Govt announces Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar 2025 to celebrate excellence in science and innovation

India has announced the recipients of the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar 2025, one of its most prestigious honors recognizing outstanding achievements in science, technology, and innovation.

The awards aim to celebrate groundbreaking research, encourage excellence, and reinforce the nation’s commitment to advancing its scientific landscape.

The honors are presented in four categories: Vigyan Ratna, Vigyan Shri, Vigyan Yuva–Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar, and Vigyan Team, covering 13 scientific fields including physics, chemistry, engineering, medicine, and space science.

The highest recognition, the Vigyan Ratna, has been awarded posthumously to eminent astrophysicist Prof Jayant Vishnu Narlikar for his lifelong contribution to physics and cosmology.

Known for his pioneering work on conformal gravity and for promoting scientific awareness in India, Prof Narlikar’s award highlights his enduring influence on modern astrophysics.

The Vigyan Shri award, which acknowledges excellence across diverse scientific disciplines, has been conferred on nine scientists this year.

The recipients include Dr Gyanendra Pratap Singh (Agricultural Science), Dr Yusuf Mohammad Seikh (Atomic Energy), Dr K Thangaraj (Biological Sciences), Prof Pradeep Thalappil (Chemistry), Prof Aniruddha Bhalchandra Pandit (Engineering), Dr S Venkata Mohan (Environmental Science), Prof Mahan MJ (Mathematics and Computer Science), and Shri Jayan N (Space Science and Technology).

Thirteen young researchers have been honored with the Vigyan Yuva–Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Awards for their exceptional work in various branches of science and technology.

Among the awardees are Dr Dibyendu Das (Chemistry), Dr Deepa Agashe and Shri Debarka Sengupta (Biological Sciences), Dr Waliur Rahaman (Earth Science), Prof Suresh Kumar (Medicine), Prof Amit Kumar Agarwal and Prof Surhud Shrikant More (Physics), and Prof Mohanasankar Sivaprakasam (Technology and Innovation).

The Vigyan Team Award has been presented to the CSIR Aroma Mission team for their innovative work in developing aromatic crops and essential oil technologies.

Their research has improved agricultural productivity and strengthened rural livelihoods across India.

IIT Madras has also distinguished itself this year, with three faculty members – Prof Pradeep Thalappil, Prof Mohanasankar Sivaprakasam, and Prof Shweta Prem Agrawal—among the awardees, reflecting the institute’s growing leadership in research and innovation.

Nominations for the 2025 awards were accepted from Oct 4 to Nov 17, 2024, through the National Awards Portal (awards.gov.in).

The selection process was overseen by a high-level committee chaired by the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, supported by secretaries of science departments, academy heads, and domain experts.

The Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar represents India’s ongoing commitment to honoring scientific excellence and fostering a culture of innovation.

By recognizing contributions across multiple disciplines, the awards aim to inspire future generations of researchers and strengthen the country’s scientific foundation.