President Murmu presents Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar to 24 scientists

• President Droupadi Murmu presented Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar to scientists and innovators across disciplines in a function held at the Ganatantra Mandap at Rashtrapati Bhawan on December 23.

• The prestigious Rashtriya Vigyan Ratna Puraskar for lifetime achievement was awarded posthumously to eminent astrophysicist Jayant Vishnu Narlikar for his contribution to cosmology and popularisation of science.

• This year’s ceremony marked the second edition of the awards.

Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar

• The Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar was instituted in 2024 as part of a new national science awards architecture.

• The objective of Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar is to recognise the notable and inspiring contribution made by the scientists, technologists and innovators individually or in teams in various fields of science, technology and technology-led innovation. 

• It is one of the highest recognitions in the field of science, technology and innovation in India. 

• Scientists/technologists/innovators working in government, private sector organisations or individuals working outside any organisation, who have made distinguished contributions in terms of path-breaking research or innovation or discovery in any fields of science, technology or technology-led innovation are eligible for the awards. 

• People of Indian Origin staying abroad with exceptional contributions benefiting the Indian communities or society shall also be eligible for the awards.

The awards are given in four categories:

i) Vigyan Ratna award to recognise lifetime achievements and contributions made in any field of science and technology.

ii) Vigyan Shri award to recognise distinguished contributions in any field of science and technology.

iii) Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar award to recognise and encourage young scientists who made an exceptional contribution in any field of science and technology.

iv) Vigyan Team award to a team comprising three or more scientists/researchers/innovators who have made an exceptional contribution working in a team in any field of science and technology.

• The awardees are presented a certificate signed by the President and a medallion.

Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar are given in 13 domains:

• Physics

• Chemistry

• Biological Sciences

• Mathematics & Computer Science

• Earth Science

• Medicine

• Engineering Sciences

• Agricultural Science

• Environmental Science

• Technology & Innovation

• Atomic Energy

• Space Science and Technology

• Others.