TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
THE CONTEXT: The inaugural Rashtriya Vigyan Puruskar awards, instituted by the Government of India, have been announced, recognizing outstanding contributions in the fields of science, technology, and innovation.
EXPLANATION:
- The awards ceremony is set to take place on 23 August 2024, where President Droupadi Murmu will confer the honors.
- These awards, introduced to streamline and consolidate various individual awards in the scientific domain, mark a significant milestone in India’s approach to recognizing scientific excellence.
Prominent Awardees and Their Contributions
- Among the first set of recipients, several distinguished scientists from premier Indian institutions have been recognized for their exceptional work:
- Professor Rohit Srivastava (IIT Bombay):
- He has been awarded Vigyan Shri in the field of the Medical Diagnostic Devices, Nanoengineered Materials, Photothermal Cancer Therapy.
- Srivastava, a faculty member in the Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering at IIT Bombay, has been honored for his distinguished contributions in medical diagnostics and nanotechnology. His work, which includes innovations in photothermal cancer therapy and the development of advanced diagnostic devices, has earned him this prestigious award. He has an impressive portfolio of over 250 patents, 300 publications, and has guided more than 50 PhD students. Srivastava expressed his gratitude on X (formerly Twitter), acknowledging the support of IIT Bombay and the Government of India.
- Roxy Koll (IITM-Pune):
- Award: Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar
- Field: Climate Science
- Koll, a senior climate scientist and a lead author for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), has been recognized for his work on climate science. His contributions have been pivotal in understanding the complexities of climate change, particularly in the context of the Indian subcontinent.
- Professor Vivek Polshettiwar (TIFR):
- Award: Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar
- Field: Nanomaterials and Nanocatalysis
- Polshettiwar’s research focuses on the development of advanced nanomaterials and their applications in solar energy harvesting and carbon dioxide conversion. His innovative approaches in nanocatalysis have positioned him as a leading figure in sustainable energy research.
- Professor Radha Krishna Ganti and Professor Prabhu Rajagopal (IIT Madras):
- Award: Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar
- Field: Various Fields in Science and Technology
- Achievements: Both professors from IIT Madras have made significant contributions in their respective fields, earning them recognition under the Vigyan Yuva category. Their work exemplifies the high standards of research and innovation at IIT Madras.
- Associate Professor Purabi Saikia (BHU):
- Award: Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar
- Field: Science and Technology
- Achievements: Prof. Saikia has been acknowledged for her exceptional research and contributions in science and technology at Banaras Hindu University, demonstrating the impact of academic research on national and global levels.
- Bappi Paul (National Forensic Sciences University, Gandhinagar):
- Award: Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar
- Field: Forensic Sciences
- Achievements: Dr. Paul’s work in forensic sciences has been crucial in advancing the field, and his contributions have been duly recognized through this award.
About the Rashtriya Vigyan Puruskar Awards
- In 2023, the Government of India decided to consolidate all individual science and technology awards under the Rashtriya Vigyan Puruskar.
- It aims to provide a more unified and prestigious recognition of scientific excellence.
- The awards are divided into four categories:
- Vigyan Ratna: Recognizes lifetime achievements and contributions in any field of science and technology. It is the highest honor among the four categories.
- Vigyan Shri: Awarded for distinguished contributions in any field of science and technology. Prof. Srivastava is one of the recipients in this category for 2024.
- Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar: Designed to encourage young scientists under the age of 45 for their exceptional contributions. This category has recognized several promising scientists, including Dr. Koll and Prof. Polshettiwar.
- Vigyan Team: Awarded to a group of three or more scientists, researchers, or innovators for exceptional team-based contributions in any field of science and technology.