Lucknow: Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Director General of CSIR and Secretary, DSIR, Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India, visited CSIR–National Botanical Research Institute (CSIR-NBRI), Lucknow, to participate in a series of scientific, cultural, and technological initiatives under the theme “Science for Sustainability: Deity, Devotee, Discovery & Documentation (2S–4D)”.
The visit began at Mankameshwar Mandir, where Dr. Kalaiselvi dedicated the Shiv Bhabhut Making Facility, integrating traditional knowledge with scientific validation. This initiative, part of the Temple Circular Economy, converts sacred floral offerings into Shiv Bhabhut using indigenous technology. The product is scientifically tested and safe for use, ensuring spiritual sanctity and sustainability. It has already been implemented successfully at Kashi Vishwanath Temple, returning processed Bhabhut to devotees as Prasad. Dr. Kalaiselvi lauded CSIR-NBRI for its multidisciplinary approach, emphasizing women-centric skill development, livelihood generation, and sustainable bioresource use.
At the Maharishi Parashar Bioresource Centre, Banthra, Dr. Kalaiselvi inaugurated thematic botanical gardens: Bha(I)RaV Enclave (State Plants of India Garden) and ViBhav Enclave (Threatened Plants of India Garden). The gardens combine living plant displays with QR-based digital information, offering interactive learning on plant diversity, conservation status, and taxonomy. She also participated in a plantation programme, promoting conservation values.
The institute also highlighted technology transfers for societal applications:
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Samriddhi, an anacardic acid–based bio-stimulant, enhances cotton yield by 10–15%, potentially increasing farmer income, now transferred to Coromandel International Ltd.
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A herbal supplement for male reproductive health, validated in lab and in-vivo studies, has been transferred to Himalaya Wellness, Bengaluru.
A landmark development during the visit was the AI and QR-based digitization of the LWG Herbarium, India’s largest collection with over 2.25 lakh specimens. The DRONA system enables rapid recognition, organization, and retrieval of specimens, modernizing botanical research infrastructure.
Addressing attendees, Dr. Kalaiselvi emphasized harmonizing science, sustainability, culture, and technology to meet societal challenges. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Devendra Singh, reaffirming CSIR-NBRI’s commitment to innovation, conservation, and sustainable development.
