ISSN 0409-7467 CCSIRSIR NEWSNEWS Progress, Promise and Prospects
VOL 60 NO 19 & 20 OCTOBER 2010
CONTENTS
68th CSIR Foundation Day Celebrations, 26 September 2010
Welcome Address by Director General, CSIR, Prof. Samir K. Brahmachari
Address by the Hon'ble Minister, Shri Prithviraj Chavan
CSIR Young Scientist Awards 2010
CSIR Technology Awards 2010
website: http://www.csir.res.in CSIR FOUNDATION DAY CELEBRATIONS
68th CSIR Foundation Day Celebrations, 26 September 2010
Seen on the dais during the CSIR Foundation Day Function at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi (from left) are: Prof. Samir. K. Brahmachari , Director General, CSIR; Shri Prithviraj Chavan, Minister of State for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences and Vice President, CSIR; Prof. Raghavendra Gadagkar and Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale
Founded in 1942, the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) completed 68 years of its dedicated service to the nation on 26 September 2010. The occasion was celebrated by the entire CSIR family of 37 Institutes/Laboratories, spread all over the country, with great enthusiasm. It was an occasion to celebrate the accomplishments of the year that has gone by and plan for the future to serve the nation with still greater dedication. It was also an occasion to accord recognition to excellence in science through the presentation of various awards. The main function of the CSIR Foundation Day this year was held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The function, attended by the distinguished gathering of scientists and technologists was presided over by Shri Prithviraj Chavan, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Science & Technology and Earth Sciences and Vice President, CSIR, who gave away the various awards.
DG CSIR, Prof. Samir. K. Brahmachari, welcoming Prof. Raghavendra Gadagkar (left) and presenting him a memento (right) The Hon’ble Minister Shri Prithviraj Chavan is also seen in the pictures
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Welcome Address by Director General, CSIR, Prof. Samir K. Brahmachari
Hon’ble Minister of Science and CSIR has come at a very defining Technology and Vice President, moment. CSIR, Shri Prithviraj Chavan; Chief The world has just stepped into the Guest for 68th Foundation Day second decade of the present century. celebrations, Prof. Raghavendra This is a decade of innovation not only Gadagkar, guests from Academia, for us but also for all the nations. This Industry and other Science is the decade, which will reward those Departments, Awardees and their who are creative, innovative and families, CSIR staff, members of entrepreneurial. Sir, CSIR, under your electronic and print media, ladies and guidance knows this well, and has gentlemen. I extend you all a very warm accordingly prepared itself for such a welcome to CSIR’s Foundation Day challenge. Today is the day when we celebration and thank you for joining honour such achievers of ours, who DG CSIR, Prof. Samir. K. Brahmachari us on this happy occasion. take up challenges and deliver. delivering the Welcome Address To our Hon’ble Minister Shri Our esteemed speaker today is Prithviraj Chavan, I convey my Prof. Raghavendra Gadagkar, a “Evolution of Social Life in Insects” personal as well as entire CSIR family’s behavioural geneticist and a social to ‘Insect Biodiversity’ and is a very greetings. Sir, although you have been biologist, who has very few peers, captivating speaker. At a relatively very familiar, as a parliamentarian, with globally. As founder Chair of the young age, he has been able to scale the working of central science Centre for Contemporary Studies at those professional heights, which most departments including CSIR for the Indian Institute of Science, Prof. take several life times. Thank you Prof. past 20 years or so, your charge as Gadagkar works across a very exotic Gadagkar for accepting our invitation. Minister and also the Vice-President, research domain extending from We look forward to listening to you.
A view of the audience
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CSIR ‘Foundation Day’ is an thrust to science, technology and creative young researchers and are occasion which many young, and not societal pursuits remain the cornerstone setting up CSIR-Tech: a vehicle to so young, scientists across India, of CSIR’s mission. However, today the unleash the entrepreneurial spirit of keenly wait for. They look forward to dreams and aspirations of the nation many of our scientists. We are also receiving the most coveted about the future have soared. connecting with our stakeholders Young Scientist Awards, Technology Expectations from CSIR and the other through CSIR-NGO meet and CSIR- Awards and Diamond Jubilee Invention public-funded institutions to fulfil these 800; participating in national Solar Awards. I welcome all of them are much higher now. Not only is the Energy Mission; and are planning long- and congratulate them on their pace of scientific and technological term human resource management and achievements. growth, and the yardsticks of living development strategies by induction of Ladies and Gentlemen, this day is standards, much higher today, age old ‘outstanding’ and ‘distinguished’ an occasion which gives us a wonderful myths of economy and growth have scientists into CSIR mainstream. Some opportunity to reminiscence our past been broken; that is the shift from of our recent achievements are Risorine year’s achievements and think deeply manufacturing to services; capital the TB drug, Prostalyn for prostrate of the future. What does it have in store resources to knowledge resources; tumours, clot-buster streptokinase and for us? How it will unfold? Are we population as a burden to human carbon fibre technology, which have all prepared for it? Do we have systems resource as an asset; national needs to given us a deep sense of happiness and in place? And so on. The more I think opportunities. pride. of it, the more I feel convinced of our The changed scenario has inspired Our being India’s ‘numero uno’ in prowess. We have a young and CSIR to dream big towards Science terms of ‘peer reviewed papers thinking team of scientists, technologists & Engineering leadership; Innovative published’, ‘patents filed’ and and engineers who could bring technology solutions; End-to-end ‘commercial earning through licensing’, numerous accolades to us. We have technologies in niche areas; Open continued this year as well. I now a large number of brand new innovation for inclusive growth; congratulate all in CSIR for this feat young leaders for our labs. Not only Nurturing talent in trans-disciplinary and also thank our industrial could we successfully get approval for areas and Enabling scientific stakeholders for their belief in us. I the Academy of Scientific and entrepreneurship. CSIR’s slogan believe that for CSIR’s 4500 scientists Innovative Research, but also could for the next two decades and other staff, the mantra for envision for CSIR, a futuristic policy will be “Leadership in Science & success is, Gurudev Ravindra Nath framework “CSIR Vision and Technology for the Masses and Tagore’s quote: “I slept and dreamt Strategies for 2022”. Happiness for a Billion People”. We that life was joy. I awoke and saw CSIR’s mission has been and have learned from the past, live in the that life was service. I acted and continues to be: “To provide present and have a clear vision for the behold, service was joy”. For CSIR, scientific and industrial R&D that future. pursuing the S&T agenda of the nation maximizes the economic, We are reorganizing our network is the service, and the joy. Sir, that is environmental and societal benefits programmes into six domain-specific the Foundation Day resolution for us for the people of India.” clusters; unleashing “Empower’ – and we will live it. Welcome again The people and country-centric programme of preferential funding for and thank you all.
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CSIR Foundation Day Lecture
War and Peace: Conflict and Cooperation in an Insect Society Prof. Raghavendra Gadagkar
Unknown to many of us, a large a very large fraction of the worker force number of insects’ species organize to come in a close contact with the themselves into very sophisticated queen and be aware of the state of their societies. Their societies parallel and queen. All the tasks that are required sometimes surpass human societies in to run the society are actually done by their social organization, in their social the workers. The male – I am integration, in communication, in embarrassed to say — are incredibly division of labour and most importantly lazy and they actually do not do any in the way in which they tread a very work for the honey bee society. It’s the fine balance between conflict and females who do all the work. In the first cooperation. In a honey bee colony for half of their lives workers work inside example, you may find fifty to sixty the colony — building the nest, cleaning thousand individuals of which there is it, feeding the larvae, processing food, only one large fertile queen, a small guarding the nest, removing dead bees number of males or drones, and the rest and so on. In the second half of their Prof. Raghavendra Gadagkar delivering the CSIR Foundation Day lecture of the colony consists of small, sterile lives, they go outside the colony in females who are referred to as search of food – nectar and pollen — workers. Together they function as a for the colony. an accomplishment that no other animal colony. Some of us may not be aware that species appears to have made other The queen is typically surrounded honey bees have a fairly sophisticated than human beings. by a small group of workers. It is the symbolic language which is called the Wonderful as they are, I do not use duty of these workers to take care of dance language. When a honey bee honey bees in my research. The reason the queen. They lick, clean and feed finds a large amount of food, she returns is that honey bees attained their the queen, who is so busy laying eggs to the hive and is able to communicate sophisticated social organization many and secreting pheromones that she has with bees at home and provide millions of years ago so that the details no time to take care of herself. This job information about the food she has of their transition from solitary to social of taking care by the workers is done found, how much, how far away from life has now become obscured. Instead, in shifts. A few minutes later these home, and exactly how to get there. I use the primitively eusocial Indian workers who are in-charge of the And after she has performed this dance tropical wasp Ropalidia marginata. queen will go off elsewhere in the you can take the dancer away and those This is a remarkable wasp which colony to perform other tasks, and bees who have watched the dance will appears to be at the brink of sociality. other workers who are now performing be able to go and find that particular It can organize itself into reasonably other tasks will come to take care of source of food, which may well be five sophisticated societies and yet it has not the queen. This gives an opportunity for kilometers away from the hive. This is forgotten to lead a solitary life.
