The two-day Malappuram Science Fest, organised by Kerala Sasthra Sahitya Parishad (KSSP), concluded on Sunday, February 1. The event, held alongside the Quantum Century Exhibition at Government College, Malappuram, celebrated scientific inquiry. Ajith Parameswaran, an astronomer from Bengaluru, directed the festival. Over two days, 24 panellists led discussions in six sessions. On Sunday, experts like Anil Shaji from IISER Thiruvananthapuram and Gin Jose from the University of Leeds spoke on the 'century of quantum physics'. Daly Davis from Mumbai moderated the session. Another session focused on the 'age of artificial intelligence' with panellists Deepak Rajendraprasad from IIT Palakkad and others, moderated by Lajeesh V.L. Minister for Local Self-Government M.B. Rajesh inaugurated the fest on January 31. In his speech, he stated, "Science is the foundation of human progress and civilisation. Building a progressive, forward-looking democracy requires a scientific temper, critical thinking and freedom of thought." He also warned about rising challenges to free thought and stressed the importance of such festivals. P. Ubaidullah, MLA, presided over the function, with addresses by college principal Zainul Abid Kotta and KSSP State president T.K. Meerabai. The fest ended with closing remarks by convener V. Vinod and director Ajith Parameswaran.