India’s Yuva Shakti took centre stage at the historic Red Fort as young Indian medallists from the International Science and Mathematical Olympiads 2026 joined the nation’s Independence Day celebrations as Special Guests of the Government of India. The young achievers witnessed Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji hoist the Indian Tricolour and address the nation from the ramparts of the iconic Red Fort in New Delhi on the occasion of the 80^th Independence Day.

The recognition of these young achievers was a celebration of the immense potential of India’s youth and their contribution to the nation’s journey towards Viksit Bharat@2047. Coming in a year commemorating 150 years of Vande Mataram, the presence of the Olympiad achievers at the national ceremony was a powerful affirmation of the Hon. Prime Minister’s emphasis on harnessing the energy, talent and aspirations of India’s Yuva Shakti in building a developed and self-reliant nation.

The honour comes in the wake of an exceptional year for India at the International Olympiads. Across Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics, Indian students won 12 Gold and 7 Silver Medals in 2026. The distinction bestowed on the students at the Red Fort is also a recognition of the sustained national effort to identify and nurture exceptional scientific and mathematical talent from a young age.

At the heart of this national endeavour is HBCSE, a National Centre of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), an aided institution under the Department of Atomic Energy. As the national nodal centre for the Science and Mathematical Olympiad Programmes, HBCSE follows a rigorous multi-stage process of selection, orientation, training and mentoring. The Department of Atomic Energy has been a pillar of strength behind this enduring national effort. Through its support to TIFR and HBCSE, the Department of Atomic Energy has helped build an ecosystem that brings together scientists, teachers, academic institutions and subject experts from across the country in a shared mission of nurturing scientific talent. This institutional support extends beyond the conduct of competitions to sustained training, mentoring and participation at the international level.

The Special Guests’ visit to New Delhi extended beyond the Independence Day ceremony. The young achievers arrived in the capital and interacted Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohnaty, Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy & Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Mohanty said, “It is a matter of immense pride that our young Olympiad achievers are being honoured as Special Guests at the Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort. Their presence at this iconic national occasion is a fitting recognition of India's Yuva Shakti and the spirit of curiosity, perseverance and excellence that they represent. The outstanding performance of our students at the International Olympiads is also a reflection of the sustained national effort to identify and nurture scientific and mathematical talent. The Department of Atomic Energy is privileged to contribute to this endeavour through its support to TIFR and HBCSE, and remains committed to strengthening this ecosystem so that India's young minds have every opportunity to excel, innovate and contribute to the making of a Viksit Bharat@2047.”

The students interacted with Dr. Jitendra Singh, Hon’ble Minister of State in PMO Department of Atomic Energy and visited sites of national significance, including the National War Memorial and the Pradhan Mantri Sangrahalaya.

The Department of Atomic Energy congratulates the young Olympiad achievers, their parents, teachers, mentors, team leaders, scientific observers, Olympiad Cells at HBCSE and the nationwide community of resource persons whose dedication has contributed to these remarkable accomplishments.

The presence of these young scientists and mathematicians at the Red Fort was more than an honour bestowed on a group of medal winners. It was a celebration of India’s capacity to identify excellence, nurture talent and provide its young citizens the opportunity to excel at the highest global level. As India marches towards Viksit Bharat@2047, the achievements and aspirations of these young Olympians offer an inspiring glimpse of the Yuva Shakti that will shape the nation’s future.

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NKR/AK/NM