Scientists honoured with HK Firodia awards in Pune

Vijnan Ratna award was presented to AS Kiran Kumar, chairman, ISRO and the Vijnan Bhushan award was given to professor Ashutosh Sharma, secretary, department of science and technology.

The 22nd HK Firodia Awards was held at the College of Engineering, Pune (COEP), where the Vijnan Ratna award was presented to AS Kiran Kumar, chairman, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Vijnan Bhushan award was given to professor Ashutosh Sharma, secretary, department of science and technology, government of India.

(From left) Scientist R Mashelkar, Govind Swaroop of Tata Institute of Fundamental Research; Arun Firodia, industrialist; Rajiv Kumar, vice-chairman of Niti Aayog, Kiran Kumar, chairman of ISRO; Ashutosh Sharma, secretary, department of science and technology, Government of India and Jayashree Firodia during the HK Firodia awards at COEP on Friday. (Shankar Narayan/HT photo)

The HK Firodia memorial foundation, every year, decorates Indian scientists by paying tribute to their exemplary contributions to the field of science and technology. “We need to be global leaders and should look at the youth to take us ahead. We have to develop science and technology into a mass movement following the Prime Minister’s dream,” said chief guest Rajiv Kumar, vice-chairman of Niti Aayog.

After receiving the award, Kiran Kumar said, “We are one of the most important players in space technology in the world. Launching of the polar satellite is one of the most creditable projects conducted successfully because of which ISRO is considered to be one of the most respected players in space research. I am receiving this honour on behalf of ISRO because the root cause of the success of ISRO is team work. Because of ISRO, India is absolutely independent as far as climatic conditions and marine conditions are considered, thus saving to the tune of Rs.20,000 crore.”

In his speech, Raghunath Mashelkar said, “Youth should have high aspirations and should work very hard.”