As the Indian National Science Academy (INSA) enters its 92nd year, this moment invites reflecting on our collective responsibility in advancing science, technology and innovation in the country. Over its 91 years of distinguished existence, the Academy has played a pivotal role in science in India, acting as a bridge between the scientific community, policymakers, the general public, and international professional bodies alike. The present era calls for a renewal and strengthening of that very role. The geoclimatic and societal transformations currently underway are unprecedented in both scale and speed, ranging from climate instability and ecological stress to technological disruption and shifting socio-economic patterns. These changes demand the urgent attention of learned academies, including INSA, and call for concerted, collective action from the scientific community. At stake is not only the advancement of knowledge, but also the responsible application of that knowledge to safeguard environmental sustainability, social equity and long-term national resilience. INSA’s rich legacy has profoundly shaped India’s scientific landscape. The present moment, therefore, represents not a departure, but a natural and necessary continuation of this journey, one that requires foresight, inclusivity and a steadfast commitment to aligning scientific progress with the broader aspirations of society.
Professor Shekhar C. Mande , INSA President