Media Release
Mangaluru, Mar 2: Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), through its Research & Development Cell and Institution’s Innovation Council, celebrated National Science Day on February 28.
The celebration commenced with a reflection on the significance of the day, commemorating Sir C V Raman’s Nobel Prize, a winning discovery of the Raman Effect. The address highlighted that true national development rests on curiosity, fearless pursuit of knowledge, and scientific innovation. It also acknowledged the contributions of both men and women researchers in advancing science and reaffirmed the collective commitment toward realizing the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
The ceremony began with a solemn prayer led by Mohammed Ashiq, research scholar, YEN-REFINED, YIASCM, followed by the traditional lighting of the lamp by the esteemed dignitaries. The chief guest, Dr Subhra Chakraborthy, distinguished scientist, former director, National Institute for Plant Genome Research (NIPGR), New Delhi graced the occasion. The session was presided over by Dr K S Gangadhara Somayaji, vice chancellor of Yenepoya (deemed to be University) alongside other notable dignataries, including Dr B H Sripathi Rao, pro vice chancellor, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Dr Aswini Dutt R, registrar, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University) and Dr Rekha P D, director of Research & Development Cell, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University).
Dr Rekha P D, director of Research & Development Cell, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), delivered the welcome address and introduced the chief guest.
On the occasion of National Science Day, the institution had the privilege of hosting Dr Subhra Chakraborty, who delivered an inspiring address highlighting the relevance and vision behind the celebration of this significant day.
Dr Subhra Chakraborty began by recalling the scientific legacy of Sir C V Raman, whose groundbreaking discovery of the Raman Effect, achieved through dedicated experimentation in a modest laboratory in Kolkata, which revolutionized the field of spectroscopy. She emphasized that The government of India declared National Science Day on February 28 since 1986, which serves as a reminder of India’s scientific achievements and the enduring need to cultivate a scientific temper among students and society alike.
Reflecting on this year’s theme focusing on 'Women in Science catalysing Viksit Bharat', Dr Subhra Chakraborty highlighted the vital contributions of women scientists whose commitment and innovation continue to shape various scientific fields. She cited eminent Indian innovators such as Dr Kiran Mazumdar Shaw and renowned figures in India’s space research programs, noting that true progress occurs when men and women work together towards holistic national development.
She also referred to the exemplary work of Nobel Prize laureates, whose discoveries have profoundly impacted human welfare. Dr Subhra Chakraborty urged young researchers to pursue excellence through collaboration, stressing that effective mentorship and teamwork between students and guides are key to advancing research.
In her concluding remarks, Dr Subhra Chakraborty remarked that while India stands as a global leader in pharmaceutical manufacturing, the country must now focus on innovating within its manufacturing base to strengthen its role as a source of original scientific inventions.
Her thought-provoking address not only celebrated the scientific spirit but also encouraged students and faculty to transform innovative ideas into meaningful societal applications, reinforcing the core message that science is a collective endeavour for the betterment of humanity.
To recognize and motivate researchers, awards were presented in five categories: Best Department, Best Faculty Researcher, Best Faculty Innovator, Best Student Researcher, and Best Research Centre.
A total of 17 students who received ICMR STS fellowships from Yenepoya Medical College and Yenepoya Dental College, two students who secured MD/MS Thesis Grant Financial Support 2025, 10 students awarded STSH Fellowships 2025 from Yenepoya Homoeopathy Medical College, and 7 students who received SPARSH Fellowships from Yenepoya Ayurveda Medical College were felicitated on the occasion.
In addition, 12 events under the student and faculty category were organised under the five clusters of the Institution’s Innovation Council, led by the Yenepoya Incubation Centre, and the winners of these events were honoured with awards.
After the award ceremony, a token of appreciation was presented to the chief guest. Our honourable vice chancellor Dr K S Gangadhara Somayaji, then delivered his presidential address, who inspired the audience by emphasizing the power of passion in overcoming time constraints for groundbreaking research.
Dr K S Gangadhara Somayaji noted that while researchers often lament the lack of time within 24 hours, genuine interest and dedication enable them to deliver exceptional results even with limited resources. He highlighted the university's robust support system, providing facilities and grants from undergraduate students to professors to enhance research excellence.
He stressed that research must extend beyond publications to deliver tangible societal benefits, such as affordable medical facilities. As an ENT surgeon, he pointed to the exorbitant costs of ear transplants as a prime area for innovation, where targeted research could make such treatments accessible and serve as a true blessing to communities.
Dr K S Gangadhara Somayaji concluded that such collaborative, purpose-driven efforts will propel collective growth for global betterment. His address reinforced the event's call to translate scientific passion into real-world impact.
As the programme drew to a close, Dr Ashwini S Shetty, director of Outreach Activities proposed the vote of thanks and appreciated the efforts of the individuals involved in the successful celebration of National Science Day 2026.
The celebration concluded with the national anthem, with a note that National Science Day is ultimately about courage, the courage to ask, to test, to challenge, and to rethink. Let that be the commitment of Yenepoya (Deemed to be University).