CHASCON-2025 concludes at Panjab University

Chandigarh, November 8, 2025: Chandigarh Science Congress (CHASCON-2025) concluded at Panjab University (PU) here today.

The three day long national science conference CHASCON-2025 was organised on the theme of “Empowering Humanity: Science, Technology, and Healthcare for All”. As many as 1,200 academicians, scientists and researchers from various institutions and industrial houses from Chandigarh region and various other parts participated and discussed on adopting the integrative approach in sciences.

The CHASCON 2025 concluded with valedictory function at the Department of English, Panjab University. Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India Dr. M. Ravichandran, PU Vice Chancellor Prof. Renu Vig, PU Director Research and Development Cell Prof. Meenakshi Goyal, CHASCON Coordinator Prof. Kashmir Singh, National Organising Secretary, Vijnana Bharati Shri Shiv Kumar honoured the prize winning students in oral presentations, paper presentations, and exhibition stalls.

Chief Guest Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India, lauded Panjab University as a vibrant hub in knowledge creation, innovation and collaboration of entire eco system and the region. While appreciating the enormous contribution of PU students and alumni, he said “I was surprised to have met PU scientists at number of signficiant places outside India like CERN, Geneva to remote corners in Iceland and Arctic, where PU scientists and social scientists were working on various issues.”

Dr. Ravichandran encouraged young researchers to think beyond publications and to focus on how their research can be translated into commercially viable and socially useful innovations. He stressed the importance of developing a dynamic and sustainable innovation ecosystem for human health and technology, and called upon students to contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat (Developed India). He encouraged scholars to cultivate curiosity and maintain strong reading and study habits. He also highlighted emerging fields such as cybersecurity, genome sequencing, drone technology, robotics, and virtual reality, emphasising their potential to bring about revolutionary changes.

In her valedictory address at the function, PU Vice Chancellor Prof. Renu Vig highlighted India’s remarkable progress in the startup ecosystem. She shared that India today hosts over 159 lakh startups and 140 unicorns, positioning the nation third globally after the United States and China. She noted with pride that Indian products were being effectively used in recent military operations, showcasing the nation’s self-reliance and technological capability. She reflected on India’s digital transformation journey, from the introduction of Aadhaar cards to the widespread use of digital payment systems, and emphasised that “India as a nation is moving in the right direction.” Prof. Vig also appreciated the surge of innovative startups emerging within the PU campus itself.

Dr. A. Surya Chandra Rao expressed his gratitude to the University for hosting CHASCON and appreciated the unique theme chosen for this year’s event, which focuses on environmental changes and their impact on society. He discussed his institute’s ongoing work in forecasting environmental patterns and reiterated their goal of establishing a public healthcare system accessible to all. He stated that CHASCON 2025 represents a significant contribution toward building a self-reliant and progressive India.

PU Director Research and Development Cell Prof. Meenakshi Goyal, CHASCON Coordinator Prof. Kashmir Singh addressed the students. National Organising Secretary, Vijnana Bharati Shri Shiv Kumar was also present on the occasion.

The session was followed by a Prize Distribution Ceremony, where students from various departments were felicitated with trophies and certificates for their outstanding achievements in academics and research.

The three-day event concluded with Dr. Deepak Gupta delivering the vote of thanks. He extended his gratitude to the organizing committee, all participants, and media representatives for their efforts in taking CHASCON 2025 to a wider audience and making it a grand success.