The CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT), Palampur, celebrated the 84th CSIR Foundation Day on 08 October 2025 with fervour and gaiety.

Prof. RP Tiwari, Hon’ble VC, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, was the Chief Guest of the function. He complimented the CSIR and the institute on its glorious journey. He noted that CSIR, since its inception, has been the torchbearer of research and development and is providing critical inputs and breakthroughs to the nation and the global community. He exhorted the gathering to adopt a nature-friendly lifestyle and play a role in the conservation and management of Himalayan bioresources. He referred to Himalaya as the living laboratory that provides goods and services for human well-being. He wished the institute the very best in its endeavours.

Dr Ravikrishna Chebolu, Distinguished Scientist and Head of the CSIR-Innovation Complex, Mumbai, was the Guest of Honour. He delivered the keynote address on Global Trends in Healthcare and India’s Alignment. Dr Ravikrishna lucidly expressed the opportunities and advantages that India has in this sector and how it can promote global good. He emphasised the emergence of personalised healthcare and the role of artificial intelligence in this context.

Prior to this, Dr Sudesh Kumar Yadav, Director CSIR-IHBT, welcomed all the guests and wished them on the occasion. He highlighted the role of CSIR and the activities of the institute towards nation-building. He detailed the floriculture, aroma, millet, bioresource conservation and prospection mission and the benefits that they have brought to the society. He further said that the nation has great expectations from science and technology, and we should rise to the call.

On the occasion, the institute signed three technology transfer agreements and two memoranda of understanding for collaboration and facility creation. A nutrition kit for TB patients under the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, in association with the State Health Department, district Una, was also launched.

Staff members, Mr Brahm Das and Smt. Rujala Devi, who had superannuated from the institute during the current year, were felicitated. The function also saw felicitation of wards of the staff member who had excelled in sports.

The celebrations were attended by the staff, students, guests and other dignitaries from the nearby organisations. 38 students and 02 teachers from Shaheed Major Sudhir Kumar Walia Government Senior Secondary School, Banuri, Palampur (Distt. Kangra, HP), attended the programme and visited the institute on the day under the CSIR-Jigyasa Programme.