Harjot Bains inaugurates ‘TATTVA’ at IISER Mohali on National Science Day
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, February 28, 2026: Reaffirming the Punjab Government’s commitment to fostering innovation, Education and Information & Public Relations Minister Harjot Singh Bains on Friday asserted that the path to a developed nation is shaped by its scientific discoveries, urging youth to cultivate a spirit of inquiry to elevate India’s global standing.
Inaugurating the annual Science Fest “TATTVA” at Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Mohali on the occasion of National Science Day, Bains said science must be seen not merely as a subject but as a powerful instrument of national resurgence.
“From the invention of the wheel to Artificial Intelligence, every leap in human progress has been rooted in scientific thought. The progress of our nation is written in the language of science,” he said while addressing students and faculty.
Drawing connections between historical breakthroughs and India’s modern ambitions, the minister highlighted advancements in high-speed rail, aerospace, medical sciences, and digital infrastructure as outcomes of scientific temper. He called upon students to draw inspiration from pioneers such as C. V. Raman, discoverer of the Raman Effect; Narinder Singh Kapany; Piara Singh Gill; and Nobel laureate Har Gobind Khorana.
“These visionaries built the pillars of modern India. Make scientists your role models and books your lifelong companions. The goal is not just to enter premier institutions but to emerge from them as nation-builders,” he added.
Emphasising curiosity as the cornerstone of development, Bains encouraged students to question the “why” and “how” behind everyday phenomena. He noted that the Punjab Government’s push for quality infrastructure and competitive coaching has begun yielding results, with over 300 government school students qualifying JEE Mains this year.
Assuring full cooperation to IISER Mohali Director Dr Anil Kumar Tripathi, the minister proposed formal collaboration between the state’s school education department and leading research institutes to nurture scientific temperament at the grassroots level.
“Institutions like IISER are engines of innovation. We want our students to access these engines—work in their labs, learn from their faculty, and aspire to study here one day,” he said.
During the event, Bains released the science magazine ‘Meraki’ and unveiled the IISER Mohali alumni website. He also toured the student exhibition, interacting with young innovators and appreciating their scientific models.
Earlier, Dr Tripathi welcomed the minister and underscored the significance of National Science Day in commemorating the Nobel-winning discovery of the Raman Effect, which placed Indian science on the global map.