CSIR-National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL), New Delhi, celebrated its 79th Foundation Day on 4th January 2025. CSIR-NPL is the National Metrology Institute (NMI) of India, and its prime responsibility is to develop, maintain and disseminate the National Standards. CSIR-NPL is also developing new measurement standards and cutting-edge technologies based on advanced materials for industries and strategic sectors and contributing tremendously to the nation’s development.

Prof. Veezhinathan Kamakoti, Director, Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM), Chennai, graced the function as the Chief Guest. Prof. Venugopal Achanta, Director CSIR-NPL, while addressing the ceremony, briefed about the role of CSIR-NPL. He mentioned the achievements, research and development activities being carried out and the new mission projects taken up by the institute. He also mentioned that the visibility of CSIR-NPL has gone up at national and international levels. He informed that CSIR-NPL staff is on technical committees of the Asia Pacific Metrology Programme (APMP) and needs to look for leadership roles.

Delivering the 79th CSIR-NPL Foundation Day Lecture on the topic “Glancing into Metrology”. Prof. Veezhinathan Kamakoti mentioned the importance of metrology and standards for the Viksit Bharat mission of Govt of India, and he presented some of his thoughts for strategising it. He discussed about the quantum physical standards for quantum metrology, quantum technologies including computing, communication and quantum key distribution, and semiconductor manufacturing. He stressed the fact that metrology is the way forward for India to become a knowledge and technology superpower. He also presented the opportunities, open problems, challenges, and possible R&D areas for metrology for quantum technologies, their certification and characterisation in India. He mentioned that CSIR-NPL has a big role to play in the indigenous development of semiconductors and quantum technologies, and IIT Madras is looking forward to being a partner.

During the event, CSIR-NPL signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) with IIT Madras for Academic and Research collaborations and with CSIR-CIMAP for the production of Bharatiya Nirdeshak Dravya (BND) (Certified Reference Materials) in the area of Plant Based Materials. CSIR-NPL also released new BNDs of Lanthanum Hexaboride Powder (BND-2025) for line position and line shape calibration standards for powder X-ray diffraction prepared by a team of CSIR-NPL and White Portland Cement Standard (BND-5064) prepared by a team of CSIR-NPL in collaboration with the Reference Material Producer (RMP) National Council for Cement and Building Materials (NCCBM), Govt of India. Dr SR Dhakate, Chief Scientist, CSIR-NPL, proposed the formal vote of thanks.