The National Tamil Science Conference (NTSC 2026) has been organized on 20-21 February 2026, jointly by Arivial Sangam, Tamil Nadu and CSIR-Structural Engineering Research Centre (CSIR-SERC), at CSIR-SERC, Chennai. The theme of the conference is Sustainable Development in Science and Technology and it is a unique platform dedicated to promoting science, technology, and innovation through the Tamil language. This prestigious event will bring together eminent scientists, academicians, industrial leaders, policy makers, and students to deliberate on the latest advancements in various scientific domains.

 

The conference is designed to bridge traditional knowledge systems with modern scientific thought, highlighting the importance of Tamil as a medium for communicating science. It features plenary talks, memorial lectures, invited sessions, oral and poster presentations, and cultural events, creating a holistic environment for intellectual exchange and cultural pride. NTSC 2026 will host distinguished personalities from premier institutions, including CSIR, IITs, ISRO, and leading universities, who will share their vision for a Viksit Bharat through science. The sessions span across diverse disciplines such as physical and chemical sciences, life sciences,  medical sciences, mathematics and agriculture, engineering and technology, earth, atmosphere and environmental sciences, and Indian knowledge systems integration.

 

The inaugural function of the conference was held at CSIR-SERC on 20 February 2026, with the lighting of the kuthuvilakku. Dr. N.(Mrs.) Anandavalli, Director, CSIR-SERC and Coordinating Director, CMC, presided over the function. Prof. Dr. Usha Natesan, Director, National Institute of Technical Teachers Training & Research (NITTTR), Chennai, was the Chief Guest of the function. Dr. Shekhar C Mande, Former Director General, CSIR and Secretary, DSIR, President INSA and National President, Vijnana Bharati, and Shri Praveen Ramdas, National Joint Organising Secretary, Vijnana Bharati, were the Guests of Honour.

Dr. S. Parivallal, Advisor (M), CSIR-SERC, gave the welcome address. In his address he said that ancient Tamil Nadu had vast expertise in science, mainly, architecture, medicine, nature, oceanography, astronomy, etc and Tamil language is a treasure trove of this knowledge. Welcoming the delegates, he said this conference shall facilitate sharing of scientific knowledge in Tamil and hoped it will be a milestone in the development of science in Tamil.

Dr. Anandavalli, in her presidential address, explained the importance of learning in mother language and said that when we learn in our own language, it will greatly help in understanding anything easily. She pointed out that our thinking is more profound and intertwined with our culture when it is in our own language. She also briefed on the proceedings of the conference and said that 192 scientific papers are being presented in Tamil language during this conference.

Dr. Shekhar Mande, in his address, said that this conference is a great initiative. He pointed out that science and technology was highly developed in ancient Tamil Nadu and lauded the contributions of Tamil Nadu in various fields of science and towards the development of the country.

Shri Praveen Ramdas, in his address, said that Tamil language has a glorious tradition and has always been a powerful vehicle of knowledge and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that Tamil continues to remain as a vibrant medium of scientific education and research.

Dr. Usha Natesan, in her address, lauded the conference and said that the theme of the conference is very apt at this point of time and that it is also being taken up in Tamil language. She greatly appreciated one of the themes of the conference, i.e., Indian Knowledge System, and said that Indian Knowledge System is evidence based and that they are very scientific.

A souvenir of the conference was released by the dignitaries. Dr. Mani Prahaspathy, Secretary, Ariviyal Sangam, Tamil Nadu, proposed vote of thanks.

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