Founder’s Day 2025 was celebrated with reverence and enthusiasm at the Poornaprajna Institute of Scientific Research (PPISR) on Thursday, July 3, 2025, in the seminar hall of the Bidalur campus.
This day holds special significance as we observe Founder’s Day – a moment of reflection, gratitude, and inspiration. Traditionally celebrated on the first Thursday of July, it honors the extraordinary vision and enduring service of our founder, Swamiji, affectionately known as the “Science Swamiji” for his profound curiosity in physics and unwavering dedication to scientific advancement.
The celebration began by invoking the blessings of His Holiness Sri Vibudhesha Teertha Swamiji, the visionary founder of PPISR; His Holiness Sri Vishwapriya Teertha Swamiji, our former president; and His Holiness Sri Eeshapriya Teertha Swamiji, President and our present guiding force. This year’s event was especially meaningful as it marked the first Founder’s Day under the leadership of Dr. Ananda, who recently assumed charge as the In-Charge Director of PPISR and presided over the function.
Prof. Nagaraja H. S., Founder and Chief Mentor of the PRAYOGA Institute of Education Research, Bengaluru, was the chief guest of the program. The event was further graced by two distinguished Guests of Honor: Dr. Geetha Balakrishna, Director of the Centre for Nano and Material Sciences, JAIN (Deemed-to-be University), and Dr. K. S. Nagabhushana, Director (Research), PRAYOGA Institute of Education Research.
To honor the legacy of Swamiji, a series of invited talks were delivered by eminent scientists and educationists who exemplify his ideals through their work. The speakers included Dr. Geetha Balakrishna and Dr. K. S. Nagabhushana, along with Dr. Manukumara Manjappa, Assistant Professor at IISc Bengaluru, and Dr. Pooja Jha, Assistant Professor at GITAM University, Bengaluru Campus.
As part of the celebration, the PPISR Newsletter for the academic year 2024–25 was formally released in the presence of all guests and Dr. A. B. Halgeri, Former Director of PPISR. Prizes were distributed to the winners of various sports and games organized during PPISR Sports Day 2025. Additionally, the Best PhD Student Presentation Award for the year 2024–25 was presented to Mr. K. M. Rajashekar Vaibhava.
The program commenced with an invocation by Ms. Meghana. Dr. Ananda, Director (I/C), welcomed the guests and paid tribute to the founder by sharing cherished memories of His Holiness Sri Vibudhesha Teertha Swamiji. Dr. Sanjeev P. Maradur, Head of the MSC Division, provided an overview of the program. Dr. Nagasuresh Enjamuri conducted the prize distribution ceremony and announced the winners. Dr. Naresh Nalajala delivered the formal vote of thanks after the inaugural session. In the afternoon, Dr. Shivakumar Kilingaru presented the summary of the day and the concluding remarks, followed by Dr. Vijay Pathak, who delivered the vote of thanks. Ms. Ashadevi efficiently compered the event.
The success of the celebration was made possible through the dedicated efforts of PPISR’s Faculty, PhD scholars, postdoctoral fellows, administrative officer, and support staff, who meticulously coordinated every aspect of the program
Picture 1: from left: Dr. Ananda, Director (I/C), PPISR, Bengaluru; Prof. Nagaraja H. S., Founder and Chief Mentor of the PRAYOGA Institute of Education Research , Bengaluru Dr. Geetha Balakrishna, Director, CNMS, JAIN (Deemed-to-be University), and Dr. K. S. Nagabhushana, Director (Research), PRAYOGA Institute of Education Research, Bengaluru
Picture 2: Inauguration of Founder’s Day 2025 through lighting the lamp by the Guests
Picture 3: Dr. Geetha Balakrishna, Director, CNMS, JAIN (Deemed-to-be University)
Picture 4: Dr. K. S. Nagabhushana, Director (Research), PRAYOGA Institute of Education Research, Bengaluru
Picture 5: Dr. Manukumara Manjappa, Assistant Professor, IISc Bengaluru Research, Bengaluru
Picture 6: Dr. Pooja Jha, Assistant Professor at GITAM University, Bengaluru
Picture 7: Release of the PPISR Newsletter for the year 2024-25
Picture 8: A group Photo taken along with the invitees and guests on the day of Founders Day 2025