Kurukshetra, April 3 Principal scientific advisor to the Centre, Ajay Kumar Sood, on Friday stressed the need for innovation-driven growth, saying science and technology must play a key role in shaping the country's future.
Addressing the 18th Goyal Prizes at Kurukshetra University, he said India is entering a transformative phase where research should go beyond laboratories and contribute to solving societal challenges.
Sood said universities and research institutions must align their work with national priorities and global challenges.
He added that academic institutions play a vital role in nurturing young talent and strengthening the research ecosystem.
He emphasised interdisciplinary collaboration, noting that breakthroughs often happen at the intersection of different fields.
Encouraging students and young researchers, he said, innovation requires curiosity, perseverance, and the courage to take risks.
Highlighting India's progress, Sood said the country has made significant strides in areas such as space research, digital innovation, and sustainable development.
He, however, stressed the need for continued investment in research and stronger industry-academia partnerships.
Co-chairman of the organising committee, Professor Emeritus S P Singh, spoke about the origin of the Goyal Prizes.
He said the awards were instituted in 1992 at Kurukshetra University by NRI philanthropist Ram S Goyal to recognise excellence among Indian scientists.
He added that after Goyal died in 2010, his wife, Akshma D Goyal, continued his legacy and supported the awards with a major endowment in 2012.
On the occasion, several scientists were honoured with the Goyal Prizes and Rajib Goyal Young Scientist Prizes for 2023-24.
Vice-Chancellor of Kurukshetra University, Prof Som Nath Sachdeva, who presided over the function, said the awards recognise not only past achievements but also the future potential of scientists.