Exposure Visit to Vigyan Bhawan on National Science Day 2026

28th February 2026

IIC, Dronacharya Group of Institutions organized an academic exposure visit for 65  B. Tech first year students to attend the National Science Day 2026 celebration at Vigyan Bhawan on 28^th February 2026. Accompanied by Prof. Harshita Rawat, Assistant Professor (CSIT), the students participated in the prestigious national-level programme held under the theme “Bharat se Innovation, Duniya ke Liye Solutions – Viksit Bharat @ 2047.” The event aimed to promote scientific awareness, innovation, and research excellence among students, scholars, and policymakers across the country, providing valuable exposure to contemporary scientific advancements and national development initiatives.

The theme for National Science Day 2026, “Women in Science: Catalysing Viksit Bharat,” emphasized the indispensable contribution of women scientists and innovators in shaping India’s journey toward becoming a developed nation by 2047. The programme was graced by eminent dignitaries including Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India; Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Department of Science & Technology; and Shubha V. Iyengar, a distinguished scientist and research leader. Their addresses provided valuable insights into India’s scientific progress, strategic policy initiatives, and the importance of inclusive and collaborative participation in science and technology.

The programme began with a lecture series chaired by Ajay Kumar Sood. The first lecture, delivered by Shubha V. Iyengar, focused on “Made in India Technologies for Aerospace and Defence,” highlighting India’s advancements in indigenous aerospace innovation, defence technologies, and high-end manufacturing capabilities. The second lecture, presented by K. Balasubramanian, Director of NFTDC, discussed the “Roadmap and Solutions for Critical Metals and Materials,” emphasizing sustainable sourcing of minerals and strategic resource management for industrial growth. The third lecture by Shashi S. Vempati, former CEO of Prasar Bharati, explored the concept of “Direct to Mobile Broadcasting,” showcasing technological advancements in digital media communication and public information dissemination. The lecture session concluded with remarks by Ajay Kumar Sood and felicitation of the speakers.

Following the lecture series, a panel discussion on the topic “Science Policy Interface for Catalysing Viksit Bharat” was conducted. The context was set by Shekhar C. Mande, President of INSA, and the session was moderated by Indranil Manna, Vice President of INSA. The panel included distinguished experts such as Vivek Kumar Singh from NITI Aayog, along with Ranjana Agarwal, Anjan Ray, Jai Asundi, and Kusumita Arora. The discussion focused on bridging the gap between scientific research and policymaking, strengthening India’s innovation ecosystem, promoting public-private partnerships, and aligning research institutions with national economic and environmental goals. The dialogue emphasized the need for integrated and evidence-based policy frameworks to accelerate India’s progress toward becoming a developed nation.

Simultaneously, a parallel session titled “ALIGN: Advancing Local Innovation for Global Needs” was conducted by Indraprastha Vigyan Bharati. This interactive session provided students with the opportunity to engage directly with eminent scientists, seek guidance, ask questions, and explore potential career paths in science and research. The face-to-face interaction proved to be highly inspiring and informative for the participants.

Overall, National Science Day 2026 was an intellectually enriching and impactful event. It successfully strengthened dialogue between scientists and policymakers, highlighted the importance of indigenous technologies and sustainable resource management, and promoted science communication and innovation. The event reinforced India’s commitment to self-reliance, sustainability, and inclusive growth under the vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047. The participating students returned with renewed motivation and a deeper understanding of their role in contributing to a scientifically advanced and globally competitive India.