INSA President Shekhar C. Mande, Dr Sharmila Mande inspire IIT (ISM) Dhanbad students to pursue science with purpose
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK Dhanbad, July 27: Newly inducted students at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad received inspiring lessons on scientific curiosity, ethical research…
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Dhanbad, July 27: Newly inducted students at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad received inspiring lessons on scientific curiosity, ethical research and interdisciplinary innovation during the institute’s Orientation Programme 2026, as two of India’s leading scientists—Prof. Shekhar C. Mande, President of the Indian National Science Academy (INSA), and Dr. Sharmila Mande, Ayush Distinguished Scientist Chair, Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, and Advisor, Life Sciences Research, TCS Research & Innovation—interacted with undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD students.
Prof. Shekhar C. Mande addressed undergraduate students in two sessions at the Penman Auditorium. He interacted with Sections A, B, C and D from 4 pm to 5 pm and Sections E, F, G and H from 6 pm to 7 pm. Earlier in the day, he held an exclusive session with PhD scholars from 10.15 am to 11.30 am.
Meanwhile, postgraduate students attended an interactive lecture by Dr. Sharmila Mande at the Golden Jubilee Lecture Theatre on the theme, “Think Beyond Your Discipline: Importance of Interdisciplinary Research to Solve Real-World Problems.”
Prof. Shekhar C. Mande calls for ethical, curiosity-driven research
Addressing PhD scholars, Prof. Mande urged young researchers to view science as a lifelong pursuit of knowledge and societal progress rather than merely a profession.
He stressed that scientific excellence must be guided by intellectual curiosity, integrity and a sense of responsibility towards society.
“Scientific progress has given humanity unprecedented opportunities, but it has also created new ethical and societal responsibilities. As researchers, we must always consider the long-term impact of our discoveries and ensure that science serves the larger good of society,” he said.
Highlighting the importance of curiosity-driven research, Prof. Mande noted that many breakthrough discoveries originated from what initially appeared to be “useless knowledge.”
He also explained the Bohr-Pasteur-Edison framework, encouraging scholars to balance fundamental research with practical applications while embracing innovation, interdisciplinary thinking and perseverance. The session concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session on research, careers and emerging scientific opportunities.
Dr. Sharmila Mande advocates interdisciplinary research
Speaking to postgraduate students, Dr. Sharmila Mande encouraged them to transcend traditional academic boundaries and collaborate across disciplines to tackle complex global challenges.
“Think beyond your discipline. The world’s biggest challenges—from healthcare and climate change to sustainability and equitable development—cannot be solved by a single field of knowledge. They demand collaboration across disciplines,” she said.
Referring to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), she encouraged students to contribute towards Good Health and Well-being, Quality Education, Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, Climate Action, and Partnerships for the Goals.
“Science is not confined to laboratories or textbooks. It is a powerful instrument for creating a healthier, more sustainable and inclusive future,” she added.
Orientation programme focuses on innovation and scientific excellence
The sessions formed a key part of IIT (ISM) Dhanbad’s Orientation Programme 2026, exposing students across undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes to the importance of scientific ethics, innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration and socially relevant research.
The interactions inspired the new batch to pursue research with curiosity, responsibility and a commitment to solving real-world problems.
