Hon’ble Governor of Kerala Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar called for adopting a scientific lifestyle rooted in India’s own traditions, asserting that blindly following Western models cannot offer solutions to contemporary societal challenges. He was delivering the inaugural address at the 32nd Swadeshi Science Congress and the national seminar on “Transformative Science and Technology Education for Viksit Bharat,” jointly organised by the Central University of Kerala (CUK) and the Swadeshi Science Movement–Kerala at the Periya Campus.

Emphasising that a scientific lifestyle is the need of the hour, the Governor said India practised a balanced way of life that nurtured both body and mind, contributing to good health and longevity. Many present-day problems, including the rise in lifestyle diseases, stem from abandoning this scientific approach to living, particularly due to changes in food habits, he noted.

Prof. Siddu P. Algur, Vice Chancellor of the Central University of Kerala, presided over the function. He said the University is committed to addressing regional challenges and contributing to national development by extending education and research beyond classrooms and laboratories. Higher education institutions, he observed, play a pivotal role in shaping a scientifically empowered and socially responsible society. Universities must nurture among youth not only technical competence but also a deep sense of service, social responsibility, and national commitment. The Swadeshi Science Congress, he said, underscores the importance of integrating Indian Knowledge Systems with modern science and technology to meet emerging challenges and advance towards a developed India.

Swadeshi Sastra Puraskar Presented

Governor Arlekar presented the Swadeshi Sastra Puraskar to Dr. Chandrabhas Narayana, former Director of the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, and Dr. T.M. Balakrishnan Nair, Director of the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services. The Swadeshi Puraskar was awarded to Dr. V.P.N. Nampoori, former Professor of the Cochin University of Science and Technology. Research project awards were also conferred on faculty members of the Central University of Kerala in recognition of their multidisciplinary projects with significant social impact.

Vivekananda Pai, Secretary General of Vijnana Bharati, delivered the keynote address as the chief guest. Other dignitaries present included Dr. R. Jayaprakash, Registrar (i/c); Prof. Rajendra Pilankatta, Finance Officer (i/c); Shri Sivakumar Venugopal, President, SSM–Kerala; and Dr. Jasmine M. Shah, Congress Secretary, along with faculty members, researchers, and delegates.

Dr. C. Anandharamakrishnan, Director of the National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST), delivered the C.V. Raman Memorial Lecture, while Prof. Mohanan Kunnummal, Vice Chancellor of the University of Kerala, delivered the Parameshwarji Memorial Lecture. Prof. U. Krishnakumar, Dean and Director, Amrita School of Arts and Sciences, delivered a special address on “Integrating Indian Knowledge Systems with Academic and Research Curriculum.”The conference will conclude on Friday.