Visit to Vigyan Bhawan on National Science Day

28th February 2026

nstitution’s Innovation Council (IIC) of Dronacharya College of Engineering organized a visit to Vigyan Bhawan on 28^th February 2026 in observance of National Science Day. The initiative was designed to cultivate a scientific mindset, encourage creativity and innovation, and familiarize students with contemporary discussions on research, technology, and national progress. A group of first-year B. Tech students from DCE participated in the programme under the guidance of Prof. Kunal Wadhwa, Assistant Professor (CSE), and Prof. Vaishali Dixit, Assistant Professor (APS), gaining valuable academic and professional exposure.

The theme for National Science Day 2026, “Women in Science: Catalysing Viksit Bharat,” highlighted the significant contributions of women scientists and innovators in India’s journey toward becoming a developed nation by 2047. The event was graced by distinguished dignitaries including Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India; Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Department of Science & Technology; and Shubha V. Iyengar, an eminent scientist and research leader. Their addresses provided valuable insights into India’s scientific advancements, policy direction, and the importance of inclusive participation in science and technology.

The programme began with a series of expert lectures chaired by Mr. Ajay Kumar Sood. The first lecture by Ms. Shubha V. Iyengar focused on “Made in India Technologies for Aerospace and Defence,” emphasizing indigenous aerospace innovation and defence research. The second lecture, delivered by Mr. K. Balasubramanian, Director of NFTDC, discussed strategic approaches for critical metals and materials, highlighting sustainable resource management for industrial growth. The third lecture by Mr. Shashi S. Vempati, former CEO of Prasar Bharati, explored “Direct to Mobile Broadcasting,” showcasing advancements in digital communication and public broadcasting technologies.

A panel discussion on “Science Policy Interface for Catalysing Viksit Bharat” followed, with the context set by Shekhar C. Mande, President of INSA, and moderated by Indranil Manna, Vice President of INSA. The panel featured experts including Mr. Vivek Kumar Singh from NITI Aayog, along with other distinguished members. The discussion emphasized bridging the gap between scientific research and policymaking, strengthening the innovation ecosystem, and fostering industry-academia collaboration to accelerate India’s developmental goals.

Simultaneously, an interactive session titled “ALIGN: Advancing Local Innovation for Global Needs” was conducted by Indraprastha Vigyan Bharati. This session enabled students to interact directly with leading scientists, seek mentorship, and gain insights into research careers and innovation pathways.

The exposure visit proved to be highly enriching and impactful for DCE. It reinforced the importance of indigenous technology development, sustainable growth, and effective science-policy integration. The students returned with enhanced knowledge, inspiration, and a stronger commitment to contributing toward a scientifically advanced and globally competitive India.