Context:
The Indian government has introduced the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP) awards for the year 2024, establishing a new precedent in acknowledging scientific contributions. This initiative marks a transformative step in the country’s strategy towards celebrating scientific achievements. The inaugural presentation of these awards is scheduled for August 23rd, coinciding with India’s first National Space Day, which commemorates the successful moon landing of Chandrayaan-3.
Relevance:
GS II: Government Policies and Interventions
Dimensions of the Article:
- Overview of Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar
- Special Recognitions of 2024
Overview of Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar
- The RVP was established in 2024, replacing the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize, aiming to offer a more inclusive and contemporary acknowledgment of achievements in science and technology.
- Open to scientists, technologists, and innovators of Indian origin, including Persons of Indian Origin (PIO), regardless of their location.
- Awards are distributed across several fields including Physical, Chemical, Biological, Mathematical, Earth & Atmospheric, and Engineering Sciences.
Award Categories and Recognition
- Vigyan Ratna (VR): For lifetime achievements in science and technology, with up to 3 awardees each year.
- Vigyan Shri (VS): Recognizes significant contributions in any scientific or technological domain, with up to 25 awardees annually.
- Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (VY-SSB): Focuses on young scientists under 45 who have shown exceptional innovation or research.
- Vigyan Team (VT): Honors collaborative efforts in science and technology, with up to 3 team awards each year.
Special Recognitions of 2024
- Vigyan Ratna: Awarded to G. Padmanabhan for his research on malaria parasites.
- Vigyan Team: The Chandrayaan-3 Team for their historical moon landing in 2023.
- Vigyan Shri: Awarded to Annapurni Subramaniam, Jayant Bhalchandra Udgaonkar, and Naba Kumar Mondal for their contributions to astrophysics, biology, and particle physics, respectively.
- Vigyan Yuva: Recognizes Vivek Polshettiwar for carbon capture technologies, Urbasi Sinha for quantum research, and Roxy Mathew Koll for climate science.
Award Ceremony
- The awards are announced on May 11th, National Technology Day.
- Ceremony: Held on National Space Day, where each awardee receives a ‘Sanad’ (Certificate) from the President of India, and a brochure detailing their contributions is distributed.
-Source: Indian Express
