Somaiya Vidyavihar University hosted the National Symposium on Computational Science alongside the 75th Birthday Festschrift of Prof. Shridhar R. Gadre, honouring one of India’s most distinguished computational chemists. The event was organised by the Centre for Excellence in Computational Science and Simulations (C2S2) and held in collaboration with the Srinivasa Ramanujan Institute for Basic Sciences (SRIBS).
The symposium brought together leading scholars, including Prof. Shridhar R. Gadre and Prof. V. N. Rajasekharan Pillai, Vice Chancellor of Somaiya Vidyavihar University, who presided over the event and delivered the keynote address.
A Platform for Scientific Exchange and Collaboration
The two-day event created a vibrant space for interdisciplinary dialogue, drawing participation from premier institutions such as IISER Mohali, IIT Madras, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Digital University Kerala, and international researchers from Germany and Italy.
Sessions featured technical presentations, cross-disciplinary panel discussions, and a poster showcase highlighting innovative work by early-career scholars. The symposium underlined the role of computational science as a central driver of innovation across fields, from chemistry and biology to physics and engineering.
“Computational science has moved beyond single disciplines. Today, it drives innovation across fields. Symposia like this foster the collaboration needed for integrative, solution-focused science,” said Prof. V. N. Rajasekharan Pillai, Vice Chancellor, Somaiya Vidyavihar University.
Honouring a Pioneer in Quantum Chemistry
At the heart of the symposium was a tribute to Prof. Shridhar R. Gadre, whose contributions have fundamentally shaped computational chemistry in India. Prof. Gadre is a renowned figure in quantum chemistry. He is especially known for his work on energy functionals, scalar fields, and molecular clusters. One of his major contributions is the Molecular Tailoring Approach (MTA)—a groundbreaking method that makes high-level ab initio studies of large molecular systems computationally feasible.
With over 240 research publications, decades of leadership at Savitribai Phule Pune University, and the mentorship of more than 20 PhD scholars, Prof. Gadre’s legacy is both deep and enduring. His accolades include the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize, INSA Fellowship, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Indian Chemical Society.
“Prof. Gadre’s career reflects what academic leadership should stand for: scientific clarity, intellectual depth, and mentorship. This symposium wasn’t just a celebration of legacy—it was a reflection of the future his work continues to shape,” said Prof. S. Sivaram, Professor of Eminence, Somaiya Vidyavihar University.
Advancing Interdisciplinary Research Culture
With this symposium, Somaiya Vidyavihar University reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing a research-driven academic ecosystem. The event highlighted the importance of mentorship, interdisciplinary thinking, and scholarly excellence. As per the press release, the event not only honoured a stalwart of Indian science but also created momentum for future-facing inquiry in computational and quantum sciences.
