Kattankulathur,April 21st , 2025 – The 14th edition of Research Day and the 6th Dr. Paarivendhar Research Colloquium (DPRC 2024) were successfully held today at the SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST), Kattankulathur.
The event was graced by Dr. T. R. Paarivendhar, Honourable Founder Chancellor, SRMIST; Prof. C. Muthamizhchelvan, Vice-Chancellor, SRMIST; and Prof. Shekhar C. Mande, Distinguished Professor at Savitribai Phule Pune University and Former Director General of CSIR, India.
A central highlight of the occasion was the grand recognition of exceptional research efforts by students and faculty. In a celebration of innovation and academic contribution, gold medals and certificates were awarded to 47 students and 32 faculty members, while silver medals and certificates were presented to 51 students and 4 faculty members. In addition, 43 faculty members who had published their work in Nature-indexed journals were felicitated with mementos and certificates in front of a full auditorium. Faculty who were listed among the Top 2% scientists for the year 2024 by Stanford University, USA, and those who had secured research project grants, were also honoured during the programme by their respective College Deans.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. T. R. Paarivendhar, Honourable Founder Chancellor, SRMIST, remarked,“We are proud to be one of the pioneers in celebrating Research Day — an initiative that reflects our deep commitment to building a research-driven academic culture. The scope of research today is enormous, with India ranking among the top three nations in research publications, ninth in patents, and holding the 39th position in the Global Innovation Index. With over 1.59 lakh start-ups and 115 UNICON startups, it’s evident that innovation is thriving across the country.”
He further added, “The Government of India has been consistently promoting a culture of research and innovation, creating policies and platforms that support both academia and industry. With India standing neck to neck with some of the world’s superpowers, this is the moment to capitalize on our potential and nurture the next generation of brilliant researchers. Science and Technology will be the key drivers in transforming India from being the fifth-largest economy globally to potentially the third. And it all begins in the classrooms — with curious young minds asking questions, exploring possibilities, and daring to dream big. In this journey, research will play a central role.”
Prof. Shekhar C. Mande, Distinguished Professor, Savitribai Phule Pune University and Former Director General of CSIR, remarked, “India has a rich legacy of scientific excellence — iconic researchers like C. V. Raman and G. N. Ramachandran were driven by simple, yet profound questions that went on to redefine their respective fields. If nurtured well, the coming years can see many more Ramans and Ramachandrans emerging from among today’s students. It is through academic collaborations, research-industry conclaves, and the encouragement of young leadership that we can create the environment necessary for such brilliance to flourish.”
He further added, “We must address the shortage of researchers across numerous domains by inspiring more students to step into this exciting world. Outstanding problems are all around us — in books, in study material, in everyday life — and now, unlike in earlier decades, we are empowered with advanced resources and cutting-edge technology to work on solutions. The time is right, and the possibilities are endless.”
Alongside Research Day, the Dr. Paarivendhar Research Colloquium (DPRC 2024) was inaugurated on 21st April 2025 by Prof. Shekhar C. Mande. Jointly organized by the Directorate of Research and the Department of English and Foreign Languages, the colloquium will continue up to 23rd April 2025. DPRC brings together an inspiring collection of research presentations and interdisciplinary discussions, providing a dynamic platform for young researchers to exchange ideas and present their scholarly contributions.
Both events drew active participation from students, researchers, and faculty across departments, reinforcing SRMIST’s continued dedication to nurturing a thriving research culture and fostering academic excellence.
