Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh presided over a prestigious event in New Delhi, where he presented the Shanti Swaroop Bhatnagar National Awards to remarkable scientists under the age of 45. This event, held on the occasion of the 82nd CSIR Foundation Day, showcased India’s commitment to honoring exceptional talent in the field of science.
PM Modi’s Congratulations
Despite not being physically present due to prior commitments, Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent a heartfelt message congratulating all the recipients of the Shanti Swaroop Bhatnagar Prize. In his message, he extended his warm wishes to everyone associated with the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) for the success of the event.
CSIR’s Valuable Contributions
The Prime Minister’s message underscored the vital role played by CSIR in serving society, industry, and the nation. It lauded CSIR’s notable achievements, including the Aroma Mission, advancements in floriculture, the Purple Revolution initiated through Lavender cultivation in Jammu and Kashmir, and the construction of Steel Slag roads along border areas.
Visionary Leadership
Dr. Jitendra Singh, during his address, highlighted the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He emphasized how CSIR could become a cornerstone of India’s Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) journey, helping transform the nation into a global tech hub. He envisioned that CSIR’s centenary in 2042 could align with India’s celebration of 100 years of independence in 2047.
A Journey to Self-Reliance
Prime Minister Modi, who serves as the President of CSIR, emphasized the significance of the period leading up to India’s 100th year of independence in 2047. He viewed this time as an opportunity to realize the vision of building a robust, inclusive, and self-reliant India. He noted that CSIR’s contributions, such as Chandrayaan-3, had played a part in showcasing India’s limitless potential in space exploration.
Unlimited Potential
The Prime Minister commended India’s rich scientific heritage and the inquisitive spirit of its people. He acknowledged the remarkable speed and scale of research and innovation by Indian scientists and technologists, especially during the pandemic, which had highlighted India’s boundless potential to work for the global good.
Science’s Transformative Role
Science and Technology have been instrumental in transforming various sectors, including medicine, communication, space exploration, transportation, infrastructure, agriculture, and knowledge. The Prime Minister praised the CSIR’s mega-exhibition, showcasing technological achievements of the last decade, as an inspiring testament to India’s scientific prowess.
Dr. Jitendra Singh also highlighted CSIR’s pioneering initiatives, including the Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) Mission, aimed at reducing carbon emissions and addressing climate change. He noted the involvement of key stakeholders from the industry in discussions related to this mission.
Hydrogen Technology for a Sustainable Future
Another significant initiative is the CSIR Hydrogen Technology Mission, targeting the generation, storage, and utilization of hydrogen as a green energy carrier. This mission aligns with the goal of reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainability.
CSIR has embarked on a mission mode project to address Sickle Cell anemia, aiming to comprehensively manage the disease and enhance patients’ quality of life. This initiative reflects CSIR’s commitment to tackling pressing health challenges.
The event celebrated both the achievements of exceptional scientists and CSIR’s enduring commitment to scientific excellence and innovation. It exemplified India’s dedication to advancing science and technology for the benefit of society and the world.
