Amrita University proudly announced the recipients of the Amrita Innovation & Research Awards (AIRA) during a special ceremony held in Amritapuri. As Chancellor, Amma recognised outstanding faculty and researchers who have made significant contributions to her vision of compassion-driven research that results in on-the-ground humanitarian actions as quickly as possible.
“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. Amma bows her head in respect before your earnest and sincere efforts,” she said.
This year, 813 researchers were recognised for their accomplishments in numerous categories, including patent filings and project grants. Awards were also presented to 27 of Amrita scholars featured in Stanford University’s list of the World’s Top 2% Scientists for 2024.
Amma stressed that research should benefit the common people, especially those who live in rural areas. Although they grow most of our food, nearly 78% of the world’s poor live in villages and other isolated communities.
“We should be careful to safeguard the serenity, beauty and culture of our villages. Only then will humanity’s progress become complete. This is Amma’s wish. Only a value-based research program can pave the way for such balanced progress. We have to move forward keeping this goal in mind.
“Inner inspiration comes only when we work towards uplifting our fellow beings and society. Only then will our power of observation become keen and will our inherent talents awaken and uncover new and deeper realms of knowledge.”
As Chief Guest, Dr V Narayanan is an exemplary model of this inner potential. Today, he is Hon’ble Secretary, Department of Space, Govt of India, and Chairman, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). He is a cryogenic engineer and rocket scientist celebrated for his leadership in developing India’s propulsion systems.
However, he had humble beginnings. He was born the son of a coconut trader in a village in Tamil Nadu’s Kanyakumari District. As the eldest of six children, he had to help take care of his family in the face of great poverty.
The primary school where Dr Narayanan studied didn’t have a proper roof. When it rained, the children were dismissed. And his own home did not have electricity until he was in 9th standard, so he studied hard by kerosene lamp.
“My own village—sixty percent of the people had only one meal per day. Most of the remaining people used to take food two times,” he said.
“Generally, students used to be dropped out at the age of 12 or 13 because of the economical situation, so I was the fourth candidate to pass out 10th standard in the village. My parents were very clear that whatever difficulty they faced, their children should study.”
Dr Narayanan went on to earn a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering at the Government Polytechnic College in Nagercoil. However, his family could not afford higher education for both him and his younger brother.
“There was no knowledge in the village about engineering or medicine when my father approached somebody about what to do, my son has got first rank in the school,” he said.
Dr Narayanan then shared how he stepped aside so his sibling could pursue engineering studies and he could earn for his family.
God will definitely come to our aid when we develop the right attitude with patience, determination, faith, and self-confidence.
Amma
Eventually, Dr Narayanan was also able to continue his engineering studies, which included joining ISRO in 1984. In 1989, he earned his MTech degree in Cryogenic Engineering with First Rank from the highly prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) at its campus in Kharagpur in 1989, and later completed his Ph.D in Aerospace Engineering in 2001, also from IIT Kharagpur.
He shared that in a parallel way, India is rapidly growing as a nation. Through the selfless service of countless citizens, he sees this land as a developed country before it celebrates 100 years of Independence. He then continued that a shining example is Amrita University’s research to expand Amma’s humanitarian reach.
“Let me congratulate, compliment, and salute each and every award winner on this occasion. Being a technocrat, I can understand how much effort you would have put in. How much sacrifice you would have put in. How much service you would have done to society,” he expressed.
“I should not restrict here in front of Amma that [your work] is only for India. It is for humanity…. I know each and every one of you is contributing under the guidance and blessing of Amma for the global community.”
Deeply moved by Dr Narayanan’s words, Amma responded, “The message that Dr Narayanan has given is very inspiring and may be one of the best messages. From bullock cart to space—this shows that if we have the determination, the power of will, anything and everything can be achieved.
“Sometimes we may think that we are not advancing or we are not progressing on the right path but always be optimistic. Always have self-confidence and move forward with trust…. God works through our hands, heart, mind, and legs. We only need to awaken that potential and use it for the good of humanity.”
AIRA was part of Amrita University’s second Amrita Research & Innovation Symposium for Excellence (ARISE). The five-day gathering brought together global experts, multinational industry leaders, and scholars to explore cutting-edge ideas and offer training to researchers, shaping a brighter, more compassionate future.
Dr Maneesha Vinodini Ramesh is Amrita’s Provost. In her address, she offered her heartfelt congratulations to all winners and gratitude to the entire Amrita family for their commitment and courage.
“Amma fosters an ecosystem that enables Amrita’s academic and scientific community to explore innovative approaches and dedicate themselves to societal well-being. This aligns deeply with Amrita University’s vision of education for life, of fostering compassion-driven research, and of building a future where innovation is rooted in values, global impact, and purpose,” she said.
“In our pursuit of knowledge and success, let us never forget that the true measure of our accomplishments lies not just in our achievements but in the positive impact we can make on the lives of others. Let our compassionate hearts be our guiding light, illuminating the path towards a brighter, and harmonious future for all.”
ARISE 2025 focused on six areas as catalysts for innovative solutions to global challenges: One Health; Information, Intelligence, & Immersion; Smart, Sustainable, & Resilient Cities & Communities; Ecosystem Restoration & Management; Education for Life: Knowledge, Awareness, Interconnectedness; and Empowered Citizens & Organizations.
