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Three PARAM Rudra supercomputers, valued at approximately Rs 130 crore (US$ 15.6 million), were dedicated to the nation. Developed indigenously under the National Supercomputing Mission (NSM), these supercomputers have been installed in Pune, Delhi, and Kolkata to advance innovative scientific research.
Additionally, a High-Performance Computing (HPC) system specifically designed for weather and climate research was inaugurated. The PARAM Rudra supercomputer at the S.N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences (SNBNCBS) in Kolkata represents a significant boost to the nation’s high-performance computing capabilities.
This cutting-edge facility aims to support around 10-12 institutions and thousands of researchers in the Eastern Region, signifying an important milestone in India’s scientific progress.
The PARAM Rudra supercomputers will enhance research in various fields, including advanced materials, high-energy physics, earth sciences, and cosmology. This initiative aligns with India’s broader goals of becoming a global leader in technology and innovation.
The PARAM Rudra supercomputer is equipped with an impressive computational capability of 838 teraflops (TFLOPS), which will significantly expedite complex calculations and simulations. This advancement will enable institutions like the Bose Institute, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics (SINP), the Indian Institute of Chemical Biology (IICB), and the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Kolkata to collaborate more effectively. The enhanced computing power will help researchers solve intricate scientific problems more rapidly, thus accelerating the pace of discovery and innovation.
In the realm of materials science, PARAM Rudra will support high-throughput computational materials design, which will facilitate the rapid discovery and development of new materials. In earth sciences, it will enable advanced computational modelling of Earth and planetary materials, integrating first-principles calculations with experimental techniques such as Laser Heated Diamond Anvil Cell (LHDAC).
Moreover, in biological sciences, machine learning applications will be harnessed to study biomolecular functions, thereby aiding in understanding diseases and developing new treatments.
The supercomputer will also play a crucial role in high-energy astrophysics research, enabling scientists to conduct advanced calculations related to the fundamental properties of matter and the universe. By providing insights into non-equilibrium properties of strongly interacting matter, researchers can better understand phenomena studied in experiments at CERN and model the universe’s structure and dynamics, including the interaction of gravitational waves and high-energy photons.
Beyond academic research, the PARAM Rudra supercomputer is poised to have a tangible impact on various sectors, including disaster management and economic growth. As highlighted by Prime Minister Modi, such advanced computing technologies will not only position India competitively in global arenas like space exploration and semiconductor manufacturing but will also enhance the ease of doing business and contribute to Industry 4.0.
The PARAM Rudra supercomputer will also improve India’s capabilities in predicting weather and climate-related phenomena, reinforcing its commitment to scientific research that directly benefits society. This initiative reflects India’s dedication to self-reliance in high-performance computing, ensuring that the scientific community has access to cutting-edge tools necessary for innovation and global contributions.
India has emerged as a global leader in supercomputing, exemplified by its advanced AI supercomputers and a commitment to expanding high-performance computing capabilities. In 2023, it established itself as a frontrunner in supercomputing with its AI supercomputer AIRAWAT, ranked 75th globally. Developed by C-DAC under the National Programme on AI, AIRAWAT highlights India’s strong AI ecosystem, leveraging abundant data and skilled talent.
The inauguration of PARAM Rudra marks a significant milestone in India’s scientific journey, highlighting the critical role that advanced computing capabilities will play in fostering research, driving economic development, and improving the quality of life for citizens across the nation. As India continues to prioritise technological advancements, the PARAM Rudra series will be instrumental in shaping the future of science and industry in the country.
