Excelsior Correspondent
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, Oct 17: Union Minister of State for Science and Technology (Independent Charge) Dr Jitendra Singh today unveiled “Pavana Chitra”, India’s first “Airport indoor Air Quality monitoring” facility at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport.
The off-grid air quality monitor is self-powered by indigenous indoor solar cells developed by CSIR-NIIST, crafted from locally available materials.
While addressing 300 SC/ST farmers and artisans meet who are beneficiaries of different projects spearheaded by Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council-Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (BRIC-RGCB) and Swadeshi Science Movement-Kerala (SSM-K) in an event later, at Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology campus, Thiruvananthapuram, the Union Minister said that time has come for India to lead in the biotechnology sector.
The Union Minister said that India is now preparing for the next industrial revolution, and initiatives like Bio E3 policy will help for that. It is time for India to rise globally with primary emphasis given to biotechnology, space, agriculture sectors. Dr. Jitendra Singh further said that it is time to creatively think how to add value for the products cultivated by our farmers. Union Minister also described Thiruvananthapuram as the science capital of India.
The Union Minister, while attending the event, released two books published as part of Science Heritage Project. The Minister also launched six community projects under the Tribal Heritage Project of BRIC-RGCB and felicitated award winning farmers in the event. RGCB Director Chandrabhas Narayan, who presided over the function, handed over a memento to the Union Minister.
Former Union Minister of State for External Affairs V.Maraleedharan, VSSC Director, Dr. S Unnikrishnan, CSIR- NIIST Director C. Anandharamakrishnan, Swadeshi Science Movement-Kerala (SSM-K) President Sri.K Muraleedharan, Swadeshi Science Movement-Kerala (SSM-K) Secretary, Rajeev C Nair, were also present.
Meanwhile, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology (Independent Charge) Dr. Jitendra Singh said that India will be transformed into a science and technology driven global biomanufacturing hub.
The Minister was speaking after inaugurating the CSIR-NIIST Golden Jubilee celebrations and Milestone Observation Program at CSIR-NIIST campus, Thiruvananthapuram. The Union Minister also added that the country should have a global vision about biochemical manufacturing and global strategies should be devised for this.
Dr Jitendra Singh said that sustainability and e-waste management has been a strong tenet in all the initiatives of the Central Government, citing the example of a self-powered indoor Air Quality Monitor that he had unveiled at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport earlier today.
Dr Jitendra Singh further added that fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship through startups and incubators falls under the top priorities of the Central Government.
Union Minister mentioned that Central Government is promoting public private partnership, and urged CSIR-NIIST to follow the path. Minister also called upon the institute to bring forth new innovations that are useful for the non-scientific community as well.
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh released CSIR-NIIST golden jubilee year book and stamp, as part of the event. The Minister also inaugurated the Centre of Excellence in Performance Chemicals and Sustainable Polymers and laid the foundation stone for Centre of Excellence in Ayurveda Research.
As part of the event, Dr. C. Anandharamakrishnan, Director, CSIR-NIIST gave a presentation before the Union Minister about the achievements of CSIR-NIIST in the past fifty years. Union Minister also facilitated exchange of MoU and technology transfer between NIIST and various technological institutions across the country. Dr. Jitendra Singh, while attending the event, inaugurated Exhibition Area (NIIST Showcase), gold testing and hallmark facility and startup expo at NIIST campus. Prior to the event, the Minister planted a sapling in the campus as part of the Plant4Mother campaign.
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