Lucknow: CSIR–Central Drug Research Institute (CSIR-CDRI), Lucknow, organized an Open Day on the occasion of the 85th CSIR Foundation Day, providing school and college students an opportunity to explore the world of science, research and innovation.
The Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), established on 26 September 1942, is one of India’s premier scientific research organizations, comprising 37 national laboratories and institutes across the country. As part of the Foundation Day celebrations, CSIR-CDRI opened its research facilities to young learners with the objective of nurturing scientific curiosity and encouraging students to consider careers in science and research.
The Open Day witnessed enthusiastic participation of approximately 1,200 students and more than 50 teachers from 32 schools and colleges from Lucknow, Sitapur, Barabanki, Kanpur and Unnao.
The programme featured a range of interactive activities, including science model, quiz and Hindi extempore competitions, exhibitions, laboratory visits, interactions with scientists and hands-on experiments. These activities provided students with an opportunity to experience scientific research beyond the classroom and understand its relevance to society.
In the Science Model Competition, Anubhav Kumar and Ayush Kumar of Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey UP Sainik School, Sarojini Nagar, Lucknow, secured the first position. Sreha Kumari and Chandni of PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya, AMC, Lucknow, secured the second position, while Aryaveer Singh and Sujal Singh of Amity International School, Viraj Khand-5, Lucknow, secured the third position. Consolation prizes were awarded to teams from Lucknow Public School, Anand Nagar; Vedam World School, Lucknow; and PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya, CRPF, Bijnor, Lucknow.
In the Quiz Competition, Riya Yadav and Vatsal Sharma from Amity International School Vrindavan Yojana, Lucknow secured the first position. Akshara Kumari Ojha and Arohi Kumari of PM Shri Kendriya Vidyalaya, CRPF, Bijnor, Lucknow, secured the second position, while Harsh Rana and Yashashwin Singh Yadav from Amity International (Viraj Khand-5), Lucknow, secured the third position.
In the Hindi Extempore competition, Mandvi Narayan and Shree Singh of Seth M R Jaipuriya School, Bansal Campus, Lucknow got the first position, Swastika and Devanshi from PM Shri Kendriya Vidyalaya, AMC, Lucknow secured second position and Anshuman Singh and Lakshya Twari from Lucknow Public School, Anand Nagar, Lucknow got the third prize. Consolation prizes were given to the team of Modern Academy and Amity International School Vrindavan Yojana, Lucknow.
The exhibitions and laboratory visits offered students a glimpse of CSIR-CDRI’s contributions to drug discovery, healthcare and scientific research. Interactions with scientists enabled students to learn about ongoing research, scientific careers and the journey from scientific inquiry to societal applications. Hands-on experiments further encouraged learning through observation and experimentation.
The Open Day reinforced CSIR-CDRI’s commitment to promoting scientific temper, curiosity and innovation among young minds and strengthening engagement between scientific institutions and the student community.
