Why in news?
On 26 October 2025 the Government of India announced the winners of the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar 2025, a national award that recognises outstanding contributions in science, technology and innovation. The awards, modelled on the Padma honours, celebrate excellence across 13 scientific domains.
Background
The Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP) was instituted in 2024 to raise the profile of Indian science and inspire young researchers. It is awarded in four categories: Vigyan Ratna for lifetime achievement; Vigyan Shri for distinguished individual contributions; Vigyan Yuva–Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar for scientists under 45 years; and Vigyan Team for collaborative achievements. Each award consists of a certificate signed by the President of India and a medallion. Nominations are vetted by a panel of scientists before final approval by the Minister of Science and Technology.
2025 awardees
- Vigyan Ratna (posthumous): Astrophysicist Prof. Jayant Vishnu Narlikar was honoured for his lifetime contribution to physics.
- Vigyan Shri: The award went to eight scientists across various disciplines: 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 Sciences), Dr. S. Venkata Mohan (Environmental Science), Prof. Mahan Mj (Mathematics and Computer Science) and Shri Jayan N. (Space Science and Technology).
- Vigyan Yuva–Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award: This category honoured several young researchers, including Dr. Jagdis Gupta Kapuganti, Dr. Satendra Kumar Mangrauthia, Shri Debarka Sengupta, Dr. Deepa Agashe, Dr. Dibyendu Das, Dr. Waliur Rahaman, Prof. Arkaprava Basu, Prof. Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Prof. Shweta Prem Agrawal, Dr. Suresh Kumar, Prof. Amit Kumar Agarwal, Prof. Surhud Shrikant More, Shri Ankur Garg and Prof. Mohanasankar Sivaprakasam.
- Vigyan Team Award: The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Aroma Mission team was recognised for its work in agricultural science, particularly in developing aromatic crops and value‑addition technologies.
Scope and significance
- Wide coverage: The awards span 13 fields – physics, chemistry, biological sciences, mathematics and computer science, medicine, engineering, agricultural sciences, environmental sciences, atomic energy, space science, technology and innovation, earth science and others.
- Inspiration for youth: By honouring both established and emerging scientists, the RVP encourages students and young researchers to pursue careers in science and innovation.
- Showcasing excellence: Recognising work from across the country and among the diaspora highlights India’s global scientific footprint.
- Policy support: The awards underscore the government’s commitment to fostering a culture of research and to achieving technological self‑reliance.
Conclusion
The Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar 2025 shines a spotlight on India’s scientific luminaries. By celebrating achievements across disciplines and generations, the award reinforces the value of research and innovation in national development.
Source: Ommcom News