President Droupadi Murmu Presents Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar 2024 to Distinguished Scientists

New Delhi: The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, today presented the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar 2024 during an award ceremony held at Gantantra Mandap, Rashtrapati Bhavan. This inaugural edition of the prestigious awards recognized 33 exceptional scientists across four categories: Vigyan Ratna, Vigyan Shri, Vigyan Yuva, and Vigyan Team.

Prof. Govindarajan Padmanabhan, a pioneering figure in molecular biology and biotechnology research in India, was honored with the Vigyan Ratna Award for his lifetime contributions to science and technology. His groundbreaking work has significantly shaped the fields of molecular biology and biotechnology, earning him this top accolade.

The Vigyan Shri Award, which acknowledges distinguished contributions to science and technology, was presented to 13 scientists for their path-breaking research across various domains. Their work is seen as pivotal in advancing scientific knowledge and technology in India.

In the Vigyan Yuva-SSB Award category, 18 young scientists were recognized for their outstanding contributions in areas ranging from the study of Indian Ocean warming and its global consequences, to the development of indigenous 5G base stations, as well as critical advancements in quantum mechanics. These awardees represent the next generation of scientific innovation and leadership in India.

One of the highlights of the ceremony was the Vigyan Team Award, which went to the team behind Chandrayaan-3 for their landmark achievement in space exploration. The Chandrayaan-3 mission team was celebrated for the successful landing of the spacecraft’s lander near the south pole of the moon, a significant milestone for India’s space program.

Speaking at the event, President Murmu lauded the scientific community for their contributions to India’s growth and development, emphasizing the crucial role of research and innovation in addressing global challenges and improving the quality of life. She encouraged the awardees to continue their efforts in driving India’s leadership in science and technology on the global stage.

The Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar aims to recognize and celebrate the invaluable contributions of Indian scientists and researchers in advancing knowledge and technology, fostering a culture of innovation, and propelling India towards a future of scientific excellence.