The Business Bytes
New Delhi, October 17, 2024 (TBB Bureau): India is on course to becoming a global biomanufacturing hub driven by cutting-edge science and technology, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, sai on thursday.
Addressing the Golden Jubilee celebrations and Milestone Observation Program at the CSIR-NIIST campus in Thiruvananthapuram, Dr. Singh emphasized the need for India to adopt a global vision for biochemical manufacturing and strategize accordingly to take a leadership role in the sector.
During his speech, the Union Minister highlighted the importance of sustainability in all central government initiatives, referencing the self-powered indoor air quality monitor he unveiled earlier today at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport. He pointed out that the government’s focus on sustainability and e-waste management would play a pivotal role in supporting India’s push toward biomanufacturing excellence.
Dr. Singh also underscored the government’s commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly through startups and incubators. He reiterated that creating a culture of innovation and promoting public-private partnerships are among the top priorities of the central government. “CSIR-NIIST must follow this path and bring forth innovations that can benefit not only the scientific community but also the broader public,” Dr. Singh urged.
As part of the Golden Jubilee event, the Union Minister inaugurated the Centre of Excellence in Performance Chemicals and Sustainable Polymers and laid the foundation stone for the Centre of Excellence in Ayurveda Research. The event also saw the release of a commemorative CSIR-NIIST golden jubilee yearbook and a stamp by Dr. Singh.
Dr. C. Anandharamakrishnan, Director of CSIR-NIIST, delivered a presentation on the institute’s significant achievements over the past 50 years. In recognition of these milestones, several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and technology transfers were exchanged between NIIST and various technological institutions across the country.
In addition, the Minister inaugurated the NIIST Showcase exhibition area, a gold testing and hallmark facility, and a startup expo at the NIIST campus. Dr. Singh also participated in the “Plant4Mother” campaign by planting a sapling on the campus, symbolizing the government’s dedication to environmental conservation.
The event was presided over by Dr. C. Anandharamakrishnan, while Dr. Sanjay Behari, Director of Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST), attended as the Guest of Honour. Also present were Dr. K. V. Radhakrishnan and Dr. P. Nishy, both Chief Scientists at CSIR-NIIST.
Dr. Anandharamakrishnan extended a token of gratitude to the Union Minister on behalf of the institution, marking the culmination of a momentous celebration of CSIR-NIIST’s five-decade legacy of scientific excellence and innovation.
