Lucknow — The National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI) in Lucknow celebrated National Technology Day with a strong emphasis on cleanliness, environmental awareness, and sustainable living. The event also marked the conclusion of the “Swachhata Pakhwada” campaign, which was organized between May 1 and 15 to promote environmental responsibility among scientists, staff, and research scholars.
Ritu Suhas, IAS, Special Secretary, Urban Development Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh, was the chief guest for the closing ceremony. In her address, she highlighted the importance of behavioural change and community participation in achieving the dream of a clean and green India. She praised the institute’s research work in the field of environmental science and pollution diagnostics.
Ritu Suhas further added that the Urban Development Department is collaborating with NBRI to utilize its scientific technologies for effective waste disposal and management. “We are also working on identifying high-temperature zones in Lucknow city and developing tree plantation strategies to counter extreme heat conditions,” she noted.
Dr. A.K. Shasni, Director of NBRI, expressed his gratitude to all participants and reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to the Swachh Bharat Mission through ongoing research, education, and outreach programs. “NBRI is dedicated to making the environment cleaner and healthier through innovation, collaboration, and community engagement,” he said.
The fortnight-long campaign featured several initiatives including cleanliness drives, awareness campaigns, tree plantation activities, and workshops on waste management. These activities witnessed active participation from staff, researchers, school children, and local residents—demonstrating a strong sense of collective responsibility and civic duty.
Children of NBRI staff also took part in drawing and essay competitions, and the winners were felicitated during the event.
As part of the National Technology Day celebrations, the institute organized an “Open Day”, allowing the public and students to explore NBRI’s laboratories, botanical gardens, herbarium, remote research centres, and the Bantaha Plant House. More than 1,000 students from 15 schools and colleges from Lucknow and neighbouring districts visited and interacted with the scientists.
Experts provided insights into the institute’s research and development initiatives, showcasing innovations and achievements in various scientific domains.
National Technology Day is celebrated across India on May 11 to commemorate the successful Pokhran nuclear tests conducted in 1998. On the same day, the indigenously developed Hansa-3 aircraft was flight-tested in Bengaluru, and the Trishul missile was successfully test-fired — making it a historic day in India’s technological journey.
Through its multi-faceted celebrations, NBRI has not only honoured this important national milestone but also reinforced its scientific and environmental mission for a better, cleaner future.
