New Delhi: Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions, Dr Jitendra Singh, said that from being led, India is now in a position to lead globally. He attributed this shift to the success of initiatives under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, including achievements in the space sector, breakthroughs in biotechnology vaccines, and the CSIR Purple Revolution.
The Minister was addressing the 8th convocation of the Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), a unique institution in India.
During the ceremony, Dr Jitendra Singh conferred Doctor of Science degrees upon four renowned scientists, Raghunath Mashelkar, Samir Brahmachari, Suresh Bhargava, and Thirumalachari Ramasami, in recognition of their exceptional contributions to science and technology.
Mashelkar, celebrated for his pioneering work in polymer science and engineering, was honoured for his groundbreaking research and leadership. Brahmachari was recognised for his pathbreaking contributions to genomics, particularly the role of repetitive DNA in health and disease. Bhargava was awarded for his significant achievements in chemical sciences and engineering, while Ramasami was lauded for his seminal work in chromium chemistry, which has driven innovation in both academia and industry.
Addressing the graduating scholars, Dr Jitendra Singh emphasised the role of AcSIR in fostering interdisciplinary learning, promoting collaboration between industry and academia, and propelling India’s ascent in global science and technology rankings. He described AcSIR’s innovative academic approach as essential to achieving the vision of a developed India by 2047.
Dr Jitendra Singh highlighted that despite being a young institution, AcSIR is ranked among the top 3% of global universities. This achievement, he said, is due to its unique model that integrates diverse disciplines such as engineering, biosciences, and information sciences with emerging areas like medical research and agriculture.
He described AcSIR as a transformative institution with partnerships involving 82 organisations, including CSIR, ICMR, and DST, fostering effective collaboration in research and development. He also highlighted the institution’s contributions to India’s burgeoning startup ecosystem through its innovative integrated PhD program, which links innovation and industry from the onset of research.
India’s advancements in space and biotechnology were also noted, with the Minister highlighting the growth in space startups from single digits to over 300 and the expansion of biotechnology startups to nearly 9,000.
Dr Jitendra Singh also celebrated the growing role of women in science, citing the historic appointment of CSIR’s first woman Director General. He remarked that India’s women scientists are gaining long-overdue recognition for their achievements.
He outlined how AcSIR embodies the principles of the National Education Policy 2020, offering students unparalleled academic flexibility. Sharing examples of students combining fields such as biotechnology and economics, he described it as a revolutionary development in Indian education.
The Minister connected AcSIR’s mission with government policies such as the BioE3 biotechnology initiative and advancements in quantum technology. He emphasised that India is now a leader in global technological innovation.
AcSIR’s collaborations with institutions like the University of Western Australia and AIST Japan were highlighted as examples of its academic excellence and validation of India’s competitiveness in global science and education.
The convocation reflected India’s scientific progress and the government’s focus on fostering a knowledge-driven economy. By integrating innovation, entrepreneurship, and academic excellence, AcSIR is helping shape India’s trajectory as a global leader in science and technology.
The event was attended by eminent dignitaries, including Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India; N Kalaiselvi, Director General of CSIR and Secretary of DSIR; Rajiv Bahl, Director General of ICMR and Secretary of DHR; and P Balaram, Chancellor of AcSIR, who presided over the ceremony.
BI Bureau