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Moreover, its societies yielded the remarkable (colonies) are small and result that the normally often contain no more than peaceful society of 20-30 individuals. This Ropalidia marginata allows us to mark every became extremely individual wasps with unique aggressive upon removal of spots of coloured paint and the queen. Even more study their behaviour. I and remarkably, all the new my students have spent aggression was thrown by many years attempting to a single worker. Equally understand how and why remarkably we found that these wasps organize this hyper aggressive themselves into social individual dropped her colonies. Our research has aggression and went back involved asking simple to work immediately upon questions and designing A typical nest of the primitively eusocial wasp, Ropalida marginata return of the queen. We (Photo courtesy: Thrwaiamma Varghese) experiments to answer also found that if the queen these questions. Almost was not returned, the always a successful answer to a Queens of other such wasp species hyper aggressive individual gradually question opens up at least one new are known to be aggressive and use lost her aggression in about a week’s question which requires its own new their physical aggression both to time and became the next meek and experiment, provides a new answer, suppress worker reproduction and to docile queen of the colony. Thus meek leads to yet another question and so. regulate non-reproductive activities of and docile queens of R. marginata Here I will give a small sample of such the workers such as foraging and brood became queens because they begin cycles of question, experiment, answer care. We therefore expected our their career as extremely aggressive and new question. queens to fall in the fighter caste. To individuals. Thus we labeled the hyper In an early study we asked how the our great surprise this was not the case. aggressive worker as the Potential individual members of a colony divide In colony after colony, we found that Queen (PQ). tasks among themselves? To answer this Ropalidia marginata queens belong to But this raises the question of how question we recorded the behaviour of the sitter caste. they suppress worker reproduction and all individually identified individuals and This result raises the question of maintain reproductive monopoly subjected the resulting data to multi- how such meek and docile sitters are throughout their tenure (which may last variate statistical analysis. The result accepted as queens. To answer the several months) after losing their was that we could identify three distinct above question we designed an aggression within a week. To answer groups of wasps which we labeled experiment which involved studying the above question we designed a sitters, fighters and foragers. This result normal, queen-right colonies, different experiment. Here we cut a led to the question about the position experimental removal of the queens to nest into two parts and separated them of the queen in the colony in such a study queenless colonies and by a wire mesh partition and released system of behavioural caste reintroduction of the queen to study the the queen and half the workers on one differentiation. reconstituted colony. Such experiments side and the remaining workers on
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Biography
Raghavendra Gadagkar is INSA S. N. Bose Research Professor and J .C. Bose National Fellow at the Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, IISc; Honorary Professor, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research; Non-Resident Permanent Fellow of the Wissenschaftskolleg (Institute of Advanced Study) in Berlin; and Honorary Professor, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Kolkata. During the past 25 years he has established an active school of research in the area of Animal Behaviour, Ecology and Evolution. He has published over 250 research papers and articles and two books. His book entitled Survival Strategies (Harvard University Press, USA, 1997 and University Press, Hyderabad, 1998, since translated into Chinese and Korean), explains recent advances in behavioural ecology and sociobiology to a general audience. His more technical book entitled, The Social Biology of Ropalidia (Harvard Univeristy Press, USA, 2001) summarizes over 20 years of his research aimed at understanding the evolution of eusociality. His research work has been recognized by a number of awards including the Shanti Swarup Bhatanagar Prize, B.M. Biral Science Prize, Homi Bhabha Fellowship, B. P. Pal National Environmnent Fellowship on Biodiversity, The Third World Academy of Sciences Award in Biology and H.K Firodia Award. He is an elected fellow of the Indian Academy of Sciences, the Indian National Science Academy, the National Academy of Sciences, India, the Academy of Sciences of the Developing World (TWAS) and Foreign Associate of the National Academy of Sciences, USA. Dr Gadagkar has been on the editorial boards of several national and international science journals, including the board of reviewing editors of Science. He has delivered over 500 invited lectures in Universities, Institutes, schools and colleges in India and abroad. He was invited to USA as the Michener Lecturer