CHANDIGARH: The three-day 29th Punjab Science Congress on the theme “Cutting-Edge Science & Technology: Empowering Youth for a Viksit Bharat,” below the aegis of the Punjab Academy of Sciences, Patiala was inaugurated at Goswami Ganesh Dutta Sanatan Dharma (GGDSD) College, Sector 32, Chandigarh. The educational conclave introduced collectively over 1,000 scientists, academicians, policymakers and younger students from throughout the nation, underscoring the rising position of science and know-how as drivers of nationwide growth.The Congress goals to strengthen scientific mood, foster innovation and promote interdisciplinary analysis aligned with the imaginative and prescient of Viksit Bharat. The three-day programme options plenary lectures, open-house discussions, over 350 analysis paper shows and poster classes, offering a vibrant platform for scholarly change and collaborative dialogue. The College additionally inaugurated an Innovation and Entrepreneurship Fest, highlighting the convergence of scientific analysis, start-up tradition and youth-led enterprise. Chandigarh Chapter of India National Science Academy additionally sponsored the occasion.The inaugural session witnessed the discharge of scholarly publications and proceedings. These included Fostering Global Well-Being: Pathways to Viksit Bharat, edited by Prof R C Sobti, Prof Sidharth Sharma and Dr Ajay Sharma; Biotechnological Innovation and Sustainable Development Goals: Fostering Good Health and Well-Being; Biotechnological Innovations for Sustainable Biodiversity and Development; Biotechnology Innovations for a Sustainable Future: Integrating Clean Energy, Life on the Planet, Clean Water and Climate Action (Volumes I, II and III), all edited by Prof R C Sobti; One Planet, One Health, One Future: Charting a Course for Global Wellness, Environmental Resilience and Sustainable Food Systems, edited by Prof R C Sobti alongside with Tejinder Kaur, Harpreet Walia, Puja Rattan and Archna Narula; Redefining Management Paradigms for Viksit Bharat: Vision 2047, with Dr Ajay Sharma as Chief Editor; and the Proceedings of the National Conference on Cutting-Edge Science and Technology: Empowering Youth for Viksit Bharat.During the occasion, the Punjab Academy of Sciences, Patiala honoured distinguished scientists with prestigious awards. The Honorary Fellows included Prof. Jagdeep Singh, Prof Manoj Kumar, Prof Dinesh Goyal, Prof HS Virk, and Prof KK Aggarwal. Dr Renu Vig, Vice Chancellor, Panjab University was additionally conferred the award however she couldn’t attend the identical as a result of private causes. The Desh Bhagat S. Lal Singh Oration Award was conferred upon Dr Digambar Behera.Commenting on the Congress, Dr. RC Sobti, former Vice Chancellor of Panjab University and a number one academician, stated, “The 29th Punjab Science Congress is a celebration of innovation, research excellence, and youth-led scientific inquiry.”The programme commenced with a welcome tackle by Principal Dr Ajay Sharma. He prolonged heartfelt because of distinguished dignitaries current on the dais. Prominent amongst them had been Dr Tarlok Singh, President, Punjab Academy of Sciences; Prof. Jagdeep Singh, Vice Chancellor, Punjabi University, Patiala; Prof Mahaveer Singh, Vice Chancellor, Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla; Prof Suresh Sharma, Vice Chancellor, Shaheed Bhagat Singh State University, Ferozepur; Dr. Narendra Ok. Mehra, Honorary Emeritus Scientist, ICMR and Vice President (Internal Affairs), INSA; Prof P Ok Khosla, Chancellor, Shoolini University; Dr N Ok Ganguly, former Director General, ICMR; and a number of other different eminent scientists, academicians and institutional leaders from India and overseas.Dr Siddharth Sharma, Vice President, GGDSD College Society, stated the 29th Punjab Science Congress seeks to catalyse revolutionary considering and policy-relevant analysis amongst younger scientists and students.