The inaugural Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar, a bouquet of awards that constitute India’s highest awards in the field of science, technology and technology-led innovations, were awarded to scientists by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, on August 22 in New Delhi.
The ceremony was held at Ganatantra Mandapam of the Rashtrapati Bhavan, where the President conferred the topmost science award of India, the first-ever Vigyan Ratna Puraskar, along with 13 Vigyan Shri Puraskar, 18 Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prizes and one Vigyan Team Puraskar.
Images Courtesy: Press Information Bureau
This bouquet of science awards was reconstituted last year from all the other existing awards in the field of science and technology. The Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar encompasses four distinct award categories, each recognising different levels of achievement. These are:
- Vigyan Ratna (VR) Puraskar: This is the top most award in the bouquet and the most prestigious, honouring lifetime achievement and contribution in any field of science and technology. It celebrates individuals whose work has had a lasting and profound impact.
- Vigyan Shri (VS) Puraskar: This award recognises distinguished contributions in any field of science and technology. It is intended to honour individuals whose work, while not spanning an entire lifetime, has nevertheless made a significant impact in their field.
- Vigyan Yuva: Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (VY-SSB) Prize: Named after the renowned scientist, this award is aimed at young achievers in the field. It recognises and encourages those who have made exceptional contributions early in their careers, fostering the next generation of scientific leaders.
- Vigyan Team (VT) Puraskar: This award is given to a team of three or more scientists, researchers, or innovators who have made an exceptional contribution while working collaboratively in any field of science and technology. It highlights the power of teamwork in driving scientific and technological advancements.
Every year, the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar will be announced on National Technology Day, observed on May 11. The award ceremony, a significant event in the scientific domain, will take place every year on National Space Day, celebrated on August 23.
The recipients will receive a Sanad (certificate) signed by the President of India, along with a medallion. A commemorative brochure, featuring the citation and photograph of the awardees, will also be released during the ceremony. In cases where the awardee is posthumous, the decoration will be received by the next of kin.
The Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar is open to all scientists, technologists, and innovators working in any field of science, whether in government or private organizations. Eligible candidates include those who have contributed to pathbreaking research, technology-led innovation, or discovery with significant societal impact. Scientists of Indian origin working abroad, who have made exceptional contributions benefiting Indian communities or society at large, are also eligible for these awards.
WINNERS OF THE 2024 RASHTRIYA VIGYAN PURASKAR
- Vigyan Ratna Award:
The esteemed Vigyan Ratna Award for 2024 was awarded to Dr Govindarajan Padmanabhan, a celebrated biochemist renowned for his lifetime contributions to the field of molecular biology and his pioneering work in malaria research. The research of Dr Padmanabhan, former director of Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, has had a significant impact on public health, particularly in understanding and combating parasitic diseases.
2. The Vigyan Shri Award 2024 was presented to the following distinguished scientists:
- Prof Rohit Srivastava in Technology & Innovation.
- Prof (Dr) Sanjay Behari in Medicine
- Prof Lakshmanan Muthusamy in Physics
- Prof Naba Kumar Mondal in Physics
- Dr Annapurni Subramaniam in Space Science and Technology
- Prof Syed Wajih Ahmad Naqvi in Earth Sciences
- Prof Bhim Singh in Engineering Sciences
- Prof Adimurthi Adi in Mathematics and Computer Science
- Prof Rahul Mukherjee in Mathematics and Computer Science
- Dr Anandharamakrishnan C in Agricultural Sciences
- Dr Avesh Kumar Tyagi in Atomic Energy
- Prof Umesh Varshney in Biological Sciences
- Prof Jayant Bhalchandra Udgaonkar in Biological Sciences
3. Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize was given to the following scientists:
- Dr Prashant Kumar in Space Science and Technology
- Prof Prabhu Rajagopal in Technology & Innovation
- Prof Jitendra Kumar Sahu in Medicine
- Dr Pragya Dhruv Yadav in Medicine
- Prof Urbasi Sinha in Physics
- Dr Digendranath Swain in Space Science and Technology
- Dr Radha Krishna Ganti in Engineering Sciences
- Dr Purabi Saikia in Environmental Sciences
- Dr Bappi Paul in Environmental Sciences
- Prof Mahesh Ramesh Kakde in Mathematics and Computer Science
- Prof Vivek Polshettiwar in Chemistry
- Prof Vishal Rai in Chemistry
- Dr Roxy Mathew Koll in Earth Sciences
- Dr Abhilash in Engineering Sciences
- Dr Krishna Murthy S L in Agricultural Sciences
- Dr Swarup Kumar Parida in Agricultural Sciences
- Prof Radhakrishnan Mahalakshmi in Biological Sciences
- Prof Aravind Penmatsa in Biological Sciences
4. Vigyan Team Award:
The inaugural Vigyan Team Award was given to the Chandrayaan-3 mission team from ISRO. The team was recognised for their exceptional collaborative effort in successfully landing the Vikram lander on the Moon’s south pole, a feat that has made India the first country to achieve this milestone. This mission has provided valuable data for future lunar exploration and demonstrated India’s growing prowess in space technology.
By recognising the remarkable achievements of scientists, technologists, and innovators, these awards not only honour individual and team contributions but also inspire future generations to pursue careers in science and technology. The winners of the 2024 Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar exemplify the spirit of innovation and dedication that drives progress in India’s scientific landscape.
