New Delhi, May 11 (IANS). A grand celebration of National Technology Day 2026 was organized at the historic Vice-Regal Lodge under the joint aegis of Indraprastha Vigyan Bharati and Delhi University. In this program, the country’s eminent scientists, policy makers, academicians, technology experts, students and industry representatives participated and had a comprehensive discussion on the role of science and technology in nation building and social transformation.
During the inaugural session, the booklet of ‘Vidyarthi Vigyan Manthan’, India’s largest online science talent search test, was also released.
On this occasion, President of Indraprastha Vigyan Bharati and Director of Inter-University Accelerator Centre, Prof. Avinash Chandra Pandey laid special emphasis on the role of scientific innovation in building a self-reliant India. National General Secretary of Vigyan Bharati, Vivekananda Pai, while addressing the gathering, stressed the need to link scientific progress with national development priorities.
A special video message from Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta was also presented in the programme. He also mentioned the plan to set up ‘Delhi Science, Technology and Innovation Council’ with the aim of developing innovations at the local level to solve local urban problems. Chief guest NITI Aayog member Prof. Govardhan Das highlighted the role of India’s technological progress and innovation-based good governance.
A major highlight of the program was the panel discussion on ‘Delhi as a World Class Capital: A Global Model’, in which Prof. MM Tripathi, Prof. Ranjana Aggarwal, Prof. Many experts including AK Bhagi and Dr. Sachin Ghude participated. In the discussion, views were expressed on topics like sustainable urban development, climate adaptation, technical infrastructure and scientific policy making for future-oriented cities.
Chandrashekhar Gaurinath Karhadkar, former Director of Indira Gandhi Atomic Research Centre, delivered a special lecture on ‘India’s journey in nuclear technology from scientific excellence to social impact’.
Another important panel discussion was organized on the topic ‘Crystallizing Progress: Role of Delhi Council of Science and Technology’ in which Prof. Many leading scientists and policy makers including Shekhar C. Mande, Dr. Anil Kothari and Dr. Anita Aggarwal participated. In the discussion, emphasis was laid on strengthening science communication, innovation ecosystem and technology-based social empowerment.
In the concluding session, Dr. Jitendra Kumar, Managing Director of Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council, Praveen Ramdas of Vigyan Bharati and Prof. Yogesh Singh expressed his views.
The closing address was given by the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, Sardar Taranjit Singh Sandhu. He stressed the need for collaborative efforts between academia, government and industry to propel India towards global technology leadership. He said that sustainable development and self-reliance is possible only through a strong research ecosystem, visionary policy making and long-term institutional commitment.
The Lt Governor posted on social media platform It was inspiring to interact with researchers and students who are contributing to building a self-reliant new India.”
–IANS
OP/DKP
