Recognizing Young Indian Scientific Achievements

Summary of Key Developments in Science and Technology in India

Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Awards

• Purpose: To recognize young scientists (up to 45 years) for exceptional contributions in science and technology.

Awardees and their Contributions

1. Dr. Satendra K Mangrauthia (Agricultural Science)

   • Institution: Indian Institute of Rice Research, Hyderabad.
   • Contribution: Developed genetically edited rice variety DDR Dhan 100 (Kamala) with improved drought tolerance and higher yields.

2. Dr. Jagdis G Kapuganti (Agricultural Science)

   • Institution: National Institute of Plant Genome Research, Delhi.
   • Focus: Role of nitric oxide in plant survival during flooding and nitrogen efficiency in genetically modified plants.

3. Dr. Deepa Agashe (Biological Sciences)

   • Institution: National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bengaluru.
   • Research: Evolutionary biology through insects, analyzing genetic and ecological factors of habitat colonization.

4. Dr. Debarka Sengupta (Biological Sciences)

   • Institution: Indraprastha Institute of Information and Technology-Delhi.
   • Focus: Computational biology, developing blood tests to identify cancer cells through big data algorithms.

5. Dr. Dibyendu Das (Chemistry)

   • Institution: IISER, Kolkata.
   • Research: Adaptive materials inspired by life, potential applications in healthcare and diagnostics.

6. Dr. Waliur Rahaman (Earth Science)

   • Institution: National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research, Goa.
   • Focus: Climate change impact on ice sheets, identified critical tipping points in West Antarctica.

7. Prof. Arkaprava Basu (Engineering Sciences)

   • Institution: IISc, Bengaluru.
   • Research: Memory management and energy efficiency in computer systems.

8. Prof. Shweta Agarwal (Mathematics & Computer Science)

   • Institution: IIT-Madras.
   • Focus: Post-quantum cryptography, securing data in the age of quantum computing.

9. Prof. Sabyasachi Mukherjee (Mathematics & Computer Science)

   • Focus: Conformal dynamics and statistical physics in mathematics.

10. Dr. Suresh Kumar (Medicine)

    • Institution: PGIMER, Chandigarh.
    • Research: Role of gut microbiome in pediatric critical illness, leading clinical trials on probiotics.

11. Prof. Surhud S More (Physics)

    • Institution: IUCAA, Pune.
    • Studies: Dark energy and dark matter, contributing to understanding of the universe.

12. Prof. Amit Kumar Agarwal (Physics)

    • Institution: IIT-Kanpur.
    • Research: Quantum behavior of materials and its implications for nanoelectronics.

13. Ankur Garg (Space Science & Technology)

    • Institution: ISRO’s Space Application Centre.
    • Focus: Earth observation advancements, disaster management, and data accuracy.

14. Prof. Mohanasankar Sivaprakasam (Technology & Innovation)

    • Institution: IIT-Madras.
    • Developments: Affordable healthcare technologies such as ophthalmic imaging and 3D brain mapping.

Additional Recognitions

• Vigyan Ratna: Awarded posthumously to Prof. Jayant Narlikar for lifetime achievements in astronomy.
• Vigyan Shri Awards: Acknowledged contributions from senior scientists across various branches of science.
• CSIR Team Award: For the Aroma Mission, promoting aromatic crops and supporting farmers in specific regions.

Key Themes

• Interdisciplinary research bridging agricultural science, biological sciences, computer science, and engineering.
• Emphasis on sustainable agricultural practices, medical advancements, and contributions to understanding climate change and the universe.
• Recognition of the importance of innovation in technology and data security as quantum computing emerges.

This collection of achievements underscores the active engagement of young scientists in addressing critical challenges through innovative research in India.