President Murmu Bestows India's Top Science Awards: Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar

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  Published in Science and Technology on Thursday, January 1st 2026 at 10:21 GMT by moneycontrol.com

Recognizing Scientific Excellence: President Murmu Bestows Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar on Leading Indian Scientists

India’s scientific community received significant recognition recently as President Droupadi Murmu presented the prestigious Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (National Science Awards) for 2025, honoring exceptional contributions across various fields of science and technology. The awards, conferred at a ceremony in New Delhi, highlight groundbreaking research that has advanced knowledge, fostered innovation, and positively impacted society. This year’s cohort represents diverse disciplines, demonstrating the breadth and depth of India's scientific prowess.

What is the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar?

Established in 2023 by the Ministry of Science & Technology, the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar replaces the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award as India’s premier science award. The shift was part of a broader restructuring aimed at aligning awards with national priorities and recognizing contributions across a wider range of scientific disciplines. The name change reflects this renewed focus on celebrating Indian scientific achievement, signifying ‘National Science Awards’. These awards are given in ten categories: Physics, Chemistry, Biology (including Botany, Zoology & Microbiology), Earth Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, Engineering Sciences, Medicine, Social Sciences, Agricultural Sciences and Environmental Sciences. Each award carries a prize money of ₹10 lakh, a gold medal, and a citation.

The 2025 Awardees and Their Contributions:

This year's recipients showcase the remarkable progress being made in Indian science. Here’s a breakdown of the honorees and their significant achievements:

• Professor Arun Kumar (Physics): Recognized for his pioneering work on advanced materials, particularly focusing on topological insulators and 2D materials. His research has contributed significantly to understanding fundamental physics and holds potential for applications in spintronics and quantum computing. [Further details about topological insulators can be found here: https://www.nist.gov/topics/materials-science-and-manufacturing/topological-insulators]. Professor Kumar’s work is pushing the boundaries of materials science, aiming to create next-generation electronic devices with enhanced functionalities.

• Dr. Manju Bansal (Chemistry): Dr. Bansal's research focuses on developing novel catalysts for various chemical reactions, particularly in the area of sustainable chemistry and green technologies. Her contributions have led to more efficient and environmentally friendly processes for producing essential chemicals and pharmaceuticals. Her work aligns with India’s commitment to reducing its environmental footprint through technological innovation.

• Dr. Vasanthakumar Krishnan (Biology): Honored for his groundbreaking research on plant-microbe interactions, specifically focusing on the role of rhizobia bacteria in nitrogen fixation. His work has significant implications for sustainable agriculture and reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers. Nitrogen fixation is a crucial process for plant growth, and Dr. Krishnan’s discoveries contribute to developing more efficient and eco-friendly farming practices [Learn more about Rhizobium: https://www.britannica.com/science/Rhizobium].

• Dr. Subhash Appay (Earth Sciences): Recognized for his contributions to understanding the Indian monsoon system and its variability. His research utilizes advanced modeling techniques and satellite data to predict rainfall patterns, which is crucial for disaster preparedness and water resource management in a country heavily reliant on monsoon rains. The accuracy of monsoon predictions directly impacts agricultural productivity and overall economic stability.

• Professor Niranjan Gupta (Mathematical Sciences): Professor Gupta’s work focuses on optimization algorithms and their applications in various fields such as logistics, finance, and engineering. His contributions have led to more efficient solutions for complex problems and improved decision-making processes.

• Dr. Gopi Krishna Poduval (Engineering Sciences): Dr. Poduval's research centers around developing advanced sensors and diagnostic tools for biomedical applications. His innovations are improving disease detection and patient care, particularly in the field of cardiovascular health.

• Professor Alka Verma (Medicine): Professor Verma’s research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. Her work aims to identify potential therapeutic targets for these debilitating conditions. Research into Alzheimer's is a global priority given the aging population and increasing prevalence of the disease.

• Dr. Virginius Xaxa (Social Sciences): Dr. Xaxa’s research explores issues related to tribal communities in India, focusing on their socio-economic challenges and cultural heritage. His work contributes to informed policy-making aimed at promoting inclusive development and preserving indigenous cultures.

• Dr. Rajinder Singh Dushyant (Agricultural Sciences): Recognized for his contributions to developing drought-resistant crop varieties through genetic engineering techniques. This research is vital for ensuring food security in regions facing water scarcity, a growing concern globally.

• Dr. Ritesh Arya (Environmental Sciences): Dr. Arya’s work focuses on assessing and mitigating air pollution in urban areas. His research provides valuable data and insights for developing effective strategies to improve air quality and protect public health.

Significance of the Awards & Future Implications:

The Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar is more than just a recognition; it's an investment in India’s future. By celebrating scientific excellence, the awards inspire young researchers to pursue careers in science and technology. They also highlight the importance of continued funding for research and development. President Murmu emphasized in her address the need for fostering a culture of innovation and encouraging collaboration between academia, industry, and government. She underscored that scientific advancements are crucial for achieving sustainable development goals and addressing pressing societal challenges. The awards serve as a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of science and technology to shape a brighter future for India. The increased visibility given by these awards is expected to attract more talent into STEM fields and further strengthen India's position as a global leader in scientific innovation.

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