CSIR–IITR celebrates its 62nd Foundation Day
Lucknow: The growing environmental challenges of climate change, pollution and loss of biodiversity underline the need for stronger scientific interventions to protect human health and the environment. Highlighting the critical role of toxicology in addressing these challenges, Dr Jayakara S M, Director General, Padmashree Group of Institutions and former Vice Chancellor of Bangalore University, said that toxicology helps identify and understand threats that often remain unseen but can have serious consequences for living systems.
Delivering the 30th Professor Sibte Hasan Zaidi Oration during the 62nd Foundation Day celebrations of CSIR–Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (CSIR-IITR), Lucknow, Dr Jayakara referred to the triple environmental crisis of climate change, pollution and loss of nature, identified in a recent World Bank survey. He observed that these interconnected challenges are reversing development gains in some countries and slowing progress in others. He also highlighted how, since ancient times, mankind has explored the use of poisonous substances in small quantities, seeking to develop resistance to certain toxins while navigating the fine balance between therapeutic benefits and toxicity.
The Foundation Day celebrations brought together distinguished representatives from government, academia, industry, policymaking institutions and the startup ecosystem. Dr (Mrs.) N. Kalaiselvi, Director General, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and Secretary, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), Government of India, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.
In her presidential address, Dr Kalaiselvi congratulated the Institute on completing 62 years and called upon its scientists, industry partners and academic collaborators to renew their commitment to the service of the nation. She observed that the newly dedicated facilities in Microbiology and Skill Development would add significant value to the Institute’s research and institutional output. She also released the Institute’s Annual Report and Coffee Table Book and launched the ePARAM and PRAGATI portals.
Sri Anant Kumar Hegde, Founder and CMD, Kadamba Group of Organizations, Bengaluru, and former Union Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, attended as Guest of Eminence. He released the Institute’s Technology Compendium and the AIMFIN Logo. He also reiterated his organisation’s commitment to research and development.
Another Guest of Eminence, Sri Hemant Patil, Cabinet Minister, Government of Maharashtra and Chairman, Balasaheb Thackeray Haridra (Turmeric) Research and Training Center, Hingoli, released the Hindi Implementation Handbook and Vishvigyan Sandesh, which presents scientific progress in the national language. Appreciating the dedication of the scientific community in serving the nation, he observed that every rupee invested in science and technology strengthens the country’s future.
Distinguished Guest Prof. Javed Iqbal, Chairman, Research Council, CSIR-IITR, former Director, CSIR-NIIST and Chairman, Incor Life Sciences, Hyderabad, released institutional publications and formalised the iDTRiP MoUs and transfer of the SCoPE Kit. He observed that CSIR has been at the forefront of science and technology for decades and that the time has come to leverage this strength to drive technological innovation.
Guest of Honour Sri Dwijendra Mathur, Director, Fare Labs Pvt. Ltd., released the PTP RMP Conclave Circular. Highlighting the importance of developing Certified Reference Materials (CRMs), he said that this achievement would help save valuable foreign exchange while advancing the objectives of the Make in India initiative.
As part of its efforts to strengthen institutional and academic partnerships, CSIR-IITR also exchanged Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies, Medanta Group of Hospitals, and JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysuru.
The Foundation Day programme also recognised the outstanding contributions of the Institute’s employees and research scholars. Awards were presented in the categories of Young Employee of the Year, Research Scholar of the Year, Employee of the Year, Technical Staff of the Year, Best Research Publication and Young Scientist of the Year.
The programme culminated with a display of the extra-curricular skills of research scholars and scientific staff of the institute in a cultural programme organized on the occasion.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=RtToJsBhYBatUrym&v=mOuYNSdhjHA&feature=youtu.be
