Bhubaneswar: Describing scientific capability as crucial for achieving Viksit Bharat vision, Vice-President C P Radhakrishnan on Thursday urged young scientists to harness science and innovation for nation-building while upholding the highest standards of integrity and social responsibility.
Speaking at the 15th Graduation Ceremony of the National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER) in Bhubaneswar, the Vice-President described the institute as an institution that reflects India’s aspirations in science, innovation and intellectual leadership.
Institutions dedicated to fundamental sciences are crucial for strengthening the country’s knowledge economy, technological advancement, national security and sustainable development, Radhakrishnan said.
Stating that NISER has emerged as a premier centre for scientific education and research, the Vice President said the institute has made significant contributions to building a highly skilled scientific workforce for the nation.
He said the world is confronting unprecedented opportunities and complex challenges, including climate change, emerging diseases and rapid developments in artificial intelligence, quantum computing and advanced materials. In such a scenario, science must not only generate knowledge but also guide public policy and promote sustainability, said Radhakrishnan.
Highlighting the need for interdisciplinary collaboration, he said contemporary challenges cannot be addressed within the boundaries of a single discipline. He urged the graduating students to nurture curiosity, uphold integrity, embrace challenges and use their knowledge for the larger good of society, adding that science is as much about asking the right questions as it is about finding answers.
Speaking on India’s growing global stature in science and innovation, the Vice-President cited the country’s achievements in space missions, vaccine development, digital public infrastructure and renewable energy. He urged the graduates to balance ambition with responsibility and progress with compassion, saying their research, ideas and integrity would shape the future of society.
Paying tribute to the legacy of Dr Homi Bhabha, he said institutions such as NISER are carrying forward India’s rich scientific tradition by producing talented scientists contributing to fundamental sciences, atomic energy, healthcare physics and emerging interdisciplinary fields. He also appreciated the institution’s alumni for strengthening India’s scientific presence through research and academic excellence both in India and abroad
Noting that the demise of Homi Bhabha, he said it had been a major setback for India’s atomic research programme, but the country emerged stronger and has since established itself as one of the world’s leading nations in atomic research. He expressed confidence that many NISER graduates would go on to become future Dr Homi Bhabhas and make significant contributions to India’s scientific and technological advancement.
The graduation ceremony was attended by Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh, Atomic Energy Secretary and NISER Chairman Dr Ajit Kumar Mohanty, NISER Director Prof H N Ghosh, senior officials, faculty members, graduating students, parents and others.
