Science with purpose

Godavari Gaurav Award 2026 winner Prof. Dr. Aniruddha B. Pandit talks about innovation rooted in social responsibility

- Suhas B Nail-Satam

Some lives are defined not merely by personal achievement, but by the depth of their impact on society, institutions, and future generations.

Prof. Dr. Aniruddha B. Pandit stands tall among such rare individuals—an academician, researcher, institution builder, and visionary leader whose journey exemplifies the transformative power of science when guided by social responsibility. The conferment of the prestigious Godavari Gaurav Award 2026 in the field of Science is a fitting tribute to a career spanning over four decades, marked by intellectual rigour, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to national and global wellbeing.

Excerpts from the interview:

How do you view this honour?

Thank you very much. I accept this award with deep humility. Such recognitions are never individual accomplishments; they reflect the collective efforts of mentors, students, collaborators, and institutions that shape one’s journey. The Godavari Gaurav Award is especially meaningful because it recognizes science that serves society — an ideal I have always believed in.

Could you tell us about your formative years and what drew you to science?

I was born on 7th December 1957 in Mumbai, Maharashtra. Growing up in Mumbai exposed me to diversity—of people, ideas, and challenges. My early fascination with science stemmed from curiosity about how things work. I was fortunate to have teachers who encouraged questioning and logical thinking rather than rote learning. That early exposure planted the seeds for a lifelong engagement with science and engineering.

Your academic journey has been both rigorous and inspiring. You then moved abroad for research. How did that international exposure shape your career?