Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh today presented the Shanti Swaroop Bhatnagar National Awards to eminent Scientists below the age of 45, at a largely attended function at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has, in a written message, extended his heartiest congratulations to all the winners of Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize and extended his greetings and best wishes to everyone associated with CSIR for the success of the 82nd CSIR Foundation Day.

Dr Jitendra Singh read out the written message sent by the Prime Minister, who could not be physically present because of preoccupations.

The Prime Minister’s message hailed CSIR for playing a prominent part in serving the society, industry and the nation. The message, in particular, mentioned the Aroma Mission, strides in floriculture, the Purple Revolution ushered in through Lavender cultivation in Jammu and Kashmir, laying of Steel Slag roads along border areas of the country are just some instances of CSIR’s contribution in meeting national aspirations.

Dr Jitendra Singh said, under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister, the CSIR could become the mainstay of STI journey in Amrit kaal to make India a Global Tech-Hub and the 100th year of CSIR in 2042 could trigger the glory of 100th year of Independent India in 2047. 

PM, who is also the President of CSIR, in his message said, said that the period till 2047 when we will celebrate the centenary of our independence, is an opportunity to fulfil the vision of building a strong, inclusive and self-reliant India and it is in this context that the role of institutions such as CSIR assumes greater relevance.

The Prime Minister said, the 82nd Foundation Day holds a special relevance for CSIR, following the success of Chandrayaan-3, since CSIR was among the many different organisations that made significant contributions to the mission. He added that the indefatigable efforts of our space and science ecosystem have showcased to the world that even the sky is not the limit for us. We are making every effort to complement the efforts of scientists by providing all the resources and also fostering a dynamic and favorable research ecosystem, the Prime Minister noted.

The Prime Minister said, our nation and its people have always been blessed with a scientific temper and an inquiring mind. He said, the speed as well as the scale of research and innovation by our scientists and technologists, particularly during the pandemic, has convinced the world of our unlimited potential to work for global good.

The Prime Minister said, for centuries, science has played a crucial role in finding solutions to seemingly intractable problems and unlocking new potential. He said, Science and Technology have helped transform every sphere of activity, be it medicine, communication, space, transportation, infrastructure, agriculture or knowledge. He also added that the mega-exhibition of CSIR showcasing the technological achievements of the last ten years will inspire one and all.

The Prime Minister extended his heartiest congratulations to all the winners of Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize and extended his greetings and best wishes to everyone associated with CSIR for the success of the 82nd CSIR Foundation Day.

Dr Jitendra Singh, who is also Vice-President of CSIR, said India is seeing sea changes in the way S&T is being spearheaded and organized to address not only national aspirations towards socioeconomic growth but also global positioning. 

In her address, Secretary, DSIR and DG, CSIR, Dr N. Kalaiselvi said, in coming days, CSIR will enlarge its canvas and after the announcement of CSIR Vision-2030, it will also soon launch in a big way CSIR Vision -2042 to celebrate the Centenary Year of CSIR. She said, that both the Visions of CSIR will be in perfect alignment with Prime Minister’s Vision of a Developed India in 2047.

The prestigious Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Awards were also presented to the winners by the Union Minister.