Bahrain, September 2025 – The Science International Forum (SIF) Bahrain announced in its flagship science talent initiative, The Sastra Pratibha Contest (SPC), a pioneering platform that has inspired thousands of students since 2012, will henceforth be known as Vidyarthi Vigyan Manthan – Sastra Pratibha Contest (VVM–SPC). This rebranding aligns the contest with national-level science initiatives in India and reflects SIF Bahrain’s ongoing mission to nurture scientific curiosity, innovation, and critical thinking among students in the Kingdom.
Organized in collaboration with NCERT and NCSM (Government of India) and supported by leading educational and cultural institutions, VVM–SPC 2025 is open to students from Grades 6 to 11. The program will feature two categories, Junior (Grades 6–8) and Senior (Grades 9–11), with the top two students from each grade receiving Sastra Pratibha recognition at the prestigious Science Awards Gala in the presence of distinguished dignitaries. All winners and participants will be awarded trophies, medals, and certificates in appreciation of their talent and effort.
Indian citizen students will enjoy exclusive opportunities such as participation in India’s largest science festival, IISF, direct qualification for the VVM National Camp in India, internships at premier institutions including IITs and national research centers, and educational visits to ISRO, CSIR labs, DRDO, and other leading organizations. The contest will be conducted in three stages, with the Elementary Level online examination scheduled for 8 November 2025, the Intermediate Level in the last week of November, and the Science Camp in December 2025 as an in-person assessment. Students can enroll through their respective schools by paying a one-time participation fee of BHD 2, with further details available from the designated school SPC coordinators.
SIF Bahrain, a voluntary organization under the patronage of Vigyan Bharati India, has been committed to promoting science education and fostering a scientific mindset among young learners for over a decade. With active participation from all seven CBSE schools in Bahrain, the forum continues to provide students with international recognition and inspiring opportunities. The launch of VVM–SPC 2025 marks another step forward in shaping the next generation of scientists, innovators, and leaders.
The dates were officially announced by Mr. K.S. Anilal, President of SIF Bahrain, at a press conference held at Indian Delights Restaurant, Salmaniya. The event was attended by Dr. Vinod Mannikath (Chairman), K. Sajeevan (Vice President), Chandrasekharan (Vice President), Prasanth Dharmaraj (General Secretary), K.T. Ramesh (Joint Secretary), Executive Committee Members Mukesh, Praveen B., and Deepa Sajeevan, along with several media representatives.
Dr. Ravi Warrier, Chairman of the SIF Advisory Committee, conveyed his best wishes for the success of the Science Talent Exam. The vote of thanks was delivered by Chandrasekharan.
