Odia Scientist Digendranath Swain Bags Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award
Dr. Digendranath Swain, a distinguished Odia scientist from the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), ISRO, Thiruvananthapuram, has been awarded the prestigious Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award.
The award was presented by President Droupadi Murmu during the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar-2024 ceremony held at Gantantra Mandap, Rashtrapati Bhavan, on Thursday.
Dr. Swain, an expert in experimental solid mechanics of launch vehicle structures, has made significant contributions to structural qualification tests. His work involves advanced experimental techniques, including Digital Image Correlation (DIC), digital shearography, and non-destructive testing using optical methods. These contributions have been pivotal in advancing the structural integrity assessments of space launch vehicles.
The Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar, in its inaugural edition, recognized the achievements of 33 scientists across four categories: Vigyan Ratna, Vigyan Shri, Vigyan Yuva, and Vigyan Team. The Vigyan Ratna Award, which honors lifetime achievements in Science and Technology, was bestowed upon Prof. Govindarajan Padmanabhan, a trailblazer in molecular biology and biotechnology in India.
Thirteen scientists received the Vigyan Shri Awards for their distinguished research in various scientific fields. The Vigyan Yuva-SSB Award, which celebrates the contributions of young scientists, was presented to 18 recipients, acknowledging their significant work in areas such as climate change impacts on the Indian Ocean, the development of indigenous 5G technology, and precision tests of quantum mechanics.
Additionally, the Vigyan Team Award recognized the Chandrayaan-3 team for their groundbreaking achievement in successfully landing the Chandrayaan-3 lander near the moon’s south pole, marking a significant milestone in India’s space exploration endeavors.
These awards not only highlight individual and team achievements but also emphasize the vital role of scientific research and innovation in India’s progress. Dr. Swain’s recognition serves as an inspiration to many young scientists in Odisha and across the country, showcasing the importance of dedication and excellence in the field of science and technology.
