Former ISRO chief urges students to harness emerging technologies to become future leaders

Former ISRO Chairman and Padma Shri awardee A.S. Kiran Kumar on Saturday said students should harness the power of emerging technologies and shape their skills to become future leaders of India.

Speaking at the National Science Day celebrations organised by The School of Advanced Sciences (SAS) of VIT-A.P. University, Mr. Kiran Kumar said that by embracing science and innovation, students can help the nation achieve the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. He urged them to become dedicated scientists and allow India to shine across the world through their talent and determination.

Emeritus Prof. Prasanta K. Panigrahi from the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Kolkata, noted that National Science Day encourages students to question, experiment and explore new ideas that can solve real-world problems and strengthen the nation’s future, while honouring the contributions of Indian scientists.

Former DRDO scientist Rao Tatavarti highlighted that the day serves as an important opportunity for students to cultivate curiosity and scientific temper. He stressed that the youth of India must actively engage in science and innovation to make the country self-reliant and globally competitive, particularly in space, technology and research.

Rajkumar Elagiri Ramalingam, AI Governance leader from Mphasis, Bengaluru, underscored the growing relevance of scientific thinking in industry. “Students must combine technological expertise with ethical responsibility and problem-solving abilities to drive sustainable growth and innovation,” he stated.

VIT-A.P. University Vice Chancellor P. Arulmozhivarman said that students at the university are encouraged to question, experiment and transform ideas into impactful solutions for society.

Students from 30 schools in Guntur and Vijayawada participated in the event and winners in various competitions were given prizes on the occasion.

University Registrar Jagadish Mudiganti, Dean SAS S. Srinivas, head of the Department of Chemistry, Ramakanth Illa, NSD convener Manmadha Rao Banki, Student welfare deputy director Khadeer Pasha, head of the Department of Physics, Nagarjune Neella, and others were present on the occasion.