Lucknow: The two-day Summer Plant Science Festival (SPSF) concluded on a high note at CSIR–National Botanical Research Institute, marking a vibrant celebration of scientific curiosity, innovation, and research excellence. The closing ceremony was graced by Ashok Chakra awardee Shubhanshu Shukla, who delivered an inspiring address urging young researchers to dream beyond limits.
The festival witnessed enthusiastic participation from nearly 200 research scholars who took part in a range of scientific competitions, including digital photography, oral presentations, and poster sessions. During the valedictory function, a detailed report of the festival activities was presented by the institute’s researchers, highlighting the diverse academic engagements over the two days.
Welcoming the dignitaries earlier, NBRI Director Dr. Ajit Kumar Shasany emphasised that research scholars form the backbone of any scientific institution. He encouraged them to pursue innovative and transformative research that can contribute meaningfully to national development.
In his keynote address, Group Captain Shukla captivated the audience by sharing his experiences from space, including his visit to the International Space Station. Reflecting on the breathtaking view of Earth from space, he stressed the need to understand and preserve the planet’s significance. He also spoke about experiments conducted in microgravity, particularly research on microalgae, explaining how the absence of gravity alters even the simplest tasks.
Highlighting the broader purpose of science, he said research must be aligned with solving real-world problems faced by society. He called for making science more engaging to foster curiosity among the younger generation and nurture a scientific temperament. “There should be no limits to the sky—not for me, not for you, and not for India,” he remarked, inspiring participants to aim higher in their pursuits.
The chief guest also distributed prizes to winners of various competitions, recognising their outstanding contributions.
The day began with a meditation session held at the central lawn of the institute’s botanical garden, aimed at enhancing mental well-being and focus among researchers. The session was conducted by Rajneesh Mishra from the Complete Cure Healing and Meditation Institute, who introduced participants to mindfulness techniques to boost creativity and scientific efficiency.
The festival concluded with a vote of thanks by the research scholars, bringing an end to a successful and enriching scientific event.
