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STAFF WRITERSRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST) celebrated National Science Day on February 28, 2026, with academic distinction and enthusiastic participation from its management, faculty, researchers, and students, reaffirming its steadfast commitment to scientific excellence and innovation. Aligned with the 2026 theme, %u201cWomen in Science: Catalysing Viksit Bharat,%u201d the celebration highlighted the transformative role of women scientists and researchers in advancing India%u2019s vision of becoming a developed nation. Akhilesh Kumar Mishra, Scientist-E, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India, New Delhi, delivered the special address, emphasising the importance of scientific innovation, interdisciplinary research, and inclusive participation in achieving sustainable national growth. He underscored the significant contributions of women scientists in strengthening India%u2019s research landscape and inspiring the next generation of innovators. The ceremony was presided over by Prof. National Science Day 2026 at SRMIST Highlights Viksit Bharat Vision; Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Research Award Presented to ScholarsNitin M Nagarkar, Pro Vice-Chancellor (MHS), SRMIST, who reiterated the University%u2019s commitment to fostering a robust research culture, nurturing young researchers, and promoting impactful scientific inquiry that contributes meaningfully to nation-building. A major highlight of the celebration was the presentation of the Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Research Award 2026 to distinguished research scholars in recognition of their exemplary contributions to scientific research. In addition, the Chancellor Awards were conferred to students across Undergraduate, Postgraduate, and Doctoral programmes for excellence in research and academic achievements. More than 350 students from diverse disciplines of the University were honoured, reflecting the breadth, depth, and vitality of research activities at SRMIST. Dr.Akhilesh Kumar Mishra, Scientist-E, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Govt of India, honoring young minds shaping the future of science.SRMIST Celebrates Its Women on International Women%u2019s Day 2026: A Day of Empowerment and ResilienceSTAFF WRITERIn honour of International Women%u2019s Day 2026, SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST) held a ceremony on March 23, honouring the exceptional women in its society, guided by this year%u2019s theme, %u2018Give to Gain%u2019. The event highlighted the important responsibilities that teaching and non-teaching staff play in the institution%u2019s ongoing success and served as a significant tribute to their achievements and service over the last year.The festivities, which involved female academics, staff, and students from all campuses, took place over the course of a month in February. Pencil sketching, soap carving, and Rangoli were among the artistic contests with themes of parenting, shattering stereotypes, and women%u2019s diverse responsibilities. Poetry, elocution, and a fourday program organised by the College of Law that included crucial awareness seminars on domestic abuse were all part of the literary and intellectual activities.A panel of distinguished leaders and supporters of women%u2019s advancement, including Vice Chancellor Prof. C. Muthamizhchelvan, Tmt. Padmapriya Ravi, Managing Director, SIMS Hospital, Tmt. Manimangai Sathyanarayanan, Managing Director, SRM Global Hospital, and Dr. C. Lakshmi, Professor & Associate Chairperson, School of Computing, graced the celebration. Chief Guest Dr. Bharathi Tmt. Padmapriya Ravi, Managing Director, SIMS Hospital, and Tmt. Manimangai Sathyanarayanan, Managing Director, SRM Global Hospital, Felicitating Dr. Bharathi Bhaskar.Bhaskar, author, speaker, and TV personality, gave a keynote speech that blended her signature humour with insightful commentary. She urged the audience to pursue their goals with unflinching resolve, reminding them that although these celebrations are important, they do not take away from the real-world difficulties that women face on a daily basis. Significantly, she questioned the %u201csuperwoman%u201d stereotype by arguing that women should be encouraged to pursue their genuine career and personal goals rather than being forced to act like superheroes. The institution recognised notable accomplishments in technology, patents, and entrepreneurship with the Women Tech Innovator Awards, an important step to honour professional excellence. The institution%u2019s social influence was further demonstrated by the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA) scheme%u2019s acknowledgement of women from rural areas and the distribution of sanitary supplies and incinerators to government schools.14 2026 | Spectrum | Volume 19 Number 2