Taking science to the youth is a key focus in the current scenario. ICAR – National Research Centre for Banana (ICAR-NRCB), Tiruchirappalli, celebrated National Science Day with the theme "Empowering Indian Youth for Global Leadership in Science and Innovation for Viksit Bharat". To mark the occasion, the institute organized an ‘Open Day’, which saw an overwhelming participation of 5,150 students from various schools and colleges in and around Tiruchirappalli, along with 500 farmers and general public. The event aimed to raise awareness among young students about recent scientific advancements, particularly in agricultural research. The event was graced by Dr. V.A. Parthasarathy, Former Director of ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research, Kozhikode, as the Chief Guest, and Dr. V.G. Malathi, Retired Principal Scientist of ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, as the Guest of Honour. In his address, Dr. Parthasarathy paid tribute to eminent Indian scientists such as Dr. Sir. C. V. Raman and Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and Srinivasa Ramanujan, urging students to cultivate innovative thinking. Dr. Malathi spoke about India's scientific heritage, advancements in stem cell therapy, and the latest breakthroughs in genome editing. During the inaugural function, Dr. R. Selvarajan, Director, ICAR-NRCB, emphasized that this year’s National Science Day theme is highly relevant to shaping India's scientific future. He highlighted the contributions of Sir C.V. Raman in inspiring young minds toward scientific achievements at young age. Dr. Selvarajan emphasized the significance of the Open Day, explaining that in foreign countries, the general public is allowed to witness R&D activities on a designated day. In the same spirit, ICAR-NRCB has been organizing an Open Day every year on February 28 for the past three consecutive years. This year, with an exceptional participation of more than 5,000 visitors, the event has become a landmark program for Tiruchirappalli. As part of the celebrations, an exhibition was organized, showcasing around 60 scientific concepts for the benefit of visitors. The exhibition featured banana varietal diversity, including ICAR-NRCB-developed cultivars, popular varieties, landraces, and wild germplasm lines. Visitors were also taken to the ICAR-NRCB farm, where they explored the Common Incubation Centre (CIC), which houses five production lines of value-added banana products established under the PMFME scheme. Scientists explained the significance of banana germplasm diversity and the crucial role of the gene bank in banana breeding programs and advances in precision farming practices as live demo. Additionally, stalls featuring banana-based value-added products and various agricultural inputs were set up as part of the exhibition, further enriching the visitor's; experience. Video films showcasing ICAR-NRCB technologies were screened for students. A technical session was also conducted by NRCB scientists. Dr. Guru Aranganathan, Retired Professor of Agricultural Extension, TNAU, Trichy, delivered an expert talk and interacted with students. He highlighted that young minds have to get inspiration from renowned Scientists of India and also the stalwarts like Dr. M.S. Swaminathan and Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. The event commenced with a welcome address by Dr. M.S. Saraswathi, while Dr. C. Karpagam, Principal Scientist (Extension) and Convener of the programme, proposed the vote of thanks.