Haryana Vigyan Ratna Awards on Feb 28 at HLB
Smt Mitra Ghosh Ji, First Lady of Haryana
Shri Nayab Singh Saini Ji, Chief Minister of Haryana
Shri Mahipal Dhanda Ji, Education Minister, Haryana
Shri Vineet Garg Ji, Additional Chief Secretary, Higher Education Department, Government of Haryana
Shri DK Behera Ji, My Secretary
Shri Rajiv Rattan Ji, Director General, Science and Technology, Haryana
Senior officers of the Directorate of Science & Technology
Distinguished scientists, academicians, students, ladies and gentlemen
I extend my warm greetings and welcome you all on the occasion of National Science Day ceremony to honour our bright scientists with the prestigious Haryana Vigyan Ratna and Haryana Yuva Vigyan Ratna Awards for the years 2022, 2023 and 2024.
This moment is a matter of pride for the entire state of Haryana and the nation as a whole as we are reaffirming our collective faith in knowledge, innovation and the transformative power of science.
I congratulate all the scientists whose scientific achievements are being suitably acknowledged and honoured today. I also wish them good luck for their future endeavours.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Haryana, since its formation in 1966, has played a significant role in nation-building. During the Green Revolution, Haryana emerged as a pioneer, helping India achieve food self-sufficiency. That legacy of scientific agriculture, resilience and innovation continues to inspire us
However, the 21st century presents before us new and complex challenges. Sustainable agriculture, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, data science, renewable energy, water management and climate resilience must now guide our development strategy. Our goal is growth that is sustainable, inclusive and technology driven.
Science and technology must move beyond laboratories to directly improve governance and the quality of life of our citizens. The true measure of research lies in its societal impact – bridging the gap between ‘Lab to Land’ and ‘Lab to Market.’
I am happy to share that promoting innovation and research along with academic excellence remains a priority for the state government. ‘Haryana State Research Fund’ is providing a new direction to scientific thinking among students and teachers.
Through ‘Atal Tinkering Labs’ and ‘Digital Labs,’ we are modernizing the infrastructure of schools. The ‘Aryabhatt Science Centre’ being built in Ambala and the modernization of the Kalpana Chawla Memorial Planetarium in Kurukshetra will help in further promoting scientific consciousness in the state.
Similarly, the ‘Kalpana Chawla Scholarship Scheme’ has been launched to encourage girl students in engineering subjects. Under this scheme, 250 scholarships of up to Rs 1 lakh each will be provided annually. In addition, awards of up to Rs 5 lakh are given under the ‘Vigyan Ratna Award.’
Dear Friends,
I am happy to share here that the Directorate of Science & Technology, established in 1983, has been instrumental in nurturing scientific temper and supporting research across the State.
It provides scholarships from the senior secondary level to advanced research stages and supports socio-economic research projects relevant to Haryana with grants of up to ₹50 lakhs.
Through science conclaves, competitions and national commemorative events, it fosters curiosity and innovation among students. Young achievers in international science Olympiads are also encouraged and rewarded.
As we move forward, let us remember that climate change, food and energy security, public health and cyber security demand evidence-based policymaking and strong research ecosystems.
Our schools, colleges and universities must become hubs of innovation where critical thinking, interdisciplinary research and entrepreneurship flourish. We must empower our youth not only to seek jobs, but to create solutions.
The need of the hour is to be creative and innovative in thought, and globally competitive in knowledge.
As I conclude, I must say that today’s awardees represent the finest scientific talent in Haryana. They are our role models for young scholars and ambassadors of the State’s scientific aspirations.
Once again, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the award recipients. I am confident that they will continue to innovate, inspire and lead in the years ahead and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s all-round inclusive development.
Thank You! Jai Hind!