Minister of Science and Technology - Mr. P. K. Bansal hosted a formal send-off ceremony for IRIS Team India which represented the country at ISEF 2011.

On April 18th 2011, Shri Pawan Kumar Bansal, Hon. Minister of Science and Technology met Team India for Intel ISEF and encouraged them to participate at the international forum with full vigour and make the country proud.

Nine Indian students from different parts of the country, winners of the India Initiative for Research and Innovation in Science (IRIS) represented India at the 2011 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Los Angeles, California from May 8-13.

Speaking at the flagging off ceremony, Shri Bansal said: "My short, brief and quick interaction with nine students was indeed very fascinating. I believe that these children are not having dreams in their sleeps, but their dreams make them sleepless."

"They are focused, their brains are sharp and the results show that they have been on rigorous path of hard work. Their research will add value to innovations done by Ministry of Science and Technology and will help society and common man,"

Shri Bansal further said: "This initiative is a unique platform for our children to explore the possibilities of scientific research and innovation, giving them an opportunity to think out of the box; question; discover and analyze.

"It aims to infuse a spirit of discovery in school children, promote hands-on exploration and investigative learning in different areas of science and technology, and unearth innovative ideas that can change the world around us. I'm sure these talented students will do us proud at the International level," he added.

Shri Bansal promised to give a wide platform to further the field of pure science and coordinate activities with the Ministry of Human Resources.

The Team was very motivated by his encouragement and discussed their problems openly. Teachers and members of Scientific Review Committee (SRC) also had an active interaction with the Hon. Minister.

This meeting raised the morale of the team and they left in high spirits.

“Shri Pawan Kumar Bansal, Hon. Minister of Science and Technology with Team India for Intel ISEF, 2011, Dr. DK Pandey (Scientist E, NCSTC, DST), Mr. Ashutosh Chadha (Director, Corporate Affairs, Intel South Asia) and Dr. A. K. Paul (Chairperson, IRIS Scientific Review Committee - SRC) at the Flag Off Ceremony”.