CSIR-AMPRI (Advanced Materials and Process Research), Bhopal, with CSIR-Jigyasa celebrated National Technology Day on 11 May 2021 on a virtual platform to commemorate the momentous accomplishments of Science and Technology.

Dr Vilas Tathavadkar, Senior Vice President and Functional Head (Metals and Mining), Aditya Birla Science and Technology Company Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai, presided over the function. Mr Kunal Merchant, Director, M/s Permali Wallace Pvt. Ltd, Bhopal, was the special Guest and Prof. Shampa Aich, Professor, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, IIT, Kharagpur, was the Chief Guest on the occasion. Mr P.S. Sardar, Deputy Commissioner, Navoday Vidyalay Samiti, Bhopal Region and Ms Chandana Mondal, Deputy Commissioner, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, Raipur Region also graced the occasion.

At the outset, Dr A.K. Srivastava, Director, CSIR-AMPRI, Bhopal, welcomed the guests and highlighted the importance of celebrating Technology Day and the activities of AMPRI, Bhopal. He also mentioned several technologies transferred by CSIR-AMPRI in the recent past. He said that through the programmes like Jigyasa a large number of students and teachers are getting acquainted with the R&D activities of major research laboratories. 

Dr Vilas Tathavadkar delivered a talk on “Technology Megatrends: Opportunities and Challenges for Indian Research Institutes”. He extensively touched upon the aspects of the new age and digitalisation, additive manufacturing and other new technologies which are more relevant in today’s world of pandemic. He also underlined the newer aspects of energy and industries.

Mr Kunal Merchant delivered a talk on “Marching towards Commercialisation of Bamboo-based Composite Technology Developed by CSIR-AMPRI”. He highlighted the activities of M/s Permali Wallace Ltd. and interacted with CSIR- AMPRI. 

The technology of Bamboo-based composite board has recently been transferred to M/s Permali Wallace Pvt. Ltd, Bhopal. The lecture was followed by the launch of the new product “Super Bamboo Wood”, an environment-friendly multifunctional bamboo composite material for modern housing and structures. Dr A.K. Srivastava informed that India is the second-largest cultivator of bamboo but it has only a 4% share of world trade. The bamboo wood technology has the potential of increasing this trade share. 

Dr Srivastava appreciated the efforts of M/s PWL for taking successful industrial trials, even in crucial pandemic conditions because the technology has the potential of generating employment at different levels, which India needs.

Shri Kunal Merchant expressed his excitement on launching this technology of manufacturing composites using bamboo. He said that it has great potential in the construction sector as an engineered material with aesthetic, acoustic, thermal and structural benefits with more than 75% bamboo in it. The newly developed bamboo composite material can serve as a competitive, sustainable and environment friendly alternative material, useful in the construction of smart green buildings.

In her Keynote address, Prof. Shampa Aich delivered a talk on “Materials Science & Engineering – Major Breakthroughs & Future”. Dr Aich talked about various materials and their characteristics. She mentioned major breakthroughs of materials sciences like 3D printing, Graphene, Li-ion Battery, Superconductors, etc.

Dr Satanand Mishra, Senior Scientist, CSIR-AMPRI, Bhopal, spoke about the Jigyasa programme.

Mr P.S. Sardar, in his address, underlined the role and aims of the Jigyasa programme being implemented by CSIR. Ms Chandana Mondal appreciated the programme conducted by CSIR-AMPRI, which not only benefitted the children but also the other participants.

The function concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr Mohd. Akram Khan, Sr Principal Scientist, CSIR-AMPRI, Bhopal.

The programme was conducted by Dr Sarika Verma, Principal Scientist and Dr Satanand Mishra.