Research begins with a question, grows through curiosity, and finds meaning when information is transformed into knowledge. Celebrating this spirit of inquiry and academic excellence, GLS University organised the Shri I.M. Nanavati Research Awards as part of its Centennial Year Celebrations, marking the ninth commemorative event in this landmark year.
Held as an initiative that has been nurturing research and scholarly contributions for nearly a decade, the Shri I.M. Nanavati Research Awards have become an important platform for recognising academic effort, encouraging innovation and strengthening a research-oriented culture within the university. This year, the initiative witnessed an encouraging response, with approximately 600 nominations received across nine departments and 18 award categories, reflecting the growing enthusiasm for research across the GLS University academic community.
The awards went beyond recognition, offering a meaningful incentive for researchers to continue exploring new ideas and contributing to their respective fields. With a total prize pool of over ₹5 lakh, recipients were awarded ₹15,000 for first position, ₹10,000 for second position and ₹5,000 for third position across the respective categories. The extensive participation reflected the dedication of faculty members and researchers who invest time, effort and intellectual rigour in developing their work.
The event was held under the leadership of President Shri Sudhir Nanavati, with the guidance of Executive Director Dr. Chandni Kapadia and Provost Dr. Dharmesh Shah, reaffirming the university’s commitment to academic excellence, research and innovation.
Delivering the presidential address, Shri Sudhir Nanavati reflected on the deeper purpose of research and the importance of moving beyond the mere availability of information. He emphasised that information becomes knowledge when it is carefully examined, analysed and refined to uncover meaningful insights. Encouraging the academic community to approach research as a continuous journey, he highlighted that learning has no final destination and that researchers must continue questioning, exploring and advancing their work.
He also expressed his appreciation for the remarkable participation, acknowledging the efforts of all nominees and researchers. He encouraged the university’s academic community to build on this momentum, enhance the quality and impact of their research, and set even higher benchmarks in the years ahead. His address reinforced the belief that the true value of research lies not only in recognition, but also in the knowledge it creates and the contribution it makes to future generations.
Shri I.M. Nanavati Research Awards thus celebrated more than academic achievements; they celebrated a growing culture of curiosity, perseverance and knowledge creation. As GLS University marks its centenary, the initiative stands as a reflection of its continuing commitment to nurturing researchers, empowering its academic community and carrying its legacy of education into the future.