PU once again ignited innovation and creativity among the younger generation as it hosted a spectacular National Science Day 2024 celebration showcasing boundless creativity and scientific prowess of the students. Celebrated on February 28 every year, National Science Day honors the discovery of the Raman effect by Indian physicist Sir C. V. Raman. The celebrations brought together varied projects, ideas, and scientific models that left an indelible mark on the landscape of scientific exploration. The celebration saw a myriad of competitions and events including Technical Competitions, Scientific Exhibitions, and Scientific Demonstrations and saw participation from students of various departments of Applied Sciences. Organized and hosted by the university’s Faculty of Applied Sciences, the National Science Day celebration was a testament to the university’s commitment to fostering a culture of inquisitive inquiry and discovery.

The event saw participation from students of diverse backgrounds such as Food Technology, Dairy Technology, Forensic Science, Biotechnology and Geology, among others. The celebration gave these talented students a platform to showcase their diverse array of projects and working models that demonstrated their innovative spirit in the world of science. The event featured a wide range of projects from sustainable technologies to millet-based food products to astronomical devices to fingerprinting and deception detection technologies. Each project was a testament to the dedication and creative genius of the student, reflecting the university’s emphasis on experiential learning and hands-on training.

To gain further insights into the advancements and breakthroughs happening in the world of science, the event hosted expert sessions wherein eminent scientists and personalities from the world of science and technology graced the occasion, offering crucial insights into the scientific domain and adding invaluable insights to the celebration. Personalities such as Shri Satadru Bhattacharya, who serves as the Scientist - SG in the Planetary Science Division, Space Applications Centre (SAC), ISRO, Prof. Dr. Mahendra Pal, recipient of the prestigious Padma Shri award in 2023 (Science and Engineering), Ex-Professor of Veterinary Public Health (UNDP), Founder & Managing Director, Narayana Consultancy (A Veterinary Public Health and Microbiology Resource Platform, GoI, and Prof. Aditya Prasad Dash, recipient of the Padma Shri Awardee in 2022 (Science and Engineering), current Vice Chancellor, Asian Institute of Public Health (AIPH), Former Vice Chancellor, Central University of Tamil Nadu, and Ex-Regional Advisor for South-East Region, WHO, graced the occasion of the National Science Day celebrations at the university.

These sessions provided students with the opportunity to engage with such distinguished personalities and researchers fostering an intellectual exchange of ideas and knowledge allowing them to learn from the best in real-time. These interactive sessions covered a spectrum of topics from space science to veterinary medicine to emerging technologies causing a disruption in the field of science while highlighting the need for more interdisciplinary research to address global challenges.

The National Science Day celebration did not just serve as a platform for students to showcase their creativity and innovative spirit but also as an avenue of learning and networking. With a myriad of projects and innovations on display, the atmosphere of the celebration was abuzz with intellectual curiosity and a shared commitment to advancing knowledge and understanding in the field of science. “We are immensely proud of the projects and ideas our students have showcased at this year's National Science Day celebration which not only highlights the caliber our university has within but also the importance of scientific exploration that is necessary for shaping a progressive future,” said Dr. Devanshu Patel, President, PU.

The success of this National Science Day 2024 celebration at PU echoes the institution’s dedication and efforts in nurturing the next generation of scientists, thinkers, and innovators. The event served as a beacon of inspiration while showcasing the boundless potential and endless talent that youth of India have and the potential they hold in changing the world with their creativity and innovative spirit.