IISER Pune's team presented an impressive display of innovation and education at Bihar Diwas 2025, a celebration of Bihar's rich history and advancement, held during held during March 22-24, 2025 in Patna. The team participating at the event was led by iRISE project members and included members from the Science Activity Centre as well. IISER Pune gave students, educators, and the public a hands-on experience with engaging STEM activities.
Over 15,000 people attended the IISER Pune exhibits at this year's Bihar Diwas, including distinguished guests Hon. Chief Minister Shri Nitish Kumar, Hon. Education Minister Shri Sunil Kumar, and other notable guests.
The IISER Pune stall was visited by several dignitaries who praised the institute's efforts to promote STEM education. These included Dr. S. Siddharth, IAS (Additional Chief Secretary, Education), Shri Ajay Yadav, IAS (Secretary, Education Department), Shri Sajjan R, IAS (Director, SCERT), Joint Director Dr. Rashmi Prabha, and Smt. Sahila, IAS (Director, Primary Education).
The Push Pin Art of Padma Vibhushan recipient and well-known folk singer Shrimati Sharda Sinha, honouring Bihar's traditional pride, was a prominent highlight when her son Anshuman Sinha stopped by the booth and conveyed gratitude for IISER Pune's efforts to raise awareness and encourage students to think computationally in line with NEP 2020.
Along with the exhibit, IISER Pune held open-sky activities, including calculating the Sun's diameter, comprehending how a sundial model operates, and using a hypsometer to measure heights. Over 100 groups engaged with the team and actively participated in these fascinating scientific investigations.
In addition, the President of the Indian Mathematical Science Association and distinguished professors and researchers from IIT BHU and IIT Patna participated in the event. Science for Society representatives interacted with IISER Pune's team, enhancing partnerships and advancing STEM education in Bihar.
The IISER Pune team, including Mohd Taquee (TO, iRISE) and Suman Kumar (TF, iRISE), along with 16 Innovation Champions, attended the event and engaged visitors. Ashok Rupner (STO, SAC) and Ankish Tirpude (TA, SAC) supported the event by sharing expertise and resources.
- with inputs from iRISE Team
