In a grand ceremony celebrating India's scientific prowess, President Droupadi Murmu conferred the esteemed Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (National Science Awards) upon twenty-four distinguished scientists. The event, held at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Tuesday, marked the second edition of these prestigious national science awards, recognizing excellence across a wide spectrum of scientific disciplines.
Celebrating Excellence Across Four Categories
The awards were distributed across four distinct categories, each highlighting a different facet of scientific contribution. The highest honor, the Vigyan Ratna, was awarded posthumously to the legendary physicist Prof. Jayant Vishnu Narlikar for his lifetime of monumental achievements in science and technology. The other categories included Vigyan Shri, Vigyan Yuva, and Vigyan Team, collectively honoring both established luminaries and promising young researchers.
The Distinguished Awardees of Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar
The list of awardees showcases the depth and diversity of Indian scientific talent. In the Vigyan Shri category, scientists were recognized for their sustained and impactful contributions. The recipients are: Gyanendra Pratap Singh (Agricultural Science); Yusuf Mohammad Seikh (Atomic Energy); K Thangaraj (Biological Sciences); Pradeep Thalappil (Chemistry); Aniruddha Bhalchandra Pandit (Engineering Sciences); S Venkata Mohan (Environmental Science); Mahan Mj (Mathematics and Computer Science); and Jayan N (Space Science and Technology).
The Vigyan Yuva awards, aimed at encouraging young scientists, were presented to a dynamic group of researchers. This year's young achievers include: Jagadis Gupta Kapuganti and Satendra Kumar Mangrauthia (Agricultural Science); Debarka Sengupta and Deepa Agashe (Biological Sciences); Dibyendu Das (Chemistry); Waliur Rahaman (Earth Science); Arkaprava Basu (Engineering Sciences); Sabyasachi Mukherjee and Shweta Prem Agrawal (Mathematics and Computer Science); Suresh Kumar (Medicine); Amit Kumar Agarwal and Surhud Shrikant More (Physics); Ankur Garg (Space Science and Technology); and Mohanasankar Sivaprakasam (Technology & Innovation).
A Legacy of Scientific Inspiration
The presentation of the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar by the President serves as a powerful symbol of the nation's commitment to fostering scientific temper and innovation. By honoring pioneers like Jayant Narlikar alongside emerging talents, the awards create a continuum of inspiration. They underscore the government's focus on building a robust scientific ecosystem that can address global challenges and drive India's growth story. This recognition not only celebrates past achievements but also fuels the future of research and development in the country, encouraging the next generation to pursue careers in science.
