One Week One Theme Vigyan Rath Flagged off at CSIR-IMMT

By Our Correspondent

Bhubaneswar, Feb  15 : CSIR-Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (IMMT), Bhubaneswar flagged of the Vigyan Rath, designed to popularize one week one theme research activities among the people of India. The Vigyan Rath was officially inaugurated by Dr. (Mrs.) N. Kalaiselvi, Secretary, DSIR, Govt. of India and Director General CSIR in presence of Dr. Ramanuj Narayan, Director, CSIR-IMMT and Shri Sabyasachi Mohanty, Director (Operations), OMC Limited and other dignitaries of CSIR and IMMT.

Speaking on this occasion Dr. (Mrs.) N. Kalaiselvi, Secretary, DSIR, Govt. of India and Director General CSIR, said, “Today, we inaugurated the Kalyan Rath , an initiative promoting science-based education and awareness. This innovative project will travel through schools, colleges, and communities in Odisha, Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, and neigh boring states. Over three weeks, it will disseminate scientific knowledge and inspire citizens to contribute to India’s growth. The Kalyan Rath aims to foster a culture of science and innovation, aligning with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. This endeavor promises to empower individuals and shape India’s future particularly through CSIR.”

The Vigyan Rath has been designed as per the thematic area of Research & Development,Mining, Minerals, Metals and Materials (4M) theme. About 25 CSIR laboratories across the country are working under this theme for research, innovation and technology development towards sustainable utilization of mineral and metal resources of the country. The celebration of one week one theme (OWOT) eventgotcommencedunder the direction of Dr. Jitendra Singh, Honourable Minister of State for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences and Vice President of CSIR. The aim and objective behind this initiative is to create awareness among citizens of India, particularly the students and young entrepreneurs of India about the research capability and technological credentials of the CSIRLabs, to benefit them new avenues and opportunities for employment, empowering stakeholders such as MSMEs, Start-ups, SHGs, scientists, researchers by integration and collaboration with Industries.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Ramanuja Narayan, Director, CSIR-IMMT said, “Vigyan Rath will cover various places in Odisha, West Bengal and Jharkhand, primary schools and educational institutions and R&D institutions. A team comprising scientists, technical staff, students along with Vigyan Rath will apprise the general public about the importance and achievements of R&D in the 4M theme area. During the visit, CSIR-CGCRI Kolkata and CSIR-CMERI Durgapur will coordinate nearby areas of West Bengal and CSIR-CIMFR, Dhanbad and CSIR-NML, Jamshedpur and adjoining areas of Jharkhand.

During this visit, DG CSIR also inaugurate the newly renovated and modernized heath centre of CSIR-IMMT campus, which is named as AROGYAM. This health centre is for staffs and pensioners of CSIR-IMMT. Other research facilities like RP Das centre for Hydro Bio & Electrometallurgy, Additive & Speciality Chemicals Lab and Solar photo-reactor pilot plant were also inaugurated. Foundation stones were laid for the Platinum Group ofElements (PGE) Pilot plant and the solvent extraction pilot plant for rare earth element separation, by DG, CSIR in presence of Director (Operations), OMC Limited and Director, CSIR-IMMT.

DG-CSIR also interacted with staffs and research scholars of CSIR-IMMT through her address in a function at CSIR-IMMT Auditorium.  Three technologies were transferred in this occasion. Dr. LD Besra, Chief Scientists offered the Vote of Thanks .