The 3rd edition of the Amrita Innovation & Research Awards (AIRA) 2025 unfolded in a spectacular ceremony at Mata Amritanandamayi Math, honoring extraordinary scientific achievements and groundbreaking research from across Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham. Held in the presence of the Chancellor, Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi (Amma), the awards were a centrepiece of the five-day Amrita Research and Innovation Symposium for Excellence (ARISE) 2025.
The prestigious event was graced by Dr. V. Narayanan, Chairman of ISRO and Secretary, the Department of Space, who served as Chief Guest. Widely celebrated for his leadership in developing India’s cryogenic propulsion systems, Dr Narayanan delivered the keynote address, applauding Amrita’s unique integration of scientific innovation with humanistic values.
“Amrita’s work is not only about innovation but about values that uplift humanity. With such initiatives, I am confident India will become a fully developed nation by 2047,” said Dr. Narayanan.
In Her message, Amma reminded researchers of the deeper purpose of their work. She emphasized that science should be a tool to serve society, not driven by desire, but by the intent to fulfil human needs.
This year’s AIRA ceremony recognized 27 outstanding scientists and researchers from Amrita featured in Stanford University’s elite list of the world’s top 2% of scientists. In total, winners across various categories received nearly ₹8 crores in cash awards, along with plaques and certificates of recognition for their excellence across diverse fields of science, technology, and innovation.
The awards were presented by the Chief Guest in the presence of Amma, amidst an august gathering that included Swami Amritaswaroopananda Puri (President, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham), Dr. Venkat Rangan (Vice Chancellor), Dr. Maneesha V. Ramesh (Provost), Dr. K. Sankaran (Registrar), and senior faculty members Dr. Balakrishnan Shankar, Dr. Krishnasree Achuthan, and Dr. Geethakumar.
The AIRA Awards 2025 underscored Amrita’s ongoing commitment to nurturing a culture of innovation deeply rooted in compassion, integrity, and societal transformation.
