Shri Archisman Ray Honoured with National Icon Award 2025 for Pioneering Contributions in Energy Research and Cultural Preservation

New Delhi, July 10:

In a proud celebration of scientific innovation and cultural stewardship, Shri Archisman Ray, senior researcher at IIT Kharagpur and CEO of Brand Harakutir, was conferred with the National Icon Award 2025 at a prestigious ceremony held at the Prime Minister Museum, New Delhi. The event was graced by several eminent personalities and recognized India’s most visionary changemakers across diverse fields.

This rare dual honour acknowledges Shri Ray’s outstanding efforts in two distinct yet deeply impactful domains—advanced energy research and the preservation of India’s living cultural heritage.

Driving India's Energy Future with Cutting-Edge Research

As a senior researcher in the Department of Chemical Engineering at IIT Kharagpur, Shri Archisman Ray is currently pursuing his PhD in Chemical Engineering, with a focus on solid-state battery technologies for Indian defence applications. His research is aligned with national priorities on sustainable energy security and self-reliance in defence technology.

Solid-state batteries represent a transformative leap in the field of energy storage, and Shri Ray’s work stands at the frontier of this emerging discipline. His contribution promises to bolster India’s technological edge in high-performance, safe, and scalable energy systems—especially for critical defence operations.

Custodian of a 333-Year-Old Cultural Legacy

Beyond the lab, Shri Ray wears another significant mantle—that of a cultural torchbearer. As the CEO of Brand Harakutir, he is the steward of the Harakutir Ray-Banerjee Bari Durga Puja in Kolkata, a tradition that has been celebrated continuously for over 333 years.

This historic celebration is not just a religious observance but a symbol of India’s living heritage. Under his leadership, Brand Harakutir has reimagined how ancient traditions can be preserved and promoted in the modern age. He has integrated digital outreach, cultural storytelling, and brand-building to make this historic puja accessible to new generations across the globe.

Through this initiative, Shri Ray has created a remarkable bridge between India’s spiritual legacy and its contemporary cultural identity.

A National Icon for Science, Culture, and Innovation

In recognizing Shri Archisman Ray with the National Icon Award 2025, the nation celebrates a rare individual whose journey exemplifies intellectual brilliance, cultural responsibility, and visionary leadership. He is not only shaping India’s technological future but also ensuring that its rich past continues to thrive in the collective consciousness.

His dual contributions—advancing strategic energy research and reviving historical traditions—reflect a holistic model of nation-building where science and heritage walk hand in hand.

As India looks toward a future defined by innovation and rooted in identity, Shri Archisman Ray stands as a true National Icon—a shining example of what it means to lead with both purpose and pride.