The 32nd Swadeshi Science Congress and the National Seminar on ‘Transformative Science and Technology Education for Viksit Bharat’ concluded at Central University of Kerala (CUK), highlighting the role of young researchers in shaping India’s future scientific and technological progress.
The three-day event, jointly organised by the CUK and the Swadeshi Science Movement–Kerala, served as a vibrant platform for intellectual exchange and innovation. More than 300 scientists and researchers participated in deliberations held across six venues, with 238 paper and poster presentations spanning diverse disciplines.
Delivering the valedictory address, Ashok S. Alur, Vice-Chancellor, Kodagu University, emphasised the need to transform conventional learning methods. He called upon universities to move beyond classroom-based teaching and actively engage students in research, innovation, fieldwork, and entrepreneurial pursuits. Stressing the importance of inter-institutional academic collaboration, he urged CUK to continue advancing the objectives of the Congress.
The Young Science Award was presented for the best paper in each session, along with awards for outstanding oral and poster presentations. Siddu P. Algur, Vice-Chancellor, CUK, presided over the function. Rajendra Pilankatta, general secretary of the 32nd Swadeshi Science Congress, presented the conference report.
The Swadeshi Science Congress paid homage to eminent ecologist Madhav Gadgil at a commemorative function held in the library hall. Scientists, researchers, and students offered floral tributes to his portrait, remembering his lifelong contributions to ecology and sustainable development.
Delivering the memorial lecture, T.V. Ramachandra, coordinator of Energy and Wetlands Research Group, Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, and a colleague of Gadgil, recalled his unwavering commitment to public welfare and fearless advocacy of truth.
He noted that Gadgil’s landmark report on the conservation of the Western Ghats was prepared in the larger interest of society, emphasising that human survival is inseparable from the well-being of nature.
Dr. Ramachandra observed that the report was wrongly branded as anti-people by vested interests and said the increasing frequency of natural disasters stands as evidence of the validity of Gadgil’s warnings.
Recalling his dedication to the nation, nature, and humanity, he described Gadgil as a “people’s scientist” who would continue to live on in the hearts of the people.
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