleep after checking into my hotel in Sector 22 and make my way to the festival grounds in Panchkula. The energy here is palpable — a celebration of science, curiosity, and India’s self-reliance mission under the theme “Vigyan Se Samruddhi – For Atmanirbhar Bharat.”
What is Science Safari?
Science Safari is not a conventional seminar. It is an immersive, adventure-driven initiative designed to make science tangible through games, challenges, and hands-on exploration. From interactive STEM workshops and exhibitions of traditional Bhartiya- Indian toys to teacher training sessions and problem-solving activities, the programme aims to ignite curiosity and creativity in young learners and educators alike. It aligns closely with the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, connecting grassroots innovation to broader developmental goals.
For me, this recognition is not just personal. It is a testament to the potential of teachers from remote regions to contribute to India’s scientific temper. Over the years, I have worked to introduce innovative and inclusive teaching methods in my classroom, mentoring students for national and international platforms such as the INSPIRE Award MANAK, Invent India Challenge, and the SAKURA Science Exchange Programme** in Japan.
But today, I am here to learn as much as to share — to gather new ideas, tools, and inspiration that I can bring back to my students in Sheeri Payeen. In a region where opportunities like these are rare, I see my participation as a bridge between my students and the vast world of scientific discovery.
As the festival unfolds over the next four days, I look forward to engaging with scientists, educators, traditional toy makers whose toys have science and innovators from across the country. I am here not only as a delegate but as a representative of countless teachers in Kashmir who strive, often without recognition, to nurture curiosity and critical thinking in their classrooms.
I carry with me the hopes of my school, my village, and my region. And I return with a renewed commitment to make science not just a subject, but a lived adventure for every child I teach.
11th India International Science Festival (IISF) 2025, was scheduled from December 6 to 9, 2025, in Chandigarh under the national theme “Vigyan Se Samruddhi – For Atmanirbhar Bharat. I participated under the prestigious Science Safari initiative hosted this year by IITM–Pune. About the program activities, orientations and training sessions and initiatives article series will continue.
Author is an innovative educator at Government Boys Middle School, Sheeri Payeen, Zone Fatehgarh, Jammu & Kashmir.
