Handing over of Eni Energy Frontiers Award 2020 to Bharat Ratna Prof. C.N.R. Rao 

The Gold Medal bestowed on Bharat Ratna Prof C N R Rao, FRS as part of Eni International Award for Research in Energy Frontiers by the President of Italian Republic was received at the Centre on 22nd March 2022. A programme has been organised at JNCASR to hand over the Gold Medal to Prof C.N.R. Rao on 23rd March 2022. On this occasion, Shri Basavaraj Bommai, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka felicitated Bharat Ratna Prof. C.N.R. Rao, FRS and handed over the Eni Energy award to Prof. Rao. Dr. C. N. Ashwathnarayan, Hon’ble Minister of Higher Education, Hon’ble Minister of Electronics, IT, BT & Science & Technology, Additional charge of Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship & Livelihood, Govt. of Karnataka was also present during this occasion along with Dr. (Mrs.) Indumati Rao, Hon. Coordinator, ETU and Prof. Giridhar U. Kulkarni, President, JNCASR. 

The programme began with a classical Hindustani vocal invocation song sung by a group of students from JNCASR. Prof. G.U. Kulkarni, President, JNCASR welcomed all dignitaries present on the dais and the participants of the event. A short video clip of the Eni award event ceremony held at Quirinal Palace, Italy was also screened during the occasion. While congratulating Prof. C.N.R. Rao, Hon’ble Minister Dr. C.N. Ashwathanarayan briefed about Prof. Rao’s significant scientific achievements in his address. He also mentioned about Prof. Rao’s contributions in the initiatives taken by the Govt. of Karnataka in promoting science & technology in the state. He further emphasised upon Govt. of Karnataka’s commitment for the promotion of Science & Technology in the state under the leadership of Shri Bommai. The programmed progress with the felicitation of Bharat Ratna Prof. C.N.R. Rao by Shri Basavaraj Bommai and handing over of the Eni Award to Prof. Rao. In his address, CM Bommai described the significance of Prof. Rao’s scientific contributions and highlighted the importance of energy research in contemporary times, with special mention of Prof. Rao’s contributions in energy research and storage. He also stressed upon the need of responsible use of energy sources and research contributions.

Prof. C.N.R. Rao and Dr. (Mrs.) Indumati Rao also addressed the audience and thanked JNCASR administration and all those who have helped in the functioning and growth of the Centre and its activities over the years. The event concluded with word of thanks by Prof. N.S. Vidhyadhiraja, Dean, Fellowships & Extension Programmes.