**Executive Summary**
The ICMR-National Institute of Virology (NIV) celebrated its 74th Foundation Day on February 4, 2026, with a focus on nurturing scientific curiosity among school students from classes 6-12 through a science outreach program. The two-phase outreach program, conducted in coordination with Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA), engaged 1,180 students and included visits to three schools across Pune as well as a campus experience at ICMR-NIV, Pune. Keynote address was delivered by Dr. Rajiv Bahl.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Outreach Program:**
* Engaged 1,180 school students through a two-phase outreach program.
* 1,130 students visited three schools across Pune.
* 50 students, along with their teachers, participated in an interactive campus experience at ICMR-NIV, Pune.
* Students were introduced to virology concepts, including types of viruses, insect and bird specimens, and diagnostic kits.
* Interactive content, laboratory tours, and demonstrations of diagnostic tools and PPE kits were included.
* **Foundation Day Celebration:**
* Dr. Naveen Kumar, Director, ICMR-NIV, highlighted the institute's achievements, research projects, and vision.
* Dr. Rajiv Bahl virtually graced the celebration and congratulated ICMR-NIV staff on outbreak surveillance, vaccine development, and medical countermeasures.
* Prof. Shekar C. Mande and Prof. (Dr.) Hari Shanker Joshi graced the celebration as the esteemed Chief Guest and Guest of Honour respectively.
* The importance of collaborations to advance India's vision of Viksit Bharat was underscored.
* The celebration concluded with a renewed commitment to advance virology research and strengthen public health preparedness.
**Impact Analysis**
**School Students**
* **Impact:** Gained exposure to virology concepts, lab experiences, and a spark of scientific curiosity.
* **Action Required:** Engage with the presented materials and consider pursuing studies in related fields.
**ICMR-NIV Staff**
* **Impact:** Acknowledged for their achievements in research, development, and outbreak surveillance.
* **Action Required:** Continue their efforts in advancing virology research and strengthening public health preparedness.
**Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA)**
* **Impact:** As the coordinator of the two-phase outreach program, VIBHA's participation in promoting scientific awareness has been recognised.
* **Action Required:** VIBHA must continue to collaborate with ICMR-NIV for future science awareness initiatives.
**Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)**
* **Impact:** Dr. Rajiv Bahl emphasised the importance of outbreak surveillance, vaccine development, and medical countermeasures.
* **Action Required:** ICMR must continue to support the initiatives to advance virology research and strengthen public health preparedness.
**Ministry of Health Research**
* **Impact:** Dr. Rajiv Bahl, the Secretary to Government of India, Department of Health Research, has addressed the gathering on the importance of institutional and industry collaborations.
* **Action Required:** Ministry of Health Research must implement collaborations to advance India's vision of Viksit Bharat.
Key Entities Referenced
ICMR-National Institute of Virology (NIV): Central research institute focused on virology, its activities and contributions are being highlighted.
Ministry of Science & Technology: The ministry under whose authority the ICMR-NIV event is taking place.
Pune: Location of ICMR-NIV and site of the events mentioned in the article.
Indian Council of Medical Research: Parent organization for ICMR-NIV.
Ministry of Science & Technology
ICMR-NIV, Pune Marks 74 Years of Scientific
Excellence: Inspiring Next Gen Scientists
Posted On: 05 FEB 2026 7:35PM by PIB Mumbai
Pune: 5 February, 2026
ICMR-National Institute of Virology (NIV) celebrated its 74th Foundation Day on 4th
February, 2026 with a special focus on nurturing scientific curiosity among school
students from classes 6-12 through its science outreach programme.
Led by ICMR-NIV scientists and staff in coordination with Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA),
the two-phase outreach programme engaged 1,180 school students- reaching over
1,130 students through visits to three schools across Pune and welcoming around
50 students along with their teachers for an interactive campus experience at ICMR–
NIV, Pune. Students were introduced to key concepts of virology, including different
types of viruses, insect and bird specimens, and diagnostic kits. Interactive videos,
posters, and presentations showcased ICMR-NIV’s contributions to public health
while guided laboratory tours and demonstrations of diagnostic tools and PPE
(Personal Protective Equipment) kits sparked scientific curiosity among young
learners.The scientific session commenced with opening remarks by Dr. Naveen Kumar,
Director, ICMR-NIV, who highlighted the institute’s remarkable achievements,
upcoming research projects, and future research vision.
The celebration was honoured by the distinguished virtual presence of Dr. Rajiv
Bahl, Secretary to Government of India, Department of Health Research, and
Director General, Indian Council of Medical Research. In his keynote address, Dr.
Bahl congratulated ICMR-NIV staff on their collective achievements in outbreak
surveillance and investigations, development of vaccines and new medical
countermeasures against the diseases while underscoring the importance of
institutional and industry collaborations in advancing India’s vision of Viksit Bharat.Prof. Shekar C. Mande, President, Indian National Science Academy (INSA), New
Delhi, graced the celebration as the esteemed Chief Guest, while Prof. (Dr.) Hari
Shanker Joshi, Director, ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre (RMRC), Gorakhpur
was the distinguished Guest of Honour. Dr. Sheela Godbole, Director, ICMR-National
Institute of Translational Virology and AIDS Research (ICMR-NITVAR), attended as
special guest.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Shekar C. Mande, President, INSA, appreciated
ICMR-NIV’s contributions to eliminating viral diseases and emphasized the need for
collective action for building a healthier and sustainable world for the next
generation.
Prof. (Dr.) Hari Shanker Joshi, Director, ICMR-RMRC, appreciated the efforts of
ICMR-NIV and commended the institute’s valuable contributions to the nation.
The celebration concluded with a renewed commitment to advance virology research
and strengthen India’s public health preparedness.
PIB Pune | Harshal Akude/Priti Malandkar
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