In a proud moment for Indian science and academia, three distinguished professors from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M) have been honoured with the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar 2025 — the nation’s highest recognition for exceptional contributions to science, technology, and innovation.
The awardees — Prof. Thalappil Pradeep, Prof. Mohanasankar Sivaprakasam, and Prof. Shweta Prem Agrawal — were recognised for their pathbreaking research in clean water technology, healthcare innovation, and cryptography, respectively.
National Honour for Scientific Excellence
The Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar, instituted by the Government of India, celebrates individuals and teams whose scientific work has significantly advanced national priorities and global research frontiers. The awards are conferred under four categories — Vigyan Ratna, Vigyan Shri, Vigyan Yuva (Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar), and Vigyan Team.
Meet the Changemakers
Prof. Thalappil Pradeep, Department of Chemistry, received the Vigyan Shri Award for his revolutionary work in low-cost clean water purification systems. His research has made safe drinking water accessible to millions across India. A Padma Shri awardee, Prof. Pradeep’s innovations continue to set benchmarks for sustainable and affordable science worldwide.
Prof. Mohanasankar Sivaprakasam, from the Department of Electrical Engineering, won the Vigyan Yuva (Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar) award for developing affordable medical technologies and advanced brain imaging solutions. As the head of the Healthcare Technology Innovation Centre and the Sudha Gopalakrishnan Brain Centre, his work has already touched over 15 million lives. He described the honour as “a recognition of the power of academic R&D to create globally competitive health solutions.”
Prof. Shweta Prem Agrawal, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, was also awarded under the Vigyan Yuva category for her pioneering research in post-quantum cryptography. Her work focuses on creating encryption systems resilient against future quantum-based cyberattacks — an area critical for digital security in the coming decades. She emphasized that the award highlights “the importance of foundational science” and hopes it will inspire more students to pursue research in mathematics and computer science.
Pride of IIT Madras
Congratulating the winners, IIT Madras Director Prof. V. Kamakoti said,
“This recognition is not just a testament to individual brilliance but a reflection of IIT Madras’ vision — where innovation, technology, and human impact go hand in hand.”
Under his leadership, IIT-M has strengthened its global reputation as a centre of excellence in cutting-edge research, startups, and sustainable innovation.
A Legacy of Innovation
From affordable healthcare to cybersecurity and water purification, these recognitions reaffirm IIT Madras’ position as a powerhouse of scientific progress. The achievements of these three professors serve as an inspiration to India’s young researchers — a reminder that science, when rooted in purpose, has the power to transform lives.
