Dr. Nivedita Das: Where Science, Sustainability, and Service Converge
“Simple living, high thinking—dream big, work hard, and you are bound to achieve.”
Personal Insight: A Mind Shaped by Curiosity and Commitment
Dr. Nivedita Das, Assistant Professor of Biotechnology at Progressive Education Society’s Modern College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Ganeshkhind, Pune, did not arrive at science by chance. As she grew up in an Army family and originally from Odisha, most of her childhood involved consistent shifting's from one city to another . New cities, new schools, new people every single journey silently taught her adaptability and respect for each other differences.
Since beginning Science always fascinated her at in early times, not merely as a subject to score marks in, but as a way to understand how life works and how problems can be solved thoughtfully. Even as a student, she imagined herself in classrooms—not just teaching facts, but helping young minds think clearly, responsibly, and independently.Her guiding belief, “Simple living, high thinking—dream big, work hard, and you are bound to achieve,” continues to shape how she approaches both work and life.Roots, Role Models, and the Power of Support
Dr. Das credits her parents for laying the foundation of her values. Her late mother, Sulata Patnaik, exemplified quiet resilience, while her late father, A.C.C. Patnaik, believed firmly in discipline and excellence. Their principles continue to influence her decisions long after their passing. Along with her parents her Husband has also been his strongest pillar, Debiprasad Das, her daughter, Divya Das, and extended family members who stood by her during challenging stages . She speaks heartly of her colleagues, mentors, and students, acknowledging each of them that no meaningful journey is ever meant to be walked alone. Today, as a mentor to several student-led startups, she takes pride in standing beside young innovators—not ahead of them, but with them.
Challenges That Refined Purpose
Dr. Das’s journey, like most real ones, was not without strain. While pursuing her PhD, she frequently travelled between Pune and Bhubaneswar in between noth of this she used to balance her academics along with her family but these long distance research plan really tested her patience.
Along with that pandemic introduced a new challenge altogether. Overnight, classrooms turned virtual, sudden change in new teaching methods drastically impacted studies and patience from both educators and students. Throughout all such new adaptions guidance from mentors such as Prof. Sushil Dutta and Prof. Dr. Pravati Mahapatra provided direction and reassurance. These experiences reinforced her belief that challenges, when faced honestly, sharpen focus and deepen commitment.Achievements with Impact Beyond the Laboratory
One of Dr. Das’s one of the most sustainable contribution is her 2024 patent, “A Method for Sustainable Gelatine Production from Fish Bio-Waste and Thereof.” This research addresses two urgent global concerns—environmental waste and sustainable resource use. By extracting gelatin from fish waste materials like scales, bones, and fins, her work presents a practical solution with applications across food, industrial, and renewable sectors. This unique idea took scaling shape over four years of dedicated research and gained momentum during the lockdown, when she decided to act on an observation she had carried for years. With more enthusiasm from her institution and Principal Dr. Sanjay Kharat, and insights drawn from aquaculture science, the project evolved into a scalable and environmentally responsible innovation. For Dr. Das, the patent is not just a scientific milestone—it represents science placed in service of society.
Values That Guide Every Endeavor
Excellence, integrity, and responsibility guide Dr. Das’s professional life. She believes education should create thoughtful individuals, not just skilled professionals. Transparency in research, honesty in leadership, and empathy in mentorship define how she works with students and colleagues alike.Family values remain central to her worldview.Achievements, she believes, hold meaning only when grounded in humility and gratitude. She often reminds her students that real success lies in lifting others and creating opportunities for collective growth.
Recognition Earned Through Consistency and Care
With more than 23 years of teaching and research experience, Dr. Das has authored academic books, published widely in national and international journals, and contributed to interdisciplinary platforms. Her recognitions include the Stree Shakti award and several honours for excellence in education. Adding to these recognitions, she was also conferred the Swami Vivekananda Award 2026, acknowledging her sustained contribution to education, research, and societal development
She serves as an Advisory Board Member at Suvidha LifeSciences and Whietchasm Consulting and is a co-founder of Agrosprinkle Pvt. Ltd., a women-led startup aligned with the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Her research has also been presented at global forums, including the World Congress on Disaster Management, where she spoke on microplastics and their impact on fisheries.
Impact and Vision: Science in Service of Society
Dr. Das’s work extends well beyond classrooms and laboratories. As President of the Inner Wheel Club of Pune Imperial, she leads initiatives focused on women’s health, education, and youth empowerment. Programs such as cervical vaccination awareness drives, domestic violence sensitisation under the Orange the World campaign, and the creation of a STEM Lab for underprivileged students reflect her belief that knowledge must translate into action.
The STEM Lab—equipped with tools in AI, robotics, and eco-engineering—aims to ignite curiosity among students from economically weaker backgrounds. The initiative has received international recognition within the Inner Wheel network, reaffirming the power of community-driven science education.
Looking Ahead in future
While looking to the future, Dr. Das wishes to see sustainable research has significantly impacted integrated role in policy making and collective development.
As she explains that research paper are just numbers and solely for publications, but for her it really means how many people lives have significantly influenced through education, dedication and reflection.
A Thought to Carry Forward
A quote by Martin Luther King Jr. resonates deeply with Dr. Das: “The time is always right to do what is right.” It reflects how she lives and works. She spreads a meaningful message to all women to trust your will and think smartly while making choices. Perseverance and integrity remains most accurate tools for not only shaping each one of you but more than just sustainable universe.
