Lucknow: University of Lucknow celebrated National Science Day with the grand conclusion of its week-long Science Festival on Saturday at the A. P. Sen Auditorium. The event was organised around the theme “Women in Science: Catalysts of a Developed India,” highlighting scientific temper, innovation and the transformative role of women in nation-building.
The programme began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp and invocation of Goddess Saraswati, followed by the rendition of Vande Mataram and the university song. The event was attended by the Director of Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences, Dr. M. G. Thakkar, as the chief guest, while US-based biomedical scientist Dr. Anamika Bajpai delivered the keynote address.
Dean of the Faculty of Science, Prof. Sheela Mishra, initiated the proceedings by recalling the legacy of ancient women scholars such as Maitreyi and emphasised that science is not merely an individual pursuit but a transformative force for society. She also released the faculty’s first annual science magazine “Vaigyaniki,” a 170-page publication documenting research achievements, projects and innovations of the faculty.
Festival coordinator Prof. N. K. Pandey from the Department of Physics presented a detailed report on the week-long activities, including lectures, debates, quizzes, exhibitions and student competitions organised by different departments.
Speaking as the special guest, Prof. Arvind Mohan, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, highlighted the importance of increasing women’s participation in science and academia for the country’s socio-economic progress. He also stressed the unity of knowledge across disciplines and the need for a stronger interface between science and society.
In her keynote speech, Dr. Anamika Bajpai discussed the evolving landscape of scientific research in the era of artificial intelligence. While acknowledging AI’s ability to analyse complex data rapidly, she stressed that ethical judgement and critical thinking remain uniquely human responsibilities. She encouraged students to cultivate soft skills such as communication, collaboration, analytical thinking and adaptability.
Chief guest Dr. M. G. Thakkar reflected on the history of civilisation through the lens of palaeoscience and recalled the legacy of Professor Birbal Sahni and the establishment of the institute in 1946. He also paid tribute to Savitri Sahni for her contributions to the institution’s global reputation.
The ceremony also featured the distribution of prizes for interdepartmental competitions. In the debate competition, Khushboo Yadav and Anubhav Yadav (Physics) secured first place, while Sudakshina Trivedi (Chemistry) won second. In the quiz competition, the first position was secured by Nikhil Yadav, Harsh Sharma and Sameeksha Yadav from Zoology.
The event was smoothly anchored by Dr. Ishdeep and Dr. Chandni Kumari, while Dr. Kalpana Singh delivered the vote of thanks.
Cultural performances added vibrancy to the programme, including a Ganesh Vandana by Shubhi Dubey, Radha-Krishna enactment, a group Holi dance and poetry recitation.
Alongside the formal ceremony, an engaging science exhibition was organised where departments showcased research projects and student innovations through themed stalls. The Zoology Department drew attention with a live demonstration of microorganisms using microscopes, while the Anthropology Department presented a crime-scene simulation illustrating forensic investigation techniques and evidence analysis.
The celebration concluded with enthusiastic participation from faculty members, researchers and students, marking National Science Day 2026 as a significant academic and cultural milestone for the university.
