An Open Day was organised on the eve of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Platinum Jubilee Celebrations at the CSIR-Indian Institute of Petroleum, here on Monday.
The Chief Guest on the occasion was the Vice-Chancellor, Uttarakhand Technical University (UTU), Dehradun, PK Garg. He gave a lecture on waste management, one of the major issues before the country today.
The Director, CSIR-IIP Dr Anjan Ray welcomed the guests and briefed the audience about the journey of CSIR, recounting some of its major researches. He talked on a range of topics from baby food to pollution to export of wax and possibilities of better fuel, and CSIR’s role in it. He said that it is through science that social welfare is reached. Ray also praised the Vijnana Bharati organization, which searches out and chaperones the budding scientists.
Prajatantra Gangele of ‘Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA), Uttarakhand informed about contributions and efforts of the organisation. He also recalled India’s ancient scientific heritage, mentioning mathematicians like Aryabhatta among others, and the Vedic Mathematics. Gangele emphasized that the development of a country can be attained with a two-pronged approach: having a strong foothold on our culture while aspiring to evolve according to the demands of the current times. The Territory coordinator, BPCl, Uttarakhand K Raghuvanshi gave a talk on ‘Safety at Petrol Pumps and Future Developments’ on the occasion.
The function was attended by a large number of students from various local schools including various branches of Kendriya Vidyalaya, St. Kabeer Academy, Miyanwala, Govt. Girls’ Intermediate College, lakhi Bag, among others.
The laboratories of the CSIR-IIP were opened between 10:00 a.m. to 03:00 p.m. for the students of local educational institutions and the general public. It provided an opportunity for the students to have an exposure to the Research and Development work, see the exhibits of the processes and products developed and interact with the scientists of the Institute.
The CSIR was established by Union government in 1942. It hasa vast nation-wide network of research laboratories working on disciplines ranging from radio and space physics, oceanography, geophysics, chemicals, drugs, genomics, biotechnology and nano-technology to mining, aeronautics, instrumentation, environmental engineering and information technology, celebrates its Platinum Jubilee this year.