Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Thursday, 9 July called on young scientists to deploy science and technology as the primary lever for tackling global challenges, asserting that scientific capability is not optional but foundational to realising India's Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. He was addressing the convocation of the National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER) in Bhubaneswar.

Key Developments at the NISER Convocation

Radhakrishnan told graduating students that the world today faces an unprecedented convergence of opportunities and threats — from climate change and emerging diseases to rapid advances in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and advanced materials. In this context, he said, science must not merely generate knowledge but actively guide policy and ensure long-term sustainability.

He underscored the imperative of interdisciplinary collaboration, arguing that no single discipline can adequately address the complexity of contemporary challenges. The Vice-President urged graduates to nurture curiosity, uphold integrity, embrace difficulty, and orient their expertise toward the broader good of society.

What the Vice-President Said

'Science is not only about finding answers but also about asking the right questions,' Radhakrishnan remarked, encapsulating the spirit of his address. He called on the graduates to balance ambition with responsibility and progress with compassion, emphasising that their research, ideas, and integrity would shape the trajectory of society.

Highlighting India's expanding global stature in science and innovation, Radhakrishnan cited the country's achievements in space missions, vaccine development, digital public infrastructure, and renewable energy as evidence of the nation earning increasing international recognition.

Tribute to Dr. Homi Bhabha and India's Scientific Legacy

The Vice-President paid tribute to the legacy of Dr. Homi Bhabha, recalling a personal memory of the day his father informed him of Bhabha's passing — a moment he described as a major setback for India's atomic research programme. He noted, however, that India emerged stronger from that loss and has since risen to become one of the world's leading nations in atomic research.

Radhakrishnan praised institutions such as NISER for carrying forward India's rich scientific tradition across fundamental sciences, atomic energy, healthcare physics, and emerging interdisciplinary fields. He expressed hope that many of the day's graduates would go on to make contributions comparable to those of Dr. Bhabha.

Dignitaries Present

The convocation was attended by Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, among other dignitaries — signalling the significance the Centre and the state government attach to NISER's role in India's scientific ecosystem.

As India accelerates toward its 2047 centenary goals, the Vice-President's address reinforces a broader national consensus that science, technology, and homegrown research institutions must sit at the heart of the country's development strategy.