Pune Educator Dipali Akolkar Selected as Only Exhibitor from Pune at IISF 2025 for Fourth Consecutive Year

Pune | December 2025

In a significant recognition of grassroots science education and innovation, Dipali Akolkar, Founder and Director of FunSmartism Intelligence Centre, Pune, has been selected as an exhibitor at the 11th India International Science Festival (IISF) 2025, emerging as the only exhibitor from Pune city among over 1,000 entries received from across the country.

Remarkably, this marks the fourth consecutive year that Akolkar has been selected for IISF. This rare distinction underscores her sustained contribution as an innovative educator and science populariser working at the intersection of intelligence development, STEM learning, and scientific temperament.

The prestigious festival, held from December 6 to 9, 2025, in Chandigarh, was organised under the national theme “Vigyan Se Samruddhi – For Atmanirbhar Bharat.” IISF is jointly supported by leading national bodies, including the Ministry of Earth Sciences, CSIR, Department of Science & Technology, Department of Biotechnology, Department of Space, Department of Atomic Energy, Vigyan Bharati, and others. This year, the on-the-ground arrangements and execution were led by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) in Pune.

A Journey of Determination Behind National Recognition

Akolkar’s selection under the Science Safari initiative — an immersive, experiential science outreach programme — is as much a story of resilience as it is of recognition. Travelling alone from Pune to Panchkula with extensive exhibition material, navigating multiple train routes and logistical challenges, her journey reflected the determination that defines her work in education.

“Every meaningful journey carries its share of struggle and sweetness,” Akolkar reflected, describing her early morning arrival in Chandigarh amid winter chill, followed by days immersed in the vibrant energy of one of India’s largest science platforms.

Out of more than 1,000 nominations, only 30 exhibitors were selected nationwide for Science Safari — positioning Akolkar among a highly curated group of educators and innovators shaping India’s scientific future.

Science Safari: Making Science a Lived Experience

Science Safari at IISF is not a conventional exhibition. It is designed as a hands-on, adventure-driven science experience that connects learners directly with scientific thinking, creativity, and problem-solving.

At her FunSmartism exhibition stall, Akolkar showcased a wide range of games, project kits, and activity-based learning tools that simplify complex scientific concepts while nurturing multiple intelligences in children. These included:

Paper telescope-making kits

Astronomy model project kits

Logic-building and concentration games

Hand–eye coordination and visual intelligence games

Mathematical calculation tools

Magic square activities

Geometry concept games

Interactive project displays

Each exhibit focused on learning through play, encouraging curiosity, critical thinking, and mindset shifts — particularly for young learners and educators seeking alternatives to rote-based education.

Bridging Global Science with Local Classrooms

A former software programmer turned full-time education innovator, Akolkar has dedicated her work at FunSmartism Intelligence Centre, Pune, to strengthening scientific temperament and intelligence development among school children through STEM workshops, cognitive skill programmes, and experiential learning models.

“For me, this recognition is not personal alone. It represents the potential of educators from every region of India to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s scientific culture,” she said.

Engaging with scientists, educators, traditional Indian toy makers, modern educational toy designers, and innovators from across India at IISF 2025, Akolkar views her participation as a bridge between her students and the wider world of scientific thought and innovation.

Aligned with the Vision of Viksit Bharat 2047

The exhibition and interactions at IISF are closely aligned with the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, highlighting how grassroots innovation, traditional knowledge systems, and modern science can work together to build an Atmanirbhar Bharat.

“I return with renewed commitment to make science not just a subject, but a lived adventure for every child I teach,” Akolkar said, adding that parents and educators across professions are increasingly demanding a meaningful shift in education.

A Consistent Voice for Scientific Temperament

Expressing gratitude to the IISF organising team, Akolkar acknowledged the platform’s role in bringing together researchers, educators, and science enthusiasts from across the nation.

“That is the true celebration and roadmap of Vigyan Se Samruddhi – For Atmanirbhar Bharat,” she said.

With her fourth consecutive IISF selection, Dipali Akolkar continues to position Pune on India’s national science education map — proving that impactful innovation in education begins not in elite laboratories alone, but in classrooms where curiosity is nurtured, play is purposeful, and science becomes accessible to every child.