IIT Delhi Launches Chidambaram Memorial Lecture Series On National Science Day
Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi) launched the Chidambaram Memorial Lecture Series, in the memory of late Dr. R. Chidambaram, a renowned scientist and former Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India; former Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy; former Chairperson, Atomic Energy Commission, & former Chairperson, Board of Governors, IIT Delhi.
The event commenced with a welcome address by Prof. Rangan Banerjee, Director, IIT Delhi, who introduced the Chidambaram Memorial Lecture Series and shared anecdotes and fond memories of his time with Dr. Chidambaram, and his contributions to IIT Delhi. He also reflected on the significance of the lecture series, highlighting it as a tribute to Dr. Chidambaram’s remarkable legacy.
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The inaugural lecture series was then unveiled by Sri. K. N. Vyas, Former Chairperson, Atomic Energy Commission, and Former Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). Dr. Vyas paid tribute to Dr. Chidambaram’s pioneering role in shaping India’s nuclear and scientific advancements, recalling the major nuclear tests conducted under his leadership.
Recalling old memories, he said, “I would like to remember Chidambaram Sir as a great human being—someone not only tremendously intelligent but also deeply devoted to the nation. As I read his autobiography, I realized he was equally dedicated to his family, taking great care of all his loved ones. Beyond his immediate circle, he had immense compassion for others…… Now I understand why his autobiography is titled- ‘India Rising’. He firmly believed in the potential of the Indian people, and the best way to honor his legacy is by striving to do our best and making India great.”
Marking the inaugural of this prestigious series, Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology (DST), delivered an insightful talk titled “Transforming S&T Landscape of the Country Towards Viksit Bharat.” His address highlighted India’s rapid R&D growth, the success stories of Indian startups, key areas that need strengthening, and various government initiatives driving technological advancement. He highlighted the role of the government, particularly DST, in enhancing research and development across the country and explained how innovations will pave the way toward Viksit Bharat. He also touched upon several emerging and transformative technologies, including Quantum Technology, Cyber-Physical Systems, Green Technologies, and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
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Dr. Karandikar remarked, “I have been constantly complaining of, you know, lack of flexibility. Even if there is a fund, there is a difficulty in terms of spending the funds, in terms of processes and governance, and we are therefore working on empowering the researchers with ease and flexibility and in some sense, we can say it is ease of doing science or ease of doing research. Of course, the government has taken major initiatives in terms of ease of doing business and ease of living, but we have initiated this program on ease of doing research… So our path to achieving the global scientific and technology leadership clearly depends upon removing the obstacles, both in terms of structural and institutional barriers, and also in terms of ensuring the adequate level of funding, and finally spurring the private sector R and D for catalyzing the translational research, for taking the research that happens in the academy and the university into cutting edge technology development and that alone will position India as a global leader in cutting edge technology.”
The event was graced by Dr. R. Chidambaram’s family members, including his wife, daughter, and son-in-law, who shared their appreciation for this initiative. Mrs. Chidambaram and the Director, IIT Delhi, presented a memento to Prof. Abhay Karandikar as a token of gratitude for his impactful lecture.
The celebrations progressed with Prof. C.T. Dhanya, Associate Dean Academics (PG Research), highlighting the key initiatives taken at IIT Delhi for PhD research scholars. She then invited Prof. Narayanan D. Kurur, Dean Academics to unveil the Research Synergy Forum. The objective of this forum is to develop key skills required in academia for master’s and PhD students at IIT Delhi.
As part of the National Science Day celebrations, Prof. Saurabh Tewari introduced the audience to the Prastuti and Srijan—two competitions organized by the office of Academic Outreach and New Initiatives for PhD students. The competitions provided the scholars with an opportunity to present their work creativel, and received enthusiastic participation from the PhD students of IIT Delhi. Prof. Saurabh also announced the results of Prastuti and Srijan on this special occasion. The winners were felicitated by Prof. Abhay Karandikar for their outstanding creativity in showcasing their research.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by the Dean Academics, IIT Delhi, expressing his heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Chidambaram’s family for gracing the inaugural of the Chidambaram Memorial Lecture Series. He further extended special thanks to Sri. K. N. Vyas for sharing his fond memories of working with Dr. Chidambaram and to Prof. Abhay Karandikar for accepting the invitation to be the inaugural speaker. Finally, he thanked the esteemed faculty members, students, and the organizing team.