and by the Royal Society to deliver a public Lecture in London, on the occasion of India Day and has delivered Plenary Lectures at a number of national and international conferences. He is a member of several professional scientific bodies and government and non- government advisory committees including the Scientific Advisory Committee to the Cabinet, Government of India. other side. Our expectation was that will behave as if they do not have a may be adequate to suppress worker the queen may be using a pheromone queen; in other words one of the reproduction but how does the meek to signal her presence to the workers. workers on this side should become and docile queen makes its workers Our prediction was that if the hyper aggressive and behave like a PQ. work for the colony? This question pheromone is volatile, it will be We have repeated this experiment needed yet another experiment. In this perceived across the wire mesh so that several times and in every case the case we found by removing the queen workers on both sides of the mesh will queenless side produced a PQ and observing the workers that the behave as if they have a queen. On the indicating that the queen pheromone is queen does not regulate the work of other hand, if the pheromone is non- non-volatile. the workers. The workers themselves volatile, workers in the queenless side The non-volatile queen pheromone regulate each other’s work in an
OCTOBER 2010 223 CSIR FOUNDATION DAY CELEBRATIONS decentralized, self-organised manner, that the wasps have a well developed societies have been so ecologically irrespective of whether the queen is mechanism of nestmate discrimination. successful as to have received the label present or not. This ensures that alien wasps are kept “super organism”. One might say, we But how is the PQ chosen among away from nests when we humans are not very different. I all the workers. We have performed experimentally introduced foreign certainly do not think that we should many different kinds of experiments in wasps into the cages of other colonies, blindly imitate insect societies. But I do our attempts to answer this question but the resident wasp displayed a very think that insect societies hold a mirror so far we have failed. The PQ is an nuanced reaction to the introduced to us and make us think and reflect on unspecialized individual, not different foreigners. The young members of the the way we humans conduct our own from other workers in her morphology, foreign colony were allowed to join the affairs. body size, behaviour, dominance rank resident colony. The older workers of or her ovarian development. Although the foreign colony were allowed to live Suggested Readings: we cannot predict the identity of the in the periphery of the cage but not Gadagkar, R. (1997). Survival PQ in the presence of the queen, we allowed to join the colony. The queen Strategies – Cooperation and asked if there was nevertheless a of the foreign colony was located Conflict in Animal Societies. Harvard designated heir known and acceptable wherever she was and killed. In University Press, Cambridge, to the rest of the colony. Performing subsequent experiments, we have Massachusetts, USA and Universities other more complicated experiments, shown that the young foreign wasps Press, Hyderabad, India. we have found clear evidence that there allowed to join the colony, became fully is indeed a cryptic heir designate known integrated into their foster colonies and Gadagkar, R. (2001). The Social and acceptable to the wasps although lose their foreign identity. Indeed they Biology of Ropalidia marginata: unknown to us. can go on to become foragers and even Toward Understanding the A striking feature of the wasps future queens of their foster colonies. Evolution of Eusociality. Harvard evident in all these experiments is that In summary, we find that the wasps University Press, Cambridge, they managed their affairs including the have well developed mechanisms to Massachusetts, USA. contentious task of designating a PQ maintain peace within the colony and Gadagkar, R. (2009). Interro- without over conflict. Conflict however equally well developed mechanisms to gating an Insect Society. Proceedings was very conspicuous in the manner in make war with foreigners. It is this dual of the National Academy of Sciences, which the wasps behaved towards ability to have peace with insiders and USA, 106, 10407-10414. members of other colonies. Using make war with foreigners that is another set of experiments we showed perhaps the reason why the insect
Prof. Raghavendra Gadagkar can be contacted at the
Centre for Ecological Sciences & Centre for Contemporary Studies, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore and Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur, Bangalore E-mail: [email protected] URL: http://ces.iisc.ernet.in/hpg/ragh
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Address by Shri Prithviraj Chavan, the Hon’ble Minister of State for S&T (IC) and Earth Sciences, and Vice President, CSIR
Prof. Raghavendra Gadagkar, Prof. school to study Animal Behaviour, Samir Brahmachari, Dr. Rajesh Ecology and Evolution but are also Gokhale, Awardees, invitees from very widely consulted and quoted for Industry, Academia, Government and your work on ants, bees and wasps. For members of CSIR family. My warm our young researchers working in the felicitations and congratulations to CSIR broad domain of behavioural ecology for completing 68 glorious years of and sociobiology, you are indeed a role existence. Ever since its establishment model. I must compliment DG, CSIR in 1942, CSIR has been the harbinger for inviting a very distinguished working of major scientific and technological scientist to deliver this year’s Foundation achievements in the country, and I hope Day lecture. and believe that it shall continue to Ladies and Gentlemen, last year in provide scientific leadership to the the course of my Presidential remarks, country in years to come as well. To all I had desired CSIR to put in an increased the Awardees and their family members, focus on ‘energy’, ‘water’ and ‘food I offer my warmest greetings and sector’ research. I am very happy to Shri Prithviraj Chavan, the Hon’ble Minister of State congratulations. We are proud of their note that CSIR has indeed put in for S&T and Vice President, CSIR addressing the audience work, which has brought not only measures to initiate very intensive work personal glory to them but also to the in these areas. I commend DGCSIR has attracted thousands of students institutions where they work. Let this for his very definitive and prompt passing out from engineering colleges recognition be a catalyst in their future initiative. brings us a solution to our perennial scientific endeavours. CSIR’s strength is primarily in the shortage of engineers in research. September 26 happens to be the areas of Chemistry and Biology, but I This year is again a year of birthday of Dr. Manmohan Singh, our always felt that CSIR must have strong numerous achievements for CSIR. I am beloved Prime Minister and President, presence in the engineering research as very happy to mention the Cabinet’s CSIR Society. I extend on my personal well. It is in this context that I note with approval for CSIR Academy for behalf and on behalf of CSIR family appreciation CSIR’s most innovative Scientific & Innovative Research members, our greetings and best wishes programme Post-graduate Research (AcSIR) – an initiative which shall have to him. We are indeed very fortunate Programme in Engineering (PGRPE) a very strong and positive contribution to receive his full support for all our launched last year. to the CSIR’s research base. I notice scientific endeavours and pursuits. This programme prepares our young that the setting-up of AcSIR has Prof. Gadagkar, I really enjoyed engineers not only to undertake attracted very appreciative feedback listening to your Foundation Day challenges of engineering research but from academia and researchers alike. I lecture. For me, an engineer, your talk also brings back the focus on an area compliment Dr. Brahmachari on his very presented a whole new realm of which our country needs the most for passionate involvement in this knowledge and the science governing augmenting its manufacturing endeavour. Not only I admire his passion animal social behaviour. We appreciate capabilities and designing new products. to think forward and excel in the same, that you not only have established a new That this programme is going strong and but also for creating for all Indian science
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departments, a road map to consider and relating Ayurveda and Genomics thereby commercial earnings. This amply follow. Yet other achievements of giving rise to a new scientific area of indicates that CSIR is a performing far-reaching importance are setting up study - the Ayurgenomics, etc. I organization and is charting its own of CSIR-Tech and wide-ranging global appreciate these developments. innovation driven path. recognition for TKDL, i.e. the India is on a growth trajectory, its Ladies and Gentlemen, let me take Traditional Knowledge Digital Library. GDP is envy to many developing nations. this occasion to share a concern of mine. I believe these measures will propel Our research funding is almost one As per the latest World Competitive CSIR into a league of those great percent of our GDP and poised to go Index released by IMD, Lausanne performing organizations, which create up. This growth is all possible because (Switzerland) India’s competitiveness a very judicious mix of research and we have a dynamic set-up, young ranking for this year is at 31 out of 58 entrepreneurship. research pool and visionary leadership. countries covered, while it was 27, 29 Prof. Brahmachari, I again I am sure, CSIR will continue to and 30 for the years 2007, 2008 and 2009 compliment you for creating a very empower its scientists through respectively. Achievements in science distinct and a new way of research innovative schemes like Empower, which and technology and innovativeness also project funding. In the 10th Plan, we is preferential funding available to young play a role while deciding initiated R&D work in Network mode, researchers to help them fulfill their competitiveness of a country. There is which brought scientists from diverse scientific dreams. a decline for us, although, not very disciplines and dispersed locations Ladies and Gentlemen, for any alarming. But then it calls for bringing together, thus creating a synergy. These organization or establishