As the lead geotechnical consultant for the Chenab bridge, I learnt more from the project than I gave to it: Prof G Madhavi Latha, a Telugu Woman
Hyderabad, September 13, 2025 : The Dr. K. V. Rao Scientific Society (KVRSS) marked its 25th Annual Day on Friday at the CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad, with distinguished speakers, award presentations, and renewed commitments to nurturing young scientific talent across India.
Prof. G. Madhavi Latha, Department of Civil Engineering, IISc Bengaluru, and the primary geotechnical consultant to the world’s highest railway bridge across the Chenab in Jammu, delivered the 25th Annual Memorial Oration on “The Himalayan Task of Connecting Jammu and Srinagar by Train.”
Reflecting on her 17-year journey with the project, she said: “As the lead geotechnical consultant for the Chenab bridge, I learnt more from the project than I gave to it. The Himalayan geology presented constant surprises — fractured rocks, cavities, and shear zones. Flexibility in design was critical; we had to go beyond textbooks and codes, often developing and testing solutions on the spot.”
Her simplicity, dedication, and insights into slope stabilisation and foundation design in difficult Himalayan terrain earned her a standing ovation.
Dr. Vinay K. Nandicoori, Director, CSIR-CCMB, a renowned molecular biologist recognised for pioneering research on tuberculosis pathogenesis, was the Chief Guest. He urged students to embrace science: “Think about biology and science as a career opportunity. We need talented people pursuing science. There is so much fun in studying science. Knowledge is the pillar of everything—invest in building knowledge.”
Dr. Ratna, Secretary, KVRSS, shared: “From a humble beginning, today we are a national platform. Over 25 years, KVRSS has impacted 75,000 students and 250 research institutions. We began when interest in science was dwindling and labs in schools were in deplorable conditions. Our mission has always been to reignite curiosity and respect for science.”
Dr. Anil Kumar Kutty, President, KVRSS, highlighted India’s challenges in research investment: India spends just 0.67% of GDP on R&D, compared to 2.6% in China, 3.6% in the USA, 5.2% in South Korea, and 6% in Israel. India has only 255 researchers per million population, compared to 1,600 in China, 4,600 in the USA, and 8,400 in Israel.
The Annual Day honoured student achievements (2024–25) across multiple categories:
• 25th Annual Research Awards: 12 awards across Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics (out of 238 applicants from 100+ institutions, 25 states).
• 14th SPARK Innovation Awards: 8 awards for school projects with novel concepts (40 shortlisted from 300+ entries).
• 5th SMART (Science Meets ART) Awards: 3 awards for “Microscopic World” artworks (430+ entries from 18 states).
• 1st Vignyanotsav Science Fair Awards: New initiative for Telangana State Board schools; 20 schools showcased projects addressing societal challenges.
• Additionally, Prof. Tirthankar Bhattacharyya (IISc, Bangalore) and Dr. Rajan Sankaranarayanan (CSIR-CCMB, Hyderabad) were honoured as mentors whose students have repeatedly won KVRSS Research Awards.
Marking its silver jubilee, KVRSS announced plans to establish a state-of-the-art Science Centre complex to serve as a hub for learning and exploration. Since 2021, its outreach through the Science Innovation Centre and Mobile Science Lab has already reached 20,000+ students.
It is very rare in the present system to start a non-profit by a family in loving memory of Dr KV Rao, their own family member, a well-known scientist, with their own money, even donating the 4000 sft house in Jubilee Hills worth Rs 2 crore to the society.
The Society also felicitated scientists, academicians, and teachers who have served as evaluators over the past 25 years, ensuring fairness and quality in student project assessments.