CHANDIGARH, 07.02,26-The three-day 29^th Punjab Science Congress on the theme “Cutting-Edge Science & Technology: Empowering Youth for a Viksit Bharat,” under the aegis of the Punjab Academy of Sciences, Patiala was inaugurated at Goswami Ganesh Dutta Sanatan Dharma (GGDSD) College, Sector 32, Chandigarh. The prestigious academic conclave brought together over 1,000 scientists, academicians, policymakers and young scholars from across the country, underscoring the growing role of science and technology as drivers of national development.

The Congress aims to strengthen scientific temper, foster innovation and promote interdisciplinary research aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat. The three-day programme features plenary lectures, open-house discussions, over 350 research paper presentations and poster sessions, providing a vibrant platform for scholarly exchange and collaborative dialogue. Alongside the Congress, the College also inaugurated an Innovation and Entrepreneurship Fest, highlighting the convergence of scientific research, start-up culture and youth-led enterprise. Chandigarh Chapter of India National Science Academy also sponsored the event.

The inaugural session witnessed the release of several scholarly publications and proceedings. These included Fostering Global Well-Being: Pathways to Viksit Bharat, edited by Prof. R. C. Sobti, Prof. Sidharth Sharma and Dr. Ajay Sharma; Biotechnological Innovation and Sustainable Development Goals: Fostering Good Health and Well-Being; Biotechnological Innovations for Sustainable Biodiversity and Development; Biotechnology Innovations for a Sustainable Future: Integrating Clean Energy, Life on the Planet, Clean Water and Climate Action (Volumes I, II and III), all edited by Prof. R. C. Sobti; One Planet, One Health, One Future: Charting a Course for Global Wellness, Environmental Resilience and Sustainable Food Systems, edited by Prof. R. C. Sobti along with Tejinder Kaur, Harpreet Walia, Puja Rattan and Archna Narula; Redefining Management Paradigms for Viksit Bharat: Vision 2047, with Dr. Ajay Sharma as Chief Editor; and the Proceedings of the National Conference on Cutting-Edge Science and Technology: Empowering Youth for Viksit Bharat.

During the event, the Punjab Academy of Sciences, Patiala honoured distinguished scientists with prestigious awards. The Honorary Fellows included Prof. Jagdeep Singh, Prof. Manoj Kumar, Prof. Dinesh Goyal, Prof. H.S. Virk, and Prof. K.K. Aggarwal. Dr Renu Vig, Vice Chancellor, Panjab University was also conferred the award but she could not attend the same due to personal reasons. The Desh Bhagat S. Lal Singh Oration Award was conferred upon Dr. Digambar Behera.

Commenting on the Congress, Dr. R.C. Sobti, former Vice Chancellor of Panjab University and a leading academician, said, "The 29th Punjab Science Congress is a celebration of innovation, research excellence, and youth-led scientific inquiry. By bringing together academicians, policymakers, and young scientists, we are nurturing a culture of creativity and interdisciplinary collaboration that will drive India towards the vision of a Viksit Bharat."

The programme commenced with a welcome address by Principal Dr Ajay Sharma. He extended heartfelt thanks to distinguished dignitaries present on the dais. Prominent among them were Dr. Tarlok Singh, President, Punjab Academy of Sciences; Prof. Jagdeep Singh, Vice Chancellor, Punjabi University, Patiala; Prof. Mahaveer Singh, Vice Chancellor, Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla; Prof. Suresh Sharma, Vice Chancellor, Shaheed Bhagat Singh State University, Ferozepur; Dr. Narendra K. Mehra, Honorary Emeritus Scientist, ICMR and Vice President (Internal Affairs), INSA; Prof. P. K. Khosla, Chancellor, Shoolini University; Dr. R. C. Sobti, former Vice Chancellor of Panjab University, Chandigarh; Dr. N. K. Ganguly, former Director General, ICMR; and several other eminent scientists, academicians and institutional leaders from India and abroad.

According to Dr Siddharth Sharma, Vice President, GGDSD College Society, said this is a dynamic platform for dialogue, collaboration and knowledge exchange, the 29th Punjab Science Congress seeks to catalyse innovative thinking and policy-relevant research among young scientists and scholars. The event marks a significant milestone in GGDSD College’s continued commitment to promoting research excellence, innovation and entrepreneurship, reinforcing its role in empowering youth and contributing meaningfully to the vision of a developed and self-reliant Bharat.