**Executive Summary**
This document reports on the National Science Day 2026 celebration at the Agharkar Research Institute (ARI), Pune, on February 27, 2026. The theme was "Women in Science: Catalysing Viksit Bharat.” The event included addresses, facility visits, and an open house and exhibition, aiming to foster scientific temper, innovation, and gender inclusivity in STEM.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Celebration Details:**
* National Science Day 2026 was celebrated at the Agharkar Research Institute (ARI), Pune.
* The event's theme was "Women in Science: Catalysing Viksit Bharat".
* Dr. Sangita M. Kasture (Ministry of New and Renewable Energy) was the Chief Guest.
* **Addresses & Speeches:**
* Dr. Kasture highlighted India’s progress in renewable energy and the importance of women's role in STEM.
* Dr. Prashant K. Dhakephalkar (Director, ARI) spoke about the significance of National Science Day and paid tribute to Sir C. V. Raman.
* **Facility Visits:**
* The Chief Guest visited ARI’s major research facilities, including the Biohydrogen Production Facility.
* Discussions focused on renewable energy technologies and collaborative initiatives.
* **Open House and Exhibition:**
* ARI's research divisions presented innovative projects, technologies, and community initiatives.
* School students interacted with scientists, gaining exposure to ongoing research.
* **Overall Goals:**
* Strengthen scientific research and promote gender inclusivity in STEM.
* Advance India’s journey towards a sustainable and developed nation.
**Impact Analysis**
**ARI Researchers and Scientists**
* **Impact:** Showcased their research and projects to the public and students.
* **Action Required:** Continued dedication to cutting-edge research, translational science, and societal outreach.
**School Students**
* **Impact:** Gained exposure to scientific research and innovation through interactive exhibits and demonstrations.
* **Action Required:** Continued learning and exploration in STEM fields, inspired by the exhibits and interactions.
**Ministry of Science & Technology (and associated entities)**
* **Impact:** Advanced the Ministry’s goals for promoting scientific temper, innovation, and gender inclusivity, which aligns with the national vision of Viksit Bharat.
* **Action Required:** Continued support for science and technology initiatives and for the promotion of women in STEM.
Key Entities Referenced
Agharkar Research Institute (ARI), Pune: Autonomous research institute under the Department of Science and Technology, hosting the National Science Day 2026 event.
National Science Day: Annual event promoting scientific temper and innovation.
Department of Science and Technology (DST): Government of India department overseeing the Agharkar Research Institute.
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE): Ministry represented by Dr. Sangita M. Kasture as the Chief Guest, focusing on renewable energy advancements.
Ministry of Science & Technology
National Science Day 2026 Celebrated at
Agharkar Research Institute, Pune
Theme: “Women in Science: Catalysing Viksit Bharat”
Posted On: 27 FEB 2026 9:10PM by PIB Mumbai
Pune, 27 February 2026
Pune, 27 February 2026: The Agharkar Research Institute (ARI), Pune, an autonomous institute
under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, celebrated
National Science Day 2026 with great enthusiasm and academic fervour. This year’s theme,
“Women in Science: Catalysing Viksit Bharat”, underscored the critical role of women scientists
in driving innovation, sustainability, and national development.
The programme was graced by Dr. Sangita M. Kasture, Scientist ‘G’, Ministry of New and
Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India, as the Chief Guest. In her keynote address,
Dr. Kasture highlighted India’s significant strides in renewable energy, including advancements
in bioenergy, green hydrogen, solar power, and other clean energy technologies. She
emphasized that scientific innovation, strong policy frameworks, and institutional research arecentral to accelerating the clean energy transition and achieving the national vision of Viksit
Bharat. She also stressed the importance of enhancing women’s participation and leadership in
STEM fields to build an inclusive and innovation-driven ecosystem.
The event commenced with a welcome address by Dr. Prashant K. Dhakephalkar, Director, ARI.
In his remarks, he highlighted the significance of National Science Day in fostering scientific
temper and innovation across the country. Paying tribute to Sir C. V. Raman, whose discovery of
the Raman Effect led to India’s first Nobel Prize in Physics, he noted that curiosity-driven
research and dedication to scientific excellence continue to inspire generations of researchers
and students. He reiterated ARI’s commitment to cutting-edge research, translational science,
and societal outreach aligned with national missions.
Following the lecture, the Guest visited ARI’s major research facilities, including the Biohydrogen
Production Facility and other advanced laboratories. The visit facilitated meaningful discussions
on renewable energy technologies, translational research pathways, and potential collaborative
initiatives in sustainable energy systems.
A major highlight of the celebration was the Open House and Exhibition, organized as part of the
outreach activities. Various research divisions of ARI showcased innovative projects,
technologies, and community-oriented initiatives. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation
from school students, who interacted directly with scientists and research scholars. Through
demonstrations, exhibits, and interactive sessions, students gained first-hand exposure to
ongoing research and its real-world applications, reflecting the true spirit of National Science
Day in inspiring young minds.
The celebration concluded with a renewed resolve to strengthen scientific research, promote
gender inclusivity in STEM, and advance India’s journey towards a sustainable and developed
nation.
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