In a compelling effort to inspire the next generation of agricultural scientists and mark a decade of academic excellence, the Training and Education Centre, ICAR-IVRI, Pune, organized a motivational webinar titled “Sowing Seeds of Service: The Agricultural Research Service for Nation Building” on 20th June 2025. The event, held through an online Zoom platform, was part of the 10-year celebrations of TECIVRI, Pune and was strategically aimed at igniting the spirit of national service among aspirants preparing for the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Examination 2025.
The webinar drew an overwhelming response, with 716 candidates from 18 Indian states and union territories registering for the session, of which 214 participated actively. These young minds represented a diverse cross-section of disciplines across agricultural and allied sciences, all united by a shared ambition to contribute meaningfully to India’s agricultural progress through research and innovation. The session began with a formal address by Dr Kiran Bhilegaonkar, Station In-charge, TEC Pune. He warmly welcomed the participants and shared a comprehensive overview of TEC Pune’s contributions over the past decade in training, education, and outreach across India’s livestock and agriculture sectors. Drawing from his own journey as an ARS officer, Dr Bhilegaonkar emphasized the life-transforming potential of the ARS examination, portraying it as not merely a career gateway but a golden opportunity to serve the nation through science. He urged the aspirants to stay focused and dedicate consistent quality time to their preparation, underlining that joining ARS is a proud and noble way to serve “Annadata” – the Indian farmer.
The keynote motivational address was delivered by Dr Amol Bhalerao, Scientist at TEC Pune, who served as the main resource person for the event. His powerful and inspiring session left a lasting impression on the attendees. Dr Bhalerao eloquently contextualized the importance of the ARS in light of current global challenges in food security, climate change, and sustainable agriculture, reminding participants that science is a form of service, and scientists are warriors too—not with bullets, but with breakthroughs. He passionately called upon the young minds to consider ARS not just as a job, but as a mission to empower farmers, innovate for sustainability, and contribute to the national interest. With thought-provoking examples and nationalistic fervor, he ignited the audience’s enthusiasm, presenting the ARS as a launchpad for those who wish to make a tangible difference in the lives of India’s 1.4 billion people through agricultural science. His address was a resounding call to reimagine science as a patriotic responsibility and to work hard with sincerity, strategy, and determination to earn the badge of an ARS scientist.
Following the keynote, a highly interactive question-and-answer session was held, during which numerous queries were raised by the aspirants. Dr Bhalerao, with his expertise and familiarity with the examination process, offered practical insights, smart preparation strategies, resource suggestions, and motivational tips to help candidates overcome challenges and maintain momentum in their ARS journey. The session reflected not only the intellectual curiosity of the participants but also their earnest desire to rise to the expectations of the nation.
Overall, the webinar was intellectually invigorating experience, meticulously crafted to motivate, guide, and energize the aspirants of ARS-2025. It not only provided academic direction but also instilled in them a deeper understanding of the larger purpose and responsibility that comes with becoming a scientist in the Agricultural Research Service.
The event truly fulfilled its aim of sowing seeds of service in the minds of India’s young researchers, encouraging them to take confident strides toward building a resilient and self-reliant agricultural future for the nation. Finally, the webinar was ended with the vote of thanks.
https://www.ivri.nic.in/News/News_Webinar_on_Sowing_Seeds-_ARS.pdf
