Dr. Richa Agnihotri, Research Associate-III, Indo-Swiss Joint Research Project at the Centre for Sustainability and Climate Studies, Pondicherry University, was facilitated by Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor Prof. K. Tharanikkarasu on receiving the Young Scientist Award at the 9th Asian PGPR India Chapter National Conference on “The Beneficial Microbes as Integrated Approach for Sustainable Agriculture: Opportunities & Challenges”. The prestigious event was held at the Department of Botany, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, on the 29th and 30th of July 2024. The award was given by distinguished guests, including Justice Dr. P. Sathasivam, Former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of India & Former Governor of Kerala, and Thiru. S. Soundararajan, Director, Tea Board, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India.