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In a steadfast commitment to advance India’s self-reliance, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), under the leadership of Dr N Kalaiselvi, Director General of CSIR, is spearheading initiatives to foster ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ through the development of indigenous technologies.
At a press conference on the ‘Role of CSIR in building an Atmanirbhar Bharat,’ Dr Kalaiselvi emphasised the crucial role of CSIR’s 37 laboratories in achieving self-sustainability by indigenising technologies and leveraging India’s abundant raw material sources. Recognising the unpredictable global landscape, she highlighted CSIR’s prioritisation of indigenisation in all research endeavours to meet current and future scientific requirements.
The success stories of CSIR’s ‘Atmanirbhar’ initiatives were showcased, notably the ‘Purple Revolution’ achieved through Lavender cultivation in Jammu & Kashmir. CSIR’s interventions led to remarkable growth in lavender cultivation, creating agri-startups and transforming lavender from lab to market.
The “Purple Revolution” exemplifies how technological innovation in agriculture can become a catalyst for economic growth, offering a blueprint for inclusive and transparent governance in the digital era.
Jammu and Kashmir’s success in agricultural startups, emphasised by Dr Jitendra Singh during a Republic Day address through the acclaimed initiative is inspiring similar initiatives in Himalayan states like Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Nagaland.
As Jammu and Kashmir progress in their digital transformation journey, the integration of critical services into the Public Service Portal aligns with the government’s broader effort to leverage technology for the benefit of citizens.
Additionally, the CSIR programme highlighted PRIMA ET11, India’s first women-friendly compact Electric Tractor developed by CSIR.
In another Republic Day celebration, more than 250 women workers from top electronic manufacturing companies participated, showcasing India’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity. Organised by government bodies, the event acknowledged the valuable contributions of women in the sector, highlighting their reliability and commitment.
The women workers expressed appreciation for the provided platform, reflecting India’s dedication to empowering women in technology. A special training workshop during the celebrations focused on upskilling and reskilling, aligning with Digital India’s objectives for talent development in the electronic manufacturing sector.
Dr Kalaiselvi emphasised CSIR’s unique approach of handholding startups, supporting over 300 agri-startups in Jammu and Kashmir remotely, contributing significantly to the region’s confidence and progress. She cited the transformation of India from an importer to an exporter of lemongrass oil by 2023, attributing it to CSIR’s Aroma Mission.
The dedication of the hydrogen hydrate manufacturing facility in 2022, with the first batch of commercial production in 2023, marked another milestone. The 10,000 tonnes per annum plant produces hydrogen hydrate, finding applications in chemical, processing, and pharmacy-related industries.
The integration of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) technology showcased India’s technological prowess, with two SAF aircraft participating in the Republic Day flypast. CSIR’s agreement with Airbus and ongoing discussions with private players underscored the global recognition and adoption of indigenous SAF technology.
Dr Kalaiselvi also inaugurated C-Bot, an underwater unmanned vehicle developed by CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography (NIO). C-Bot, capable of diving up to 200 meters, aids scientists in studying the undersea ecosystem. Future plans include developing an updated version for deeper dives into the sea and contributing to studies on temperature, humidity, and climate-related topics in the vast Indian Ocean.
Highlighting CSIR’s commitment to fostering scientific temper, the CSIR-Jigyasa Student-Scientist Connect Program aims to promote curiosity and scientific temper among students and teachers. Dr Kalaiselvi commended NIO as a role model for its engagement with the student community through the Jigyasa Program, enabling students to gain real-time experience and fostering an interest in science and technology.
CSIR’s multifaceted initiatives underscore its pivotal role in advancing India’s self-reliance and contributing to scientific and technological innovation, aligning with the vision of an ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat.’
