CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), Pune, have completed 75 years of its glorious journey of pioneering research and innovation. The momentous Platinum Jubilee occasion was commemorated through a series of events on 20 February 2025, at the CSIR-NCL premises.

The event witnessed the gracious presence of Chief Guest, Padma Bhushan Dr Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Chairperson of Biocon Group, along with the Guest of Honour, Padma Vibhushan Dr Raghunath Mashelkar, Former Director General, CSIR. The celebration brought together esteemed dignitaries, scientists, academicians, and industry leaders to reflect on the journey of CSIR-NCL and its contributions to scientific advancements.

The celebrations commenced with the inauguration of “Interfaces”, an immersive 3D-printed wall sculpture that transforms the language of science, engineering and art into a striking visual narrative representing the fabric of the research at the National Chemical Laboratory.

This was followed by the main event, which featured the Director’s report on the laboratory’s accomplishments in 2024 and insightful speeches by both the Guests of Honour and the Chief Guest.

Dr Ashish Lele highlighted CSIR-NCL’s science, innovation and technology roadmap for the decade 2021-30 and the key achievements of the laboratory under each of the identified themes.

He also mentioned the challenges and opportunities for the laboratory in the near future and suggested interventions required to be taken.

Dr Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, in her talk, fondly recalled her first visit to CSIR-NCL in 1989, appreciating its long history of innovation. She emphasised that now is the time for India to develop new medicines and advanced technologies. With our ability to innovate at lower costs, she believes India can compete on a global scale. She spoke about the exciting possibilities brought by new technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Quantum Computing. She pointed out how AI is already making breakthroughs in biosciences and urged scientists to embrace these changes. She emphasised that we are entering a golden era in healthcare, biology, and medicine, with groundbreaking discoveries on the horizon.

Dr Mazumdar-Shaw highlighted that India has the talent, ambition, and resources to lead in this field. However, to turn this potential into reality, she stressed the need for steady investments, clear government policies, a strong research environment, and teamwork among all stakeholders. She reaffirmed India’s crucial role in shaping the future of healthcare through scientific advancements and innovation.

Dr Raghunath Mashelkar emphasised the significant contributions of CSIR-NCL in advancing science and technology. He highlighted several cutting-edge technologies being developed at the institute, which have the potential to benefit various industries. He acknowledged five fundamental scientific breakthroughs that have emerged from CSIR-NCL. He reflected on the institute’s crucial role in addressing major industrial disasters, including the Bhopal Gas Tragedy and the Maharashtra Gas Cracker Complex blast, underscoring its expertise in problem-solving and crisis management. Furthermore, he lauded CSIR-NCL’s leadership in driving India’s Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) movement and its ability to compete at a global level. Citing the prestigious World Bank consultancy contract won by CSIR-NCL, he asserted that success is driven not by budgetary constraints but by the power of innovative ideas. Expressing confidence in CSIR-NCL’s future, Dr Mashelkar affirmed its potential to spearhead groundbreaking innovations that could transform the landscape of science and technology on a global scale.

A significant highlight of the event was the release of Platinum Jubilee special publications, including CSIR-NCL 75 Stories — Coffee Table Book, the 3rd edition of Flora and Fauna on CSIR-NCL Campus, and Allotrope’s Platinum Jubilee Special Issue. As per tradition, the NCL Research Foundation Awards were presented to outstanding contributors in research and innovation, and to individuals and teams who made significant contributions to various initiatives throughout the year.

The main event was followed by the inauguration of CSIR-NCL’s “Archives and Science Museum”, which captures NCL’s rich legacy in both physical and digital formats. The gallery showcases the early origins of chemistry in India, the birth of CSIR-NCL coinciding with India’s independence, significant achievements of the laboratory through the 75 years, current research and technology development focus, and aspirations for the future.

The Platinum Jubilee celebrations not only celebrated the accomplishments of the laboratory but also set the stage for future endeavours in scientific discovery and societal impact.