The Vice-President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, today addressed the 15th Graduation Ceremony of the National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), Bhubaneswar, and urged young scientists to leverage science and innovation for nation-building while upholding the highest standards of integrity and social responsibility.
Describing NISER as an institution that embodies India’s aspirations in science, innovation and intellectual leadership, Shri C.P.Radhakrishnan said that institutions devoted to fundamental sciences are vital for strengthening the knowledge economy, technological advancement, national security and sustainable development.
He noted that NISER has emerged as a premier centre for scientific education and research and has made significant contributions to building a highly skilled scientific workforce for the country. The Vice-President observed that the world today faces unprecedented opportunities and complex challenges, including climate change, emerging diseases and rapid advances in artificial intelligence, quantum computing and advanced materials.
In such a scenario, he said, science must not only generate knowledge but also guide policy and ensure sustainability. He emphasised that for a country like India, with its demographic strength and developmental aspirations, scientific capability is not optional but foundational to achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Calling for greater interdisciplinary collaboration, the Vice President said that contemporary challenges cannot be addressed within the boundaries of a single discipline. He urged the graduating students to nurture curiosity, uphold integrity, embrace challenges and use their knowledge for the larger good of society.
He remarked that science is not only about finding answers but also about asking the right questions. Highlighting India’s growing stature in science and innovation, the Vice-President said that the country’s achievements in space missions, vaccine development, digital public infrastructure and renewable energy have earned it global recognition.
He urged the graduates to balance ambition with responsibility and progress with compassion, adding that their research, ideas and integrity would shape the future of society. Paying tribute to the legacy of Dr. Homi Bhabha, Shri C.P.Radhakrishnan said that institutions such as NISER are carrying forward India’s rich scientific tradition by producing talented scientists who are contributing to fundamental sciences, atomic energy, healthcare physics and other emerging interdisciplinary fields.
He appreciated the institution’s alumni for enhancing India’s scientific footprint through research and academic excellence in India and abroad. Recalling the day his father told him about the demise of Dr. Homi Bhabha, the Vice President said that it was a major setback for the country’s atomic research.
However, India emerged stronger from that tragedy, and today has become one of the strongest and boldest nations in the field of atomic research.The Vice-President also expressed hope that many of the graduates from NISER would go on to become future Dr. Homi Bhabhas, making significant contributions to India’s scientific and technological advancement.
The ceremony was attended by the Governor of Odisha, Shri Hari Babu Kambhampati; the Chief Minister of Odisha, Shri Mohan Charan Majhi; Union Minister of Education, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan; Union MoS(Ind. Charge)Science & Technology; Earth Sciences;MoS PMO,PP/ DoPT,Atomic Energy,Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh; Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy and Chairman, NISER, Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty; Director and Chairman, Academic Council, NISER, Prof. H. N. Ghosh; senior officials, faculty members, graduating students, parents and distinguished guests.