The Vigyan Ratna Award is the highest honour conferred by the Government of India for outstanding achievements in science, technology, and innovation.[1] Established in 2023 and first awarded in 2024, the award recognizes individuals for their lifetime contributions to the field of science and technology.[2] Often regarded as the Indian equivalent of the Nobel Prize, the Vigyan Ratna is part of the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar scheme, which also includes three other awards — Vigyan Shri, Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar, and Vigyan Team.[3]
| Vigyan Ratna Award | |
|---|---|
| Country |  India |
| Presented by |  President of India |
| Established | 21 September 2023 |
| First awarded | 22 August 2024 |
| Last awarded | 2024 Govindarajan Padmanaban |
| Total | 1 |
A maximum of three individuals are selected each year to receive the Vigyan Ratna Award. Nominations are invited annually from 14 January to 28 February, coinciding with National Science Day. The award recipients are announced on 11 May, National Technology Day, and the awards are presented on 23 August, National Space Day.[1][4]
In its inaugural year, the Vigyan Ratna Award was awarded to Govindarajan Padmanabhan, a biochemist renowned for his work on the malaria parasite. This recognition highlighted his lifetime achievements in the field of biological sciences.[5]
References
edit- ^ a b Koshy, Jacob (19 September 2023). "Science and tech awards to get Padma-style makeover into Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 23 August 2024.
- ^ Mohan, Vishwa (21 September 2023). "Government announces new set of national awards for sciences, 56 awards to be given in 4 categories". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 23 August 2024.
- ^ Rohini Krishnamurthy. "Government discontinues science, health awards; to establish 'Vigyan Ratna' on lines of Nobel Prize". Down To Earth. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
- ^ Ray, Kalyan (21 September 2023). "Govt junks the cash prize for Bhatnagar awardees, announces new science awards". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 23 August 2024.
- ^ Marar, Anjali (7 August 2024). "Ex-IISc head Padmanabhan, Chandrayaan-3 team among first Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar awardees". The Indian Express. Retrieved 23 August 2024.