15th August, Guwahati: A splendid showcase of patriotism and enthusiasm echoed as the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST) joined the nation in celebrating the 78th Independence Day. This year’s celebration was themed “Viksit Bharat” or “Developed India,” reflecting the government’s vision of transforming India into a developed nation by 2047, marking the centennial of independence.
The ceremonial proceedings commenced with Prof. Ashis K. Mukherjee, Director of IASST, hoisting the national flag. The Director started his inaugural stirring speech to the IASST community by reciting lines from the world-famous poet Makhan Lal Chaturvedi’s ‘Pushp Ki Abhilasha’. In his inaugural speech, Prof. Mukherjee emphasized the importance of keeping the spirit of freedom alive through responsible citizenship. He addressed the research community, underscoring that an integrated, multidisciplinary research cluster approach should drive research excellence at IASST. It also stressed that the impact of research should extend beyond academic publications and contribute meaningfully to the collective development of the nation. He further emphasized the country’s pursuit of becoming a developed nation by 2047, focusing on economic growth, environmental sustainability, social progress, and good governance.
The day’s festivities encompassed diverse activities, including a collective rendition of the National Anthem and the State Anthem. A significant highlight was the felicitation program, where the IASST fraternity honoured Prof. Subhas Chandra Mukhopadhyay, a renowned historian and former Professor at Banaras Hindu University who participated in the freedom struggle alongside his father. Prof. Mukhopadhyay also delivered a speech invoking the names of the heroes who laid down their lives at the altar of India’s independence. He spoke at length about the hopes and dreams of those great souls and regretted that ordinary people are yet to realize the fruits of freedom. The IASST community also felicitated the wards of IASST employees who excelled in the 10th and 12th board examinations for the 2024 session. Research scholars also performed Patriotic songs and a movie screening on celestial space exploration.
