Research should benefit the common people

Amrita Innovation & Research Award

9 April 2021, Amritapuri

Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham has announced a grant of ₹100 crores to set up 50 state-of-the-art New Discovery and Innovation Labs at its campuses across India.

These research will have cutting-edge discoveries in fields such as engineering, medical sciences, computer sciences, material sciences, nanobiosciences, biotechnology, biomedical engineering, and sustainable development.

The announcement was made during a ceremony for the first-ever edition of the Amrita Innovation & Research Awards. Amma emphasized that the university is focused on compassion-driven research to find solutions for people in need, especially those who live in India’s villages.

“My children’s sincere efforts have resulted in projects that have greatly helped the lower strata of our society. These awards are a symbol of that happiness,” said Amma at the event.

“There is no doubt that attaining new knowledge, conducting research, and pursuing innovations greatly contributes to the progress and development of individuals, as well as the nation. However, most often the direct beneficiaries of such knowledge are privileged, educated people in cities,” she continued.

Chancellor’s Excellence Award to Dr Krishna Kumar, Professor & Head, Paediatric Cardiology

“Research should benefit the common people. At the same time, we should be careful to safeguard the serenity, beauty, and culture of our rural villages. Only then will the nation’s progress become complete. Only a value-based research program can pave the way for such balanced progress. We have to move forward keeping this goal in mind.”

Several Guests of Honour virtually attended the event, including government policy developers and professors with high-level institutions in India, the United States, Australia and Europe.

Chancellor’s Excellence Award to Dr. Radhika N
Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering

Sethuraman Panchanathan, the Director of the American Government’s National Science Foundation (NSF) one of the dignitaries who attended the awards ceremony via webcam said, “The word AMRITA truly stands for Achieving Meaningful Research Innovations & Technology Advancements.

“That is what Amrita really is – it is a personification of true selfless service to humanity. All that Amrita has done is because of the divine grace of Amma, propelling every one of you, moving forward in science and technology, and Amrita is a great catalyst.”