The National Science and Research & Technology Conference (NSRTC) 2025 emerged as a landmark event in India’s scientific calendar, bringing together over three days a distinguished assembly of scientists, technologists, thought leaders, and policy influencers from across the nation. Held at MIT World Peace University, Pune, NSRTC 2025 served as a vibrant platform for intellectual exchange, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and celebration of scientific achievement.

Grand Opening: Science Rooted in Excellence

NSRTC 2025 commenced with a rich day of plenary sessions and scholarly discourse, where the central themes revolved around Nobel Prize-winning work across Physiology or Medicine, Chemistry, Physics, and Engineering. Distinguished speakers including Prof. Dr. Shekhar Mande, Prof. Dr. Vijayamohanan Pillai, Prof. Dr. Lakshmanan Muthusamy, and Dr. Deepak Ranade set the tone for the conference with deeply insightful discussions.

The day featured a notable “Special Talks” segment, with impactful addresses by:

• Padma Shri Prof. Dr. Ashutosh Sharma on “Making S&T Work for Viksit Bharat
• Prof. Dr. Arindam Ghosh on “Materials for Quantum Technologies
• Prof. Dr. Ajit Kembhavi on “The Life and Scientific Journey of Prof. Dr. Jayant Vishnu Narlikar

The formal Inaugural Ceremony held later in the day witnessed the presence of luminaries including Padma Bhushan Dr. Vijay Bhatkar, Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Prof. Dr. Ashutosh Sharma, Dr. Ashok Joshi, Dr. Prasad Khandekar, and Dr. Milind Pande. The event was also graced by UNESCO Chair Holder Rev. Prof. Dr. Vishwanath D. Karad, whose presence underscored the holistic vision of integrating science with peace and spirituality.

Dr. Kalaiselvi, Director General of CSIR, delivered an inspiring address urging students to pursue excellence not just in professional endeavours but in life at large. A moment of solemn reverence was observed during the conferment of the posthumous Vigyan Maharshi Award to Prof. Dr. Jayant Vishnu Narlikar for his monumental contributions to science and cosmology.

Day 2: Unveiling Tomorrow Through Technology and Research

The second day of NSRTC 2025 delved deeper into thematic technical sessions across four key areas:

1. Artificial Intelligence Sessions explored the integration of AI with cryptology, materials design, and multilingual applications. Eminent minds like Padma Shri Prof. Dr. Bimal Kumar Roy, Prof. Dr. Sourav Pal, and Prof. Dr. Radhakrishna Ganti addressed both theoretical frameworks and real-world applications.

2. Advanced Materials and Processing Cutting-edge research on sustainable development through 2D materials, CMOS and MEMS systems was presented by Prof. Dr. V. Ramgopal Rao, Prof. Dr. Satishchandra Ogale, and Prof. Dr. U.V. Waghmare, among others.

3. Digital Transformations in Energy and Sustainability Highlights included innovations in photonic circuits, quantum imaging, and scalable energy solutions. Experts such as Prof. Dr. Shailendra Varshney and Dr. Rajnish Kumar led stimulating sessions.

4. Healthcare, Pharma, and Biotechnology Renowned scientists including Dr. Ashok C. Khandkar, Dr. Pragya D. Yadav, and Prof. Dr. Sanjay B. Maggirwar presented on infection control, nucleic acid therapies, and One Health frameworks. The day ended with engaging roundtable discussions and poster presentations, where young researchers interacted directly with the domain’s leading voices.

Day 3: Scientific Reflections and A Vision Forward

The final day sustained the energy and depth of the event through advanced discussions and a dignified Valedictory Ceremony. In Artificial Intelligence, experts like Prof. Dr. Yogesh Wadadekar and Shri Amol Dhondse (IBM) shared insights on responsible AI systems, digital twins, and AI's expanding role in scientific discovery.

The Advanced Materials and Processing track featured breakthroughs in clay-based electrolytes, CO₂ conversion, and 2D superconductors, led by Prof. Dr. Vijayamohan Pillai, Dr. Sharad Lande, and Prof. Dr. Bappi Paul. Sessions on Digital Transformations, Energy, and Sustainability included talks on fusion energy and hydrogen syngas by thought leaders like Prof. Dr. G.D. Yadav and Dr. Dinesh K. Aswal.

The Healthcare and Biotechnology stream focused on metabolic health, drug discovery for tuberculosis, and plant-based bioactives, with valuable insights from Prof. Dr. Umesh Varshney, Dr. Ashok Giri, and Dr. Pramod Tripathi. The Valedictory Ceremony, held at the Swami Vivekananda Auditorium, brought the conference to a meaningful close. Addressed by Prof. Dr. Bharat B. Kale, Dr. Rahul V. Karad, Dr. Anil P. Dash, Prof. Dr. Sagar Mitra, and Rev. Prof. Dr. Vishwanath D. Karad, the ceremony also included awards for outstanding poster presentations and a collective reflection on the conference’s outcomes.

Leadership and Legacy

The remarkable success of NSRTC 2025 was made possible through the visionary leadership and unwavering support of Rev. Prof. Dr. Vishwanath D. Karad, UNESCO Chair Holder and Founder of MIT World Peace University, whose lifelong commitment to the confluence of science, spirituality, and peace served as the guiding force behind the conference.

Dr. Rahul V. Karad, Executive President of MIT-WPU, played a pivotal role in shaping the event’s vision and ensuring its multidisciplinary and student-centric approach. His belief in empowering young minds through cutting-edge knowledge and global dialogue resonated throughout the conference. The academic and scientific direction of the conference was driven by the dedicated efforts of conveners and co-conveners, Dr. Bharat Kale, Dr. Siddharth Chakrabarti, and Dr. Anup Kale, whose meticulous planning and execution enabled the event’s resounding success.

Conclusion: Igniting a New Era of Indian Science

NSRTC 2025 has reaffirmed India’s resolve to be a global scientific powerhouse, nurturing young talent, fostering interdisciplinary research, and aligning innovation with national development goals. It was more than just a conference, it was a celebration of India’s scientific spirit, a vision for Viksit Bharat, and a call to action for the next generation of innovators.

As the curtains close on this year’s event, the echoes of discovery, collaboration, and inspiration continue to resonate across the corridors of science and technology.