Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari underscored India's strong commitment to building a "Healthy and Inclusive India," with a clear vision of establishing the nation as a global hub for medical tourism, at Vimarsh, an event organised by Blockchain For Impact, a catalyst funder and non-profit.
The core focus remains on providing high-quality, affordable treatment, bolstered by world-class medical equipment and best practices. Just as India is rapidly developing world-class infrastructure like highways and economic corridors, the health sector is also witnessing substantial investment, creating fertile ground for innovation. This strategic emphasis on health and scientific advancement by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari directly aligns with the launch of National Science Prizes, with a total allocation of Rs 20 crore by Blockchain For Impact (BFI).
These prestigious awards are designed to incentivise groundbreaking research and celebrate exceptional contributions by scientists and innovators across diverse disciplines for India. By recognising excellence and fostering a culture of innovation, the initiative supports the nation’s strategic commitment to advancing science and technology as key drivers of economic and societal progress.
The awards will be distributed across the following categories ; the Lifetime Achievement Award to two distinguished individuals for their profound contributions to science and health, with each receiving Rs 25 lakh; the Sandeep Nailwal India First Award, supporting three Indian-origin or global researchers, entrepreneurs, and innovators relocating to India to scale solutions in biomedical science or public health, each granted Rs 2.5 crore; the Sandeep Nailwal Award for Global Excellence, given to two individuals whose work has globally reshaped biomedical research and public health, with each awarded Rs 5 crore; and the Sandeep Nailwal Award for Young Indian Scientist Award, recognizing two biomedical scientists, public health pioneers, and cross-sector changemakers under 40 who have built transformative solutions, each receiving Rs 50 lakh.
The prestigious Lifetime Achievement awards were conferred upon Padma Shri Dr Balram Bhargava and Dr Vijay Chandru for their profound and lasting contributions to the field of science and healthcare in India at Vimarsh, a premier science conclave organised by Blockchain for Impact.
