The Indian National Science Academy (INSA) celebrated its 91st Foundation Day on January 7, 2026 in New Delhi, marking over 9 a long time of service to the development of science and scientific mood within the nation. The event was commemorated with the INSA Distinguished Public Lecture delivered by Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology (DST), on “Transforming S&T Landscape Towards Viksit Bharat”.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Karandikar highlighted India’s regular rise in global science and innovation indicators. He mentioned that India now ranks among the many high three international locations globally in science and engineering publications and PhD manufacturing, and has reached sixth place worldwide in patent filings by resident Indians. He added that India has improved its place within the Global Innovation Index from ninetieth to thirtieth over the past decade, reflecting sustained efforts to strengthen the research and innovation ecosystem.
Prof. Karandikar underlined key sectoral missions shaping India’s future expertise panorama, together with the National Quantum Mission, growth of sovereign AI fashions for Indian languages and public-sector purposes, and bio-manufacturing initiatives underneath the Bio-E3 coverage, citing early successes in indigenous quantum applied sciences and India-specific AI fashions.
The Secretary mentioned that enhancing business–academia collaboration and growing personal sector participation in R&D are important to bridge the hole between laboratory research and societal and financial impression. He additionally highlighted initiatives such as the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) and the ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) fund to help deep-tech and high-impact tasks.
In his welcome tackle, Prof. Shekhar C. Mande, President, INSA, highlighted the Academy’s legacy and nationwide position. He mentioned that for 91 years, INSA has been nurturing scientific excellence, selling evidence-based coverage recommendation, and strengthening engagement between science and society.
Established in 1935, INSA is the apex physique of Indian scientists devoted to the promotion of science and its software for nationwide growth. The Academy elects Fellows from all branches of science and expertise, fosters worldwide cooperation, advises the Government on science coverage, and promotes scientific mood via lectures, publications and outreach programmes.
The occasion was attended by senior scientists, policymakers and officers from the Department of Science and Technology and the Indian National Science Academy.