As part of CSIR’s outreach programme in Indian languages, CSIR organised a webinar in Assamese on “COVID-19 and the North East – Role of CSIR” on 22 August 2020. The speakers included Dr G. Narahary Sastry, Director, CSIR-North East Institute of Science & Technology (CSIR-NEIST), Jorhat; Dr Kalyani Medhi, Dr Jatin Kalita and Dr Lakshi Saikia from CSIR-NEIST.

The webinar that went live on Facebook was moderated by Dr Parmananda Barman, Scientist, CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Information Resources (CSIR-NISCAIR), New Delhi.

Besides, CSIR also organised a webinar in Malayalam on “Comprehensive Approaches for Mitigation of COVID-19” on 28 August 2020. Apart from opening remarks by Dr Shekhar C. Mande, Director-General, CSIR, the other speakers included Dr A. Ajayaghosh, Director, CSIR-National Institute of Interdisciplinary Science & Technology (CSIR-NIIST), Thiruvananthapuram; Prof. K.P. Aravindan, Calicut Medical College (Retd); Dr K. Yousaf, Dr Jubi John and Dr M.V. Reshma from CSIR-NIIST and Dr Vinod Scaria from CSIR-IGIB, New Delhi. 

The webinar that went live on Facebook was moderated by Dr Chetana Sachidanandan from CSIR-IGIB. 

Also on 5 September 2020, CSIR organised a webinar in Odia on “CSIR Fights COVID-19 – Computation to Testing and Beyond”. Apart from opening remarks by Dr Shekhar C. Mande, Director-General, CSIR and Dr Sudhasatwa Basu, Director, CSIR-Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (IMMT), Bhubaneswar the other speakers included Dr S.K. Barik, Director, CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute (CSIR-NBRI); Dr Debasis Dash, CSIR-IGIB; Dr Debasis Mohanty, National Institute of Immunology (NII) and Dr Trupti Das (CSIR-IMMT).

The webinar that went live on Facebook was moderated by Dr Pushpanjali Tripathy, Scientist, CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Information Resources (CSIR-NISCAIR).

The effort was aimed at disseminating information about CSIR’s efforts in the fight against COVID-19 and also clarifying doubts and queries in the minds of the general public about the various issues and concerns related to treatment and testing for COVID-19.