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Responding to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s call for students to “spend one day as a scientist,” the Department of Health Research (DHR) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) hosted a nationwide open day on August 7–8, 2025, under the banner S.H.I.N.E. – Science, Health and Innovation for Nextgen Explorers. The programme was conducted across ICMR institutes and DHR-Model Rural Health Research Units (MRHRUs).
A total of 13,150 students from classes 9–12, representing over 300 schools in 39 districts across 16 states and union territories, participated. The initiative aimed to familiarise young learners with health and biomedical research, showcase ICMR’s role in advancing national health, and inspire them to consider careers in science and public health — contributing to India’s vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Highlighting the significance of the event, Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Secretary, DHR & Director General, ICMR, described it as a unique effort to spark scientific curiosity, encourage innovation, and motivate the next generation of health researchers. Addressing the students, he said, “Today is not just a visit; it’s an invitation to step into the shoes of a scientist. We want you to observe, question, and experience the spirit of scientific inquiry. Engage with our scientists, explore the labs, and witness India’s progress in health and medical research. Curiosity, evidence, and ambition — these are the building blocks of a Viksit Bharat.”
The programme featured a variety of interactive activities, including guided lab tours, research exhibitions, poster walks, video screenings, and live demonstrations of ongoing scientific projects. Students engaged directly with ICMR scientists, learning about their research paths, areas of specialisation, and daily contributions to public health. Adding a fun and relatable element, a mascot named Dr. Curio served as the students’ guide throughout the day.
Participants also watched four specially curated short films showcasing ICMR’s major initiatives — the development of Covaxin, India’s indigenous COVID-19 vaccine; the iDRONE project for innovative healthcare delivery; the country’s TB elimination drive; and Vishanu Yudh Abhyas, a nationwide mock drill to evaluate pandemic preparedness.
The event held extra significance as August 8 marked the 104th birth anniversary of Dr. Vulimiri Ramalingaswami, an eminent Indian medical scientist, pathologist, writer, and former Director General of ICMR, whose work continues to inspire future generations of researchers.
Through the S.H.I.N.E. initiative, ICMR reinforced its dedication to nurturing scientific curiosity among students and raising awareness about the critical role of research in improving public health.