Thiruvananthapuram: In a significant step towards improving indoor air quality monitoring in India, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology (Independent Charge), Dr. Jitendra Singh, today inaugurated the country’s first self-powered indoor air quality monitoring facility, Pavana Chitra, at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport. This off-grid air quality monitor operates on indigenous indoor solar cells, developed by CSIR-NIIST using locally sourced materials, showcasing India’s commitment to innovative and sustainable technology.
Later, addressing a gathering of 300 SC/ST farmers and artisans at the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB) in Thiruvananthapuram, Dr. Singh emphasized the importance of biotechnology as a key driver for India’s growth in the coming decades. The event, organized by Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC-RGCB) in collaboration with the Swadeshi Science Movement-Kerala (SSM-K), highlighted the government’s focus on uplifting marginalized communities through biotechnology projects.
“India is gearing up for the next industrial revolution, with biotechnology, space, and agriculture at the forefront,” said Dr. Singh. He stressed the need for innovative solutions to add value to agricultural products, positioning India as a global leader in biotechnology.
During the event, Dr. Singh described Thiruvananthapuram as the “science capital of India,” lauding its contributions to space, biotechnology, and scientific research. He also referenced the Bio E3 policy, a government initiative aimed at propelling India into the next era of industrial innovation.
Dr. Singh also launched six community projects under the Tribal Heritage Project of BRIC-RGCB, aimed at promoting the traditional knowledge and skills of tribal communities. Additionally, the Union Minister released two books published as part of the Science Heritage Project and felicitated award-winning farmers for their innovative contributions to agriculture.
The event, presided over by RGCB Director Chandrabhas Narayan, saw the presence of notable dignitaries, including former Union Minister of State for External Affairs V. Muraleedharan, VSSC Director Dr. S. Unnikrishnan, CSIR-NIIST Director C. Anandharamakrishnan, and leaders from the Swadeshi Science Movement-Kerala, President K. Muraleedharan and Secretary Rajeev C. Nair.
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