Pro VC, Prof. Rao addressed the audience by speaking about the significance of scientific and technological research in substantially improving the socio-economic status of India. He says, “When our country became independent, India had a literacy rate of 12% and life expectancy of 32 years. In 70 years, India has reached the stature of being one of the top five economies of the world. This remarkable transformation is credited to science and technology. The advances in research gave birth to a whole generation of self-confident Indians who took up adventurous career path in India and abroad”. Further, he applauded India’s excellence in academics, space research, robotics, pharmaceuticals, bio medicine, manufacturing, and construction. Prof. Rao adds, “India is in dire need of regaining the pride and prestige associated with research, which would provide an inspiring environment for students to showcase and nurture their aptitude in research”.

Hon’ble Chief Guest, Padma Shri, Padma Vibhushan, Dr. R. Chidambaram is a nuclear scientist known for his integral role in developing India’s nuclear weapons. He worked with the team that conducted the first nuclear test (Smiling Buddha) as Pokhran Test Range in 1974. Further, he coordinated and led the team- Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) that conducted the second nuclear test Pokhran II in May 1998. His inspiring address themed at the significance of research in generating knowledge that can mitigate problems pertaining to science and society. He believes that science is a universal consciousness that spars geographical boundaries and religions. He suggests, “We should equip our researchers to innovate and utilize the knowledge”.

Directed basic research is necessary to meet the long term industrial and strategic needs of India. Dr. R. Chidambaram motivates the audience by demonstrating the current advancements in research, namely SRM’s collaborative project with Tanishq ‘hardening of 22 carat gold’ and hydrogen train. He also mentioned multi-disciplinary projects such as world class Tumor Knee Prosthetics, research in the domain of low carbon energy, improvement in military strength and security through nuclear programs, Indian National Knowledge Network, RuTAG, and many more. He believes that India is an anti-fragile nation as it has become self-reliant by combating adverse situations and crises. In his views, optimistic and firmly resolved young scientists can take the nation forward with their continued research.

Guest of Honour, Prof. B. Vengamma, MBBS, DM (neurology) is the Director cum Vice Chancellor and Professor of Neurology at Shri Venkateshwara Institute of Medical Sciences, Tirupati. Through her 30 years of clinical, academic and research experience along with 27 years of administrative experience, she observed that low doctor-patient ratio in India contributed to negligible research time. Lack of documentation of ample medical cases has minimized the opportunity to conduct extensive research. However, she believes that progress in science is possible by encouraging more research in bio medicine. Also, she says, “In the recent times, barriers between engineering and medicine and life-sciences has blurred. Exchange of knowledge has bridged the gap between experimental findings in the lab and its actual application in the field of medicine”.

On the eve of National Science Day, faculty, students, and staff of SRM AP assemble to celebrate the spirit of continued research and inventions which helps the world move forward. National Science Day is observed to acknowledge the discovery of Raman Effect by CV Raman in 1928. Aligned to the theme of 2020, “Women in Science”, Prof. M. Lakshmi Kantham, Distinguished professor at Institution of Chemical Technology, Mumbai graced the inaugural ceremony as the Guest of Honour. Dr. D. Narayana Rao, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Dr. D. Gunasekaran, Registrar, and Prof. Jayaseelan Murugaiyan, along with Dr. Lakshmi Sirisha Maganti, Conveners, also presided the ceremony.

The distinguished guests paid homage to Prof. CV Raman and revered on his endless contribution to the field of scientific applications. Dr. D. Narayana Rao, Pro Vice-Chancellor expressed his regards towards Prof. CV Raman by explaining the plethora of applications of Raman Effect. He says, “One needs to be passionate, committed, and confident like Prof. CV Raman to excel in any field. Science Day is observed to recognize the scientists’ contribution to society, to provide a platform to the young scientists and kindle their interest in science, to create awareness regarding the significance of science and its applications, to discuss issues, and to popularize the opportunities offered by science.”

Prof. M. Lakshmi Kantham takes the dais to speak about women’s contribution to science. She remembered the great works of women who contributed to science and technology. She recalled Anandibai Gopalrao Joshi, the first woman physician, Anna Mani, Indian physicist, and meteorologist, Ashima Chatterjee, inventor of anti-malarial drugs, to name a few. She used this opportunity to spread awareness among young students to avail of the benefits of various fellowship programs offered by the government to female students. She also identifies that the challenges witnessed by our country can be solved by encouraging more female students along with males to indulge in research. In her words, “Invention of technology is a result of teamwork. Passion, perfection, and persistence are key to research whereas hard work and innovation lead to success”.

27 schools were invited to the campus of SRM AP. Young students from 8th and 9th standard flocked with their teachers to participate in various activities designed for them. The schools exhibited their science projects in groups. The students also participated in a science quiz, followed by oral presentation competition where they were to speak for two minutes on random topics. The winners were awarded gold and silver medals by Prof. Lakshmi Kantham to encourage the students to further excel in their careers and contribute to scientific research and innovations in the future.