From DNA Fingerprinting to Missile Defense, Hyderabad’s Youth Ignite the Future at the President’s Southern Retreat
This weekend, the quiet, leafy lanes of Bolarum hummed with a different kind of energy. The white-pillared majesty of Rashtrapati Nilayam—traditionally a place of presidential retreat—opened its iron gates not for a diplomatic summit, but for a celebration of curiosity.
As the two-day National Science Day fete kicked off this Friday, nearly 2,000 students from across the city swapped their usual Friday routines for a front-row seat to the future of Indian innovation.
The Torchbearers of Tomorrow
The event began with a poignant nod to local excellence. Following a welcome by Dr. K. Rajani Priya, the crowd was treated to a special audio-visual presentation showcasing Telangana’s 2026 Padma Awardees. It was a powerful reminder that the path from a Hyderabad classroom to the nation’s highest civilian honors is well-traveled.
The air was thick with inspiration as the Guest of Honour, Padma Shri awardee Dr. Chandramouli Gaddamanugu, took the stage. As one of the principal architects of India’s Akash missile system, Dr. Gaddamanugu represents the “Viksit Bharat” vision in the flesh—a local hero who helped make India a global leader in defense technology.
Inside the Fete: Beyond the Textbooks
The sprawling grounds of the Nilayam were transformed into an interactive laboratory. Unlike a standard science fair, this fete offered deep dives into specialized fields:
- “Meet the Scientist” Sessions: Students grilled senior experts from the Survey of India and DRDL on everything from remote sensing to career paths in space research.
- The Tech Hub: Workshops on DNA fingerprinting and defense technologies gave students a glimpse into the high-stakes world of forensic science and national security.
- The Competitive Edge: The sound of spirited debates filled the corridors as students tackled the theme of the year: “Artificial Intelligence: Boon or Bane?” while others displayed intricate scientific models aimed at solving climate change.
Why This Matters for Hyderabad
Events like these bridge the gap between “textbook science” and “real-world impact.” When a student sees a model of a solid ramjet propulsion missile or hears about the latest breakthroughs in human genetics from CCMB experts, science stops being a subject and starts being a calling.
As the sun sets on the final day of the fete, the legacy of Sir C.V. Raman feels alive and well in Secunderabad. Rashtrapati Nilayam didn’t just host an event; it nurtured a new generation of “scientific rebels” ready to question, innovate, and lead.
