New Delhi: The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) celebrated its 83rd Foundation Day with a grand ceremony that highlighted its pivotal role in India’s scientific and technological progress. Vice President of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar, delivered the keynote address, praising CSIR for its contributions to the nation’s development and global stature.
“It is CSIR’s Foundation Day, but it is integrally connected with the firm foundations of Bharat,” the Vice President remarked. He emphasized that CSIR plays a crucial role in strengthening the foundations of India’s democracy and propelling the country’s unstoppable rise on the global stage. Dhankhar described CSIR as a “Catalyst for Scientifically Imaginative Rashtra” and called for the creation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure that investments in human resources and institutions lead to impactful and authentic research.
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, also spoke at the event, underscoring the critical role CSIR plays in making India a global leader in science. He lauded the organization’s efforts in promoting women in science, driving economic growth, and ensuring that innovations benefit society at large. Dr. Singh highlighted how CSIR’s work aligns with the “Viksit Bharat @2027” vision, particularly in areas like green hydrogen technology and agricultural startups. He pointed to lavender farming in Jammu and Kashmir as a prime example of CSIR’s impact, transforming the region into a hub for agri-entrepreneurship.
Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Director General of CSIR, in her welcome address, outlined the organization’s contributions to India’s development vision for 2047. She also announced the launch of a leadership conclave to incorporate the recommendations of visionary leaders into CSIR’s roadmap.
The event featured a special lecture by Dr. K. Radhakrishnan, former Chairman of ISRO, who spoke about the importance of team excellence in Indian space research. Dr. Radhakrishnan reflected on the collaborative spirit that has driven the success of India’s space missions.
A book titled “Innovation Trailblazers: The Leadership Legacies of CSIR” was released during the event, showcasing the organization’s rich history of innovation. Winners of the CSIR Energy Saving Campaign were also felicitated, with CSIR-CGRI winning first prize, followed by CSIR-CECRI and CSIR-CSMCRI in second and third place, respectively.
This year’s celebration included the inauguration of the “Thematic Exhibition on CSIR for Viksit Bharat @2027” by Vice President Dhankhar at the National Agricultural Science Complex in New Delhi. The exhibition, part of the #OneWeekOneTheme campaign, featured various CSIR laboratories showcasing their cutting-edge technologies aimed at contributing to India’s growth as a developed nation.