0
0
The Government of India has introduced a new set of National Awards in the field of Science, Technology, and Innovation known as the “Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar.”
The aim of the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP) is to acknowledge the outstanding and influential contributions made by scientists, technologists, and innovators, either individually or in teams, across various fields of science, technology, and technology-driven innovation.
The Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar will be among the highest honors in the realms of science, technology, and innovation within India. Eligible recipients include scientists, technologists, and innovators working in government or private sector organizations, as well as individuals operating independently outside any organization, who have made noteworthy contributions through groundbreaking research, innovation, or discovery in any field of science, technology, or technology-led innovation. Additionally, individuals of Indian origin residing abroad who have made significant contributions benefiting Indian communities or society are also eligible for the awards. The awards will be presented in the following four categories:
- Vigyan Ratna (VR) Award: Recognizing lifetime achievements and contributions in any field of science and technology.
- Vigyan Shri (VS) Award: Acknowledging distinguished contributions in any field of science and technology.
- Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (VY-SSB) Award: Recognizing and encouraging young scientists up to the age of 45 who have made exceptional contributions in any field of science and technology.
- Vigyan Team (VT) Award: Presented to a team of three or more scientists, researchers, or innovators who have made an exceptional contribution while working together in any field of science and technology.
Scientists, technologists, and innovators in any field of science, working in government or private organizations, who have made significant breakthroughs in research, technology-driven innovation, or discovery, or have developed innovative technologies or products with significant societal impact, are eligible for these awards.
Additionally, scientists, technologists, and innovators of Indian origin living abroad, who have made outstanding contributions benefiting Indian communities or society at large, are also eligible.
The Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar will be awarded in 13 domains, including Physics, Chemistry, Biological Sciences, Mathematics & Computer Science, Earth Science, Medicine, Engineering Sciences, Agricultural Science, Environmental Science, Technology & Innovation, Atomic Energy, Space Science and Technology, and Others. The representation from each domain/field, including gender parity, will be ensured.
All nominations for the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar awards will be reviewed by the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar Committee (RVPC), headed by the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India. The committee will include Secretaries of Science Departments, members of Science and Engineering Academies, as well as distinguished scientists and technologists from various fields of science and technology.
Nominations for these awards will be invited annually from January 14th to February 28th (National Science Day). The awards will be announced on May 11th (National Technology Day) each year. The Award Ceremony for all categories of awards will be held on August 23rd (National Space Day). All awards will include a certificate and a medal.
These new National Awards mark a transformative step in recognizing the achievements of the scientific community at the highest level by the Government of India. With transparency and fairness in the entire selection process, the work of all sections of scientific innovators and technologists will be acknowledged, providing them with equal status to other National Awards.
