The India Rising Foundation, in collaboration with St. Johnโs National Academy of Health Sciences, proudly presents the inaugural Vishishta Anusandhฤn Puraskaar 2026โa landmark initiative dedicated to honouring excellence that bridges Indiaโs indigenous wisdom, scientific research, and global impact.
This prestigious award celebrates Fr. Dr. S. Ignacimuthu, S.J., an eminent ethnopharmacologist and scientist, renowned for pioneering contributions such as PONNEEM biopesticides, Ignaciomycin, and transformative research in biopesticides, antimicrobials, and herbal therapeutics. A mentor to over 60 PhD scholars, former Vice-Chancellor, and recipient of 40+ national and international awards, his work exemplifies the spirit of research rooted in tradition and validated by science.
The event features Guests of Honour including Shri Santosh Lad, Honโble Cabinet Minister, Government of Karnataka; Padma Shri Dr. Darshan Shankar, Vice-Chancellor, The University of Trans-disciplinary Health Sciences & Technology; and Rev. Fr. Jesudoss Rajamanickam, Director, St. Johnโs National Academy of Health Sciences.
A thought-provoking panel discussion on โReimagining Human Healthโ will explore the integration of indigenous knowledge, modern scientific research, and planetary well-being, moderated by Dr. Tony D. S. Raj with distinguished panelists from IISc, Apollo AyurVAID, Arka Integrative Healthcare, and Synterra Foundation.
The program also includes a powerful fireside chat on Antimicrobial Resistance, featuring Dr. Maneesh Paul and Dr. Gifty Immanuel, addressing Indiaโs RDI response to the growing threat of superbugs.
Through award recognition, dialogue, and collaboration, Vishishta Anusandhฤn Puraskaar 2026 reinforces India Rising Foundationโs mission to catalyse a โน1000 Crore RDI Grant Fund, Open Labs, and Fellows for Researchโfueling innovation for Viksit Bharat 2047.
Vandemataram. Let us honour knowledge. Empower research. Rise together for India.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
St. Johns National Academy of Health Sciences, Koramangala, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, Lecture Hall 1, Golden Jubilee Block, St. John's Medical College, Bengaluru, Bangalore, India
