SciAstra Diwas 2026 Speakers
Discover the stories of Dr. A. P. Jayaraman and Dr. Deepak Singh—two brilliant minds who've devoted their lives to national service through groundbreaking research, innovation, and science.
Scientists Who Shaped India’s Future
On SciAstra Diwas 2026 (February 28, 2026), join us for an inspiring session with ISRO and BARC scientist, Dr. A. P. Jayaraman and Dr. Deepak Singh. Their journeys from dedicated students to pioneering professionals have motivated thousands of young science enthusiasts.
You'll have the chance to interact directly with them, gain insider insights into the future of science and research, and learn how to channel that knowledge toward our theme: “Science Builds Nations.”
Dr. A. P. Jayaraman (Chief Guest)
Professional Background
Dr. A. P. Jayaraman is a veteran nuclear scientist who worked at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) and contributed to one of India’s most sensitive scientific areas, nuclear science and national security.
During his career, he had the rare opportunity to work closely with both Dr. Vikram Sarabhai and Dr. Homi J. Bhabha, the founding figures of India’s space and atomic programmes. His work reflects not only technical expertise but also a strong commitment to scientific responsibility and public understanding of science.
Beyond research, Dr. Jayaraman has been actively involved in science education and communication. In the last two academic years, he has visited more than 100 schools and colleges, interacted with over 7,000 teachers, and addressed more than 50,000 students.
He has delivered lectures and workshops on scientific management and science education across several countries including the USA, UK, China, Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brazil, Malaysia and the Middle East.
Dr. Jayaraman is also a prolific science communicator. He has authored 20 science books and more than 3,000 science articles, and has spent over 35,000 hours delivering science and technology talks. His latest book, We Are 118: An Autobiography of the Chemical Elements, was released at the Royal Society of London.
For his contributions to science popularisation, he received the International Copernicus Award from Poland along with several national and state awards in science communication.
At SciAstra Diwas, Dr. Jayaraman will discuss how science should be understood beyond marks and competitive examinations. He will speak about ethics in science, the responsibility that comes with scientific knowledge, and how scientific thinking contributes to national development and security.
He will also share real experiences from his career to help students understand what pursuing science actually looks like in practice.
Why Students Should Listen
By attending his session, students will gain:
- A clearer understanding of science beyond textbooks
- Insight into research institutions and real scientific work
- Perspective on ethics and responsibility in science
- Guidance for pursuing careers in research and national laboratories
- Motivation to approach science as a long-term journey rather than only an exam
Dr. Deepak Singh (Guest of Honour)
Professional Background
Dr. Deepak Singh is an Assistant Professor at the Centre for Studies in Resources Engineering at IIT Bombay. He completed his Ph.D. and M.S. from the University of Michigan and earned his M.Sc.Tech. in Applied Geophysics from IIT (ISM) Dhanbad.
His research focuses on planetary environments, especially snow and ice behaviour, climate interactions, and surface processes on Mars and Venus. He leads the Planetary Environmental Laboratory at IIT Bombay, where conditions similar to planetary surfaces are recreated to study how ice and atmosphere interact in extreme environments.
Before joining IIT Bombay, he worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow and DST INSPIRE Faculty at the Physical Research Laboratory in Ahmedabad. He has published research on planetary climate systems and cryosphere processes and continues to work in the field of planetary science and space-related studies.
Along with research, he regularly guides students interested in higher studies in science. He helps students understand how school-level curiosity can gradually develop into research work, and what preparation is required for institutes and scientific careers.
At SciAstra Diwas, Dr. Deepak Singh will discuss how a student’s curiosity gradually develops into a meaningful scientific career. He will explain what studying science at advanced institutes actually involves, how research work differs from classroom learning, and what mindset is required to pursue science seriously.
Through examples from his own experience in both ISRO and IIT Bombay, he will help students understand how consistent effort, discipline, and curiosity shape the journey of a scientist.
Why Students Should Listen
By attending his session, students will gain:
- A clear understanding of how research careers begin after school
- Insight into life at major science and engineering institutes
- Guidance on preparing for higher studies in science
- Practical advice on building scientific thinking and curiosity
- Motivation to view science as a long-term journey rather than only an entrance exam
What You'll Gain From These Sessions
Real Knowledge
Beyond textbooks and theory, you’ll learn how science is actually practised in premier research organizations, such as ISRO & BARC.
Career Clarity
Understand diverse career paths in science—from research positions to academic roles.
Inspiration
Stories and experiences that will motivate you to learn science with purpose and passion.
