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Indian Scientists Honored with Prestigious 2025 National Science Awards

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  Published in Science and Technology on Sunday, December 28th 2025 at 4:54 GMT by moneycontrol.com

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Indian Scientists Honored with Prestigious Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar 2025 by President Murmu

President Droupadi Murmu recently conferred the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (National Science Awards) for 2025 upon ten eminent Indian scientists, recognizing their groundbreaking contributions across diverse fields of science and technology. The awards ceremony, held on January 25th, 2024, underscores India's commitment to fostering scientific excellence and innovation within the nation. This year’s recipients represent a broad spectrum of disciplines, from agricultural biotechnology and theoretical physics to materials science and environmental studies, highlighting the breadth of Indian scientific achievement.

The Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar is an annual award bestowed by the Government of India, replacing the earlier Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award. While the Bhatnagar Awards were highly regarded, the shift to the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar aimed for a broader scope and potentially greater inclusivity in recognizing scientific talent. The awards are categorized into different fields including physical sciences, chemical sciences, life sciences, engineering sciences, earth atmosphere ocean & planetary sciences, mathematics, medical sciences, agricultural sciences, and social sciences. This year's recipients exemplify the high caliber of research being conducted within India.

The Awardees and Their Contributions:

Here’s a breakdown of the ten scientists recognized and their respective areas of expertise:

• Dr. Anjali Sharma (Agricultural Sciences): Dr. Sharma, from the National Rice Research Institute, has made significant contributions to rice biotechnology. Her research focuses on developing bio-enhanced rice varieties resistant to biotic stresses like blast and bacterial blight, and abiotic stresses such as drought and salinity. This work is crucial for ensuring food security in a nation heavily reliant on rice production, particularly given the increasing challenges posed by climate change. Her focus has been on utilizing molecular breeding techniques to improve crop resilience.

• Dr. Sayan Bhattacharya (Physical Sciences): A theoretical physicist from the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Dr. Bhattacharya's work centers around condensed matter physics and strongly correlated electron systems. He investigates novel quantum phenomena that arise in complex materials, contributing significantly to our understanding of fundamental physical principles.

• Dr. Balaram Ghosh (Chemical Sciences): Dr. Ghosh, affiliated with the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Kolkata, specializes in organic chemistry and has developed innovative catalytic reactions using transition metal complexes. His research holds potential for developing more efficient and sustainable chemical processes.

• Dr. Sangeeta Srivastava (Life Sciences): Dr. Srivastava from Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi, is a renowned expert in the field of plant molecular biology. Her research focuses on understanding the mechanisms involved in plant development and stress responses, particularly concerning hormonal signaling pathways. This knowledge can be applied to improve crop yields and resilience.

• Dr. Manindra Singh (Engineering Sciences): A professor at IIT Kanpur, Dr. Singh’s contributions lie in the field of signal processing and image analysis. His work has applications in diverse areas including medical imaging, remote sensing, and security systems. He is known for his innovative algorithms and techniques that enhance image quality and extract meaningful information from complex data sets.

• Dr. Subhrangshu Dutta (Earth Atmosphere Ocean & Planetary Sciences): Dr. Dutta, working at the National Centre for Polar Research, focuses on understanding the dynamics of glaciers and ice sheets in polar regions. His research is vital for predicting sea-level rise and assessing the impact of climate change on vulnerable coastal communities.

• Dr. Niranjan Pujari (Mathematics): Dr. Pujari's work at the Institute of Mathematical Sciences, Chennai, focuses on algebraic geometry and number theory. He has made significant contributions to understanding complex mathematical structures and their applications in various fields.

• Dr. Chandni Sinha (Medical Sciences): Dr. Sinha from AIIMS Patna, is a leading researcher in the field of neuroimmunology. Her work investigates the interplay between the nervous system and the immune system, particularly concerning neurological disorders like multiple sclerosis. Her research aims to identify novel therapeutic targets for these debilitating conditions.

• Dr. Prabha Varma (Agricultural Sciences): Dr. Varma, from Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Science, has made significant contributions to marine biotechnology and aquaculture. Her research focuses on developing sustainable practices for fish farming and improving the nutritional value of seafood.

• Dr. Rajanish Kumar (Social Sciences): Dr. Kumar, a researcher at the Indian Council of Social Science Research, specializes in tribal studies and social anthropology. His work explores the socio-economic conditions and cultural heritage of tribal communities in India, contributing to policy formulation for their welfare and development.

Significance of the Awards & Future Implications:

The Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar is more than just a recognition of individual achievement; it serves as a powerful motivator for aspiring scientists across the nation. By highlighting excellence in various fields, these awards inspire future generations to pursue careers in science and technology. The government's emphasis on recognizing scientific contributions aligns with India’s broader goals of becoming a global leader in research and innovation.

The diverse range of disciplines represented among the awardees underscores the importance of supporting a holistic approach to scientific development. Continued investment in basic research, coupled with efforts to translate discoveries into practical applications, is crucial for addressing pressing societal challenges such as food security, climate change, and healthcare. The awards also serve as a platform to showcase India’s scientific prowess on the international stage, fostering collaborations and attracting talent from around the world.

The Moneycontrol article highlights that these awards are a vital part of nurturing a robust scientific ecosystem in India, encouraging continued exploration and discovery for the benefit of society. It reinforces the message that science remains a cornerstone of national progress and development.