President Droupadi Murmu Presents National Science Awards 2024, Honours Leading Scientists and Chandrayaan-3 Team

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New Delhi, August 22: In a prestigious event at the Rashtrapati Bhavan today, President Droupadi Murmu presented the National Science Awards 2024. This marks the first edition of these awards, which aim to recognize outstanding contributions to science and technology in India. A total of 33 awards were presented across four categories: Vigyan Ratna, Vigyan Shri, Vigyan Yuva, and Vigyan Team. 

Vigyan Ratna Award for Lifetime Achievement 

President Murmu awarded the Vigyan Ratna, the highest honor in Indian science, to Professor Govindarajan Padmanabhan, the former Director of the Indian Institute of Science. He was recognized for his lifetime achievements and significant contributions to the field of molecular biology and biotechnology. Professor Padmanabhan has been a pioneering force in scientific research in India, particularly in advancing molecular biology and biotechnology. 

Chandrayaan-3 Team Receives Vigyan Team Award 

One of the highlights of the ceremony was the presentation of the Vigyan Team Award to the Chandrayaan-3 mission team. This team, from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), was recognized for its remarkable success in space science and technology. Chandrayaan-3's successful mission is regarded as one of the country's most significant scientific achievements and showcases the dedication and expertise of ISRO scientists. 

13 Vigyan Shri Awards Recognize Leading Scientists 

President Murmu honored 13 distinguished scientists with the Vigyan Shri Award for their contributions to various fields of science. Some of the notable awardees include: 

• Dr. Aanandaramakrishnan C for his work in agricultural science. 
• Dr. Avesh Kumar Tyagi for contributions to atomic energy. 
• Professor Umesh Varshney and Professor Jayant Bhattacharya Udgauker for their research in biological sciences. 
• Professor Syed Wazih Ahmed Naqvi for advancements in earth science. 
• Professor Bheem Singh for engineering science. 
• Professor Adimurti and Professor Rahul Mukherjee for their research in mathematics and computer science. 
• Dr. Annapurni Subramanian and Professor Rohit Srivastava for their contributions to space science and technology. 
  
  
  

18 Young Scientists Receive Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award 

The President also awarded the Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award to 18 young scientists for their outstanding work in various fields. Some of the key awardees include: 

• Dr. Krishna Murthy S.L. and Dr. Swaroop Kumar Parida for their work in agricultural science. 
• Professor Radhakrishnan Mahalaxmi and Professor Aravind Penmatsa for their research in biological sciences. 
• Professor Vivek Polshettiwar and Professor Vishal Rai for chemistry. 
• Dr. Roxy Mathew Koll for his advancements in earth science. 
• Dr. Abhilash and Dr. Radha Krishna Ganti for engineering science. 
• Dr. Poorbi Saikia and Dr. Bappi Paul for environmental science. 
• Professor Mahesh Ramesh Kakade for mathematics and computer science. 
• Professor Jitendra Kumar Sahu and Dr. Pragya Dhruv Yadav for their work in medical sciences. 
• Professor Urvashi Sinha for physics. 
• Dr. Digendranath Swain and Dr. Prashant Kumar for space science and technology. 
• Professor Prabhu Rajagopal for his contributions to technology and innovation. 
  
  
  

A New Era for Indian Science 

The National Science Awards, introduced by the Government of India in 2024, aim to promote and celebrate excellence in science and technology. By recognizing both seasoned and young scientists, the awards emphasize the importance of innovation, research, and dedication in building the nation’s scientific capabilities. 

President Droupadi Murmu, while presenting the awards, highlighted the significant role science plays in the progress of the country. She praised the winners for their remarkable achievements and encouraged them to continue pushing the boundaries of knowledge and innovation. 

This event marks a significant moment for Indian science, as it not only celebrates past achievements but also sets the stage for future advancements that will continue to put India on the global map of scientific excellence.