Nagpur: In a fusion of timeless knowledge and contemporary innovation, Saptarshi Puraskar-2024 honoured seven distinguished individuals at the Kavi Kulguru Kalidasa auditorium on Sunday.
Organised by the Hindu Research Foundation, the prestigious event celebrated achievements of modern scientists and engineers, pairing them with ancient Indian scholars whose wisdom continues to inspire youngsters.
A captivating spectacle unfolded as AI-generated models of legendary researchers like Nagarjuna, Acharya Kanad, Maharshi Valmiki, Acharya Bharadwaj, Acharya Sushruta, Bhagwan Vishwakarma, and Aryabhatta greeted the awardees, bridging the gap between ancient and the modern. It was a rare sight to have Padma Bhushan Dr S L Bhyrappa, Padma Shri Dr Himmatrao S. Bawaskar, scientists Padma Shri S Arunan, Mohit Joshi, and representatives of Bharat Ratna Dr C N R Rao, Padma Vibhushan Dr Jayant Naralikar, and architect C. B. Sompura on one stage.
Mohit Joshi, the youngest recipient among all, was honoured with the Aryabhatta Award. He made significant strides in Astronomy and Astrophysics, particularly with the Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES). He discussed the groundbreaking establishment of the Liquid Mirror Telescope (LMT) at the Devasthal Observatory campus, emphasising its role in observing asteroids, supernovae, and space debris.
The Vishwakarma Award was conferred upon legendary temple architect C B Sompura. It was accepted by his descendant Nikhil Sompura, the 16th generation of the Sompura family. Dr Himmatrao Bawaskar received the Acharya Sushrut Award for his impactful contributions to rural healthcare in India.
The Bharadwaj Award went to scientist S Arunan, who played a pivotal role in ISRO’s Mars Orbiter Mission. Arunan proudly noted that India became the first country to reach Mars on its first attempt with an exceptionally low budget.
The Maharshi Valmiki Award was presented to eminent novelist S L Bhyrappa, who expressed deep gratitude and discussed the significance of the Ramayana. He emphasised the importance of creating works that endure beyond one’s lifetime, attributing his success to India’s rich cultural heritage.
Renowned astrophysicist Jayant Naralikar received the Acharya Kanad Award for his efforts in making science accessible to the public through his writings, which articulate complex theories in simple language. The Nagarjuna Award was presented to Bharat Ratna Dr C N R Rao, often regarded as the father of Indian nanotechnology. The award was accepted by G U Kulkarni, who extended Rao’s gratitude on his behalf.
Prof Hareram Tripathi, vice-chancellor of Kavikulguru Kalidas Sanskrit University, delivered a keynote address. Bhimaraya Metri, director of IIM Nagpur, also spoke on the occasion. A special highlight was the address by the Ramakrishnan twins, Abeer and Anay, who introduced a formula for a battery in Sanskrit, attributed to Maharshi Agastya, using simple elements available at the time.
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