CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT), Palampur, celebrated National Technology Day on 13 May 2024. On the occasion, Dr Sudesh Kumar Yadav, the Director, CSIR-IHBT, welcomed the guests and congratulated them on Technology Day. In his address, he explained how technology is changing our lives and accelerating the spread of knowledge. He said that the institute is contributing to the social and economic development of the community through various projects and missions. He explained the institute’s contributions under the Aroma, Floriculture, and Phytopharmaceuticals Mission. He presented details of the institute’s technologies and highlighted their utility. He also encouraged the employees of the institute.

The keynote speaker of the programme was Dr Shirshendu Mukherjee, Mission Director, Programme Management Unit, DBT-BIRAC, New Delhi, who delivered the Technology Day lecture “Innovation Ecosystem for Self-reliant India”. He emphasised science, technology and innovation and mentioned the innovative schemes run by the government, such as BioNEST, SITARE, BIPP, PACE, etc. Dr Mukherjee explained how these schemes bring fundamental changes and promote innovation as a symbol of this.

On this occasion, the Chief Guest Prof. (Dr) Arun Kumar Sinha, Former Chief Scientist, CSIR-CDRI and Former Vice Chancellor, Ranchi University, Jharkhand, shared his scientific journey through a Lecture on “Learning from Failure in Research & Technology: An Opportunity for Simplification towards a New Innovation Paradigm”. He said in his address that technology has played an important role in the progress of the country. He emphasised that one should not be afraid of failure but take inspiration from it to advance. In his address, he inspired the students to build scientific quests.

Four technology were transferred on this occasion — Gondla Cut Flower Cluster, Lahaul & Spiti (for Lilium Tube); Kangra Innovation and Wellness, Nagrota Bagwan (for aeroponics); Prorima Healthcare, Jaipur (for seabuckthorn tea); Satvik Agritech Lab, Kanpur (for hydroponic via NRDC New Delhi) and an MoU, M/s Baijnath Pharmaceuticals, Paprola (for value edition). Under the CSIR Floriculture Mission, a booklet was also released on CSIR-IHBT: Success stories by the institute.

The ceremony was attended by the staff of the institute, dignitaries of the region, CSIR-IHBT scientists, research students, personnel and media representatives.