Lucknow: The CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute (CSIR-NBRI), Lucknow, celebrated the 85th CSIR Foundation Day with enthusiasm and institutional pride at the Lotus Auditorium, K.N. Kaul Block, CSIR-NBRI.
The celebration commemorated the foundation of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and provided an opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of its scientific and technical community towards research, innovation and national development.
Dr. Kanad Das, Director, Botanical Survey of India, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. The programme was attended by scientists, research scholars, technical and administrative staff and other members of the CSIR-NBRI fraternity.
Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director, CSIR-NBRI, delivered the welcome address and extended a warm welcome to the Chief Guest and all members of the institute. In his address, he highlighted the significance of the 85th CSIR Foundation Day and the important role of CSIR in strengthening the country’s scientific and technological capabilities. He further said that the CSIR with 37 institutions , 39 outreach centres, 1 innovation complex and 5 Units carries huge IP wealth of the country with about 3200 live patents and more than 900 technologies commercialised.
He also highlighted the contributions of CSIR-NBRI in the core botanical research, plant conservation, innovation with strong industrial connect and the development of science-based solutions for societal benefit.
Dr. Sharad K. Srivastava, Scientist-G, CSIR-NBRI, presented an overview of the programme and introduced the Chief Guest.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Kanad Das congratulated CSIR-NBRI and the entire CSIR fraternity on the occasion of the 85th CSIR Foundation Day.
In his address, he spoke about the rich diversity of fungi and their immense scientific and ecological significance, emphasising the need for greater exploration, documentation and understanding of microbial and biological diversity.
He highlighted the importance of such studies in deepening our understanding of ecosystems and biodiversity.
Dr. Das particularly appreciated the Botanic Garden of CSIR-NBRI for its rich collection and its role in conserving, showcasing and creating awareness about plant diversity.
He also appreciated the Herbarium of the institute, recognising it as a valuable repository of documented plant specimens and scientific information. He expressed his appreciation for the exposition and displays showcasing the institute’s botanical wealth, research activities and scientific achievements, noting their important role in connecting scientific research with students, researchers and the wider public.
He also congratulated the winners of the painting and essay competitions and appreciated their enthusiasm, creativity and participation. Commending the efforts of CSIR-NBRI in promoting scientific awareness and engagement, he encouraged the institute community to continue strengthening its contributions towards biodiversity research, conservation, scientific documentation and dissemination of knowledge.
A major highlight of the celebration was the felicitation of members of the CSIR-NBRI community for their dedicated and long-standing service. Nine employees who retired from the institute during the last year and eight employees who completed 25 years of service were felicitated by the dignitaries. The felicitation recognised their valuable contributions, commitment and sustained association with the institute.
The winners of the painting and essay competitions organised as part of the Foundation Day celebrations were also felicitated. Prizes and certificates were presented to the winners in recognition of their creativity, enthusiasm and active participation.
The celebration also witnessed the felicitation of AcSIR research scholars Mr. Dilip Kumar Maurya and Ms. Monalisa, whose artworks were selected for the prestigious Sci-Art Exhibition organised as part of the 85th CSIR Foundation Day Celebrations at the NASC Complex, New Delhi, on 25 September 2026.
Dilip Kumar Maurya’s artwork, “Nobel Laureate Dr. Jennifer Doudna: The Face of Genome Editing,” and Ms. Monalisa’s artwork, “Expression,” were selected for the national-level exhibition. Their recognition brought distinction to CSIR-NBRI and highlighted the creative talent of its research scholars, reflecting the inspiring convergence of science and art.
The Chief Guest also interacted with senior scientists of the institute and appreciated the efforts of CSIR-NBRI in advancing botanical science and contributing to the larger objectives of CSIR.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Dr. S.V. Sawant, who expressed gratitude to the Chief Guest, Director, dignitaries, employees and all those involved in organising the celebration.
The 85th CSIR Foundation Day celebration provided an occasion for the CSIR-NBRI fraternity to reflect on the rich legacy of CSIR, acknowledge the contributions of its members and reaffirm its commitment to excellence in scientific research, innovation, biodiversity conservation and societal outreach. The celebration concluded on a note of pride and renewed commitment towards advancing science and translating scientific knowledge into meaningful contributions for society.
