Manipal, August 2, 2025: Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence Deemed-to-be University, inaugurated the prestigious two-day International Symposium "Science Beyond Boundary: Invention, Discovery, Innovation and Society - Rasayan 21." The symposium, jointly organised by MAHE and Chirantan Rasayan Sanstha (CRS), brought together over 200 world-renowned scientists, researchers, and thought leaders to explore transformative research addressing critical global challenges.

The inauguration ceremony was graced by Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M D Venkatesh, VSM (Retd.), Vice Chancellor, MAHE, officially opened the symposium. The event was attended by distinguished guests including Prof. J.B. Joshi, Chancellor of ICT Mumbai; Prof. Ramgopal Rao, Vice Chancellor of BITS Pilani; Prof. Vudhichai Parasuk, President of the Thailand Chemical Society; Prof. Sajan D. George, Convener and Director of Manipal Institute of Applied Physics; Prof. C.V. Yelamaggad, Secretary of CRS; and Prof. Braja Gopal Bag, President of CRS.

A special message of support was received from Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India. He stated: “Science flourishes when it transcends boundaries—where invention transforms possibility, discovery expands knowledge, and innovation propels progress.” He reiterated India’s strategic roadmap to become a developed nation through integrated Science, Technology, Innovation, and Research (STIR) missions that promote convergence between academia, industry, and start-ups

A highlight of the symposium was the remote address by Prof. Ehud Keinan, President of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC), who emphasised the transformative potential of science when it operates beyond disciplinary and geopolitical boundaries.

The symposium serves as a vibrant platform for knowledge exchange, showcasing groundbreaking research and innovations that transcend traditional disciplinary boundaries. The event aims to foster collaborative dialogue between scientists, innovators, industry experts, and policymakers to address pressing global challenges ranging from climate and energy to food, health, and sustainable technologies.

A central feature of Rasayan 21 was the CRS Awards Ceremony, recognising 36 scientists from academic institutions, R&D organisations, and industries. Notable honours included the CRS Lifetime Achievement Award presented to Prof. J.B. Joshi and the CRS Leadership Award to Prof. Ramgopal Rao.

Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M. D. Venkatesh, VSM (Retd.), Vice Chancellor, MAHE, emphasised the symposium's significance, stating, "Rasayan 21 embodies our commitment to fostering innovation ecosystems that bridge academia and industry. This gathering creates a shared vision for research with real-world impact, demonstrating how science, when conducted with purpose and shared with society, becomes a transformative force for addressing humanity's greatest challenges."

The symposium features keynote addresses and panel discussions spanning chemical sciences, materials science, environmental sustainability, biomedical applications, artificial intelligence, and clean energy technologies. The second day will continue with scientific sessions and a roundtable on "Research for Society: Challenges and Opportunities in the Indian and Global Context."

This initiative reinforces MAHE's position as a leading institution committed to advancing scientific research and strengthening international collaborations for societal benefit.