The Dr. K. V. Rao Scientific Society (KVRSS) proudly marked its 23rd year of dedicated service to advancing science. KVRSS has been at the forefront of identifying and nurturing scientific talent at the school and university levels across India for over two decades.
This year, the 23rd Annual Research Awards were bestowed upon exceptional individuals, aimed at fostering research in fundamental sciences. The Society has established these prestigious accolades in the expansive domains of Bhoutikam (Physics), Rasayanam (Chemistry), Jeevanam (Biology), and Ganitam (Mathematics). Notably, these awards are conferred upon researchers under 30 who are actively engaged in pioneering research endeavours within India.
The esteemed recipients of the Research Awards in various categories are as follows:
Grantham (Mathematics):
Abhay Jindal from the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, Karnataka.
Project Title: "Complete Nevanlinna-Kernels and the Characteristic Function."
Bhoutikam (Physics):
Ranjith Kumar R from Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka.
Project Title: "Multicritical Phenomenon in Topological States of Matter."
Jeevanam (Biology):
Shagufta Haque from CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad.
Project Title: "Regulatory Pathways and Role of Smartly Engineered Casein Manganese Oxide Nanoparticles for Therapeutic Angiogenesis."
Rasayanam (Chemistry):
Avulu Vinod Kumar, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, Telangana.
Project Title: "A Broadband, Multiplexed-Visible-Light-Transport in Composite Flexible-Organic-Crystal Waveguide."
In addition to these Research Awards, the 18th School Talent Awards program is a collaborative effort with the Andhra Pradesh State Council of Science & Technology (APCOST). Students from various districts, particularly those from government schools, showcase projects aligned with themes provided by the Department of Science and Technology. The projects undergo rigorous evaluation by the KVRSS panel, and deserving students are awarded scholarships throughout their schooling.
This year's School Talent Awards recipients include:
S Sireesha & Pydala Venkat Bhavya, Class: X from Z P P High School, Chennur, Nellore District, Andhra Pradesh.
Project Title: "Ecosystem Restoration by the Resource Use of Eichhornia in Chennur Village Tank."
Shaik Asifa & Shaik Hafsa Asra, Class: IX from International Delhi Public School, Proddatur, Kadapa District, Andhra Pradesh.
Project Title: "Sanctity to Clarity."
G Dhasrita, Class: VI from St John’s E High School, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh.
Project Title: "The Old Genius Kadamba."
S Lasya & K Yashmin, Class: X from Camford EM School, Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh.
Project Title: "Eco-Friendly Preservatives."
The 12th SPARK Innovation Awards were also conferred to stimulate the inventive minds of India, with students presenting innovative science models. A total of 40 projects were selected for final presentations.
Moreover, the 3rd SMART (Science Meets ART) Awards were bestowed, an initiative designed to celebrate National Science Day and encourage school students to visualize the wonders of science.
These remarkable awards were presented in a ceremony held in the city, with the honourable Dr Tata Narasinga Rao, Director of the International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI), Hyderabad, and Adjunct Faculty at IIT Hyderabad, along with Mr P V V R Sarma, Director-in-Charge (Chemistry) at the Geological Society of India, Hyderabad, graciously presiding over the event.
As part of its ongoing commitment to the advancement of science, the Society has expanded its efforts to include education and mentoring through the establishment of a Science Innovation Centre and Mobile Science Lab for schoolchildren. Ms. Ratna, the Secretary of the Society, shared the Society's vision of further expanding its reach in the years to come.