The Government of India has announced the Rastriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP) — a new set of national awards that honour excellence in science, technology, and innovation, designed in the style of the Padma Awards
Background
- The 2025 list includes top scientists such as Jayant Vishnu Narlikar (posthumously) and the CSIR Aroma Mission team.
- Introduced in January 2024, the RVP aims to become India’s highest civilian recognition in the field of science and technology.
- It replaces older honours such as the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize to create a more transparent, inclusive, and wide-ranging recognition system for Indian and overseas scientists of Indian origin.
Purpose and Objectives
- To celebrate outstanding scientific achievements and innovations that contribute to national progress.
- To inspire young researchers and strengthen India’s global leadership in emerging technologies.
- To ensure a unified national recognition framework for science and innovation, similar to how Padma Awards celebrate other fields.
Award Structure
- Vigyan Ratna (VR): Highest category; honours lifetime achievements in science. Up to 3 awards annually.
- Vigyan Shri (VS): For exceptional scientific contributions and leadership. Up to 25 awards.
- Vigyan Yuva – Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (VY-SSB): For young scientists below 45 years. Up to 25 awards annually.
- Vigyan Team (VT): For collaborative or institutional scientific breakthroughs (minimum three members). Up to 3 awards per year.
Key Highlights of 2025 Awards
- Vigyan Ratna: Jayant Vishnu Narlikar (Astrophysics, posthumous).
- Vigyan Shri: Eight prominent scientists including G.P. Singh, K. Thangaraj, Venkata Mohan, and Mahan Mj.
- Vigyan Yuva: Fourteen emerging scientists across diverse fields.
- Vigyan Team: CSIR Aroma Mission – for advancing India’s flavour and fragrance industry and improving rural livelihoods.
Administration and Governance
- Managed by the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar Committee (RVPC) chaired by the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India.
- Includes 17 members from key ministries, scientific departments, and research councils.
Award Schedule and Recognition
- Announcement: Every May 11 on National Technology Day.
- Presentation Ceremony: Every August 23 on National Space Day at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
- Award Components: A citation signed by the President of India, a medallion, and an official certificate.
Significance
- Marks a major reform in India’s science award ecosystem, aligning recognition with national goals of innovation and self-reliance.
- Encourages institutional collaboration, young talent, and global Indian participation in research.
- Strengthens India’s soft power in global science diplomacy.
Conclusion:
The Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar marks a new era in recognising India’s scientific excellence by integrating transparency and inclusivity. It is a major step toward inspiring innovation and positioning India as a global leader in science and technology.
This topic is available in detail on our main website.
