THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, JULY 9, 2026

Stating that India is emerging as a global leader in science and innovation, Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Thursday urged young scientists to harness the power of science and innovation for nation-building while upholding the highest standards of integrity and social responsibility.

Addressing the 15th Graduation Ceremony of the National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER) in Bhubaneswar, he said scientific capability is fundamental to achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

Describing NISER as an institution that embodies India’s aspirations in science, innovation and intellectual leadership, the Vice-President said institutions dedicated to fundamental sciences play a crucial role in strengthening the knowledge economy, technological advancement, national security and sustainable development. He noted that NISER has emerged as a premier centre for scientific education and research, making significant contributions to building a highly skilled scientific workforce for the country.

Highlighting the challenges and opportunities before the global scientific community, Radhakrishnan said the world is grappling with issues such as climate change, emerging diseases and rapid advances in artificial intelligence, quantum computing and advanced materials. In this context, he stressed that science must not only generate knowledge but also guide policymaking and ensure sustainability. He added that for a country like India, blessed with demographic strength and developmental aspirations, scientific capability is indispensable.

Calling for greater interdisciplinary collaboration, the Vice-President 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. He remarked that science is not only about finding answers but also about asking the right questions.

Referring to India's achievements in science and technology, Radhakrishnan said the country's accomplishments in space missions, vaccine development, digital public infrastructure and renewable energy have earned global recognition. He advised the graduates to balance ambition with responsibility and progress with compassion, adding that their research, ideas and integrity would shape the future of society.

Paying tribute to Dr. Homi Bhabha, the Vice-President said institutions such as NISER are carrying forward India's rich scientific legacy by producing talented scientists contributing to fundamental sciences, atomic energy, healthcare physics and other emerging interdisciplinary fields. He also appreciated the institution’s alumni for strengthening India’s scientific footprint through research and academic excellence in India and abroad.

Recalling the day his father informed him about the demise of Dr. Homi Bhabha, Radhakrishnan said it was a major setback for the country's atomic research programme. However, he noted that India emerged stronger from that tragedy and has today become one of the strongest and boldest nations in the field of atomic research. Expressing confidence in the graduating students, he said he hoped many of them 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 & Technology, Earth Sciences and Minister of State in the PMO, Dr. Jitendra Singh, Secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy and Chairman of NISER Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty, Director and Chairman of the Academic Council of NISER Prof. H. N. Ghosh, along with senior officials, faculty members, graduating students, parents and distinguished guests.