In a momentous celebration marking the centenary of Satyendra Nath Bose’s groundbreaking contributions to quantum mechanics, distinguished scientists and scientific administrators from around the world gathered at the International Conference on Photonics, Quantum Information, and Quantum Communication. The event, organized by the S. N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences, kicked off a yearlong celebration, reflecting on Bose’s revolutionary work that paved the way for the Second Quantum Revolution.
Professor Ajay Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, inaugurated the 5-day conference by highlighting the current quantum landscape. He underscored the closing gap between fundamental science and technological intervention, emphasizing a substantial global investment of 750 million USD in areas such as quantum sensing, satellite-based quantum communications, and post-quantum cryptography.
Sood pointed out that 23 countries, including India, have established National Quantum Missions (NQM). He envisioned a global collaboration in quantum science and technology, with India playing a crucial role, especially in quantum algorithms.
The Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology, Prof. Abhay Karandikar, emphasized the NQM’s potential for international collaboration. He outlined the establishment of four mission hubs across the country, bringing together technical experts in a consortium mode. Karandikar encouraged students, experts, and startups to contribute significantly to the NQM, fostering an ecosystem that accelerates progress.
The Anusandhan National Research Foundation’s role in creating a conducive research atmosphere was also highlighted. This foundation, coupled with the mission hubs, aims to propel India into the forefront of global quantum research.
Prof. Tanusri Saha-Dasgupta, Director of S.N. Bose National Centre, reflected on Satyendranath Bose’s seminal paper, published in 1924. Bose’s collaboration with Einstein resulted in the development of Bose-Einstein statistics and the Bose-Einstein condensate, laying the foundation for modern quantum technologies.
The yearlong celebration will feature three International Conferences and numerous Outreach Programmes, providing a platform for experts and Nobel laureates to exchange ideas and inspire the next generation. Bose’s enduring legacy, honored by the S. N. Bose National Centre, continues to drive advancements in theoretical physics, quantum technologies, and the popularization of science.
As the world stands on the cusp of the Second Quantum Revolution, Bose’s work remains a guiding light, propelling scientific inquiry and collaboration to unprecedented heights.