Astrophysicist Jayant Narlikar selected for Vigyan Ratna award

The Government of India announced the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP) awards on October 25, 2025, to honour outstanding contributions in science and technology. This year’s awards include 24 individual awards and one team award.

Major Awardees

• Vigyan Ratna (Lifetime Achievement):
  • Awarded posthumously to Prof. Jayant Vishnu Narlikar, renowned astrophysicist, for his lifetime contribution to science.
• Vigyan Shri Awardees (8 Scientists):
  • Gyanendra Pratap Singh
  • Yusuf Mohammed Shaikh
  • K. Thangaraj
  • Pradeep Thalappil
  • Aniruddha Balchandra Pandit
  • Venkata Mohan
  • Mahan Mj
  • Jayan N.
• Vigyan Team Award:
  • Awarded to the CSIR Aroma Mission for its collective scientific contribution and innovation.

About the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP)

• Established to recognize excellence and innovation in science and technology across diverse domains.
• Administered by the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar Committee, chaired by the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, with final approval by the Minister of Science and Technology.

Award Categories

1. Vigyan Ratna – For lifetime achievement and contribution in any field of science & technology.
2. Vigyan Shri – For distinguished contributions in any field of science & technology.
3. Vigyan Yuva – For scientists below 45 years, recognizing exceptional contributions.
4. Vigyan Team Award – For collaborative scientific achievements by a group of three or more scientists.

Significance

• The RVP is envisioned as India’s highest national honour in science, similar in stature to the Padma Awards, but focused solely on scientific and technological excellence.
• It underscores the government’s intent to inspire young scientists, promote innovation, and celebrate Indian achievements in the global scientific arena.

Source: TH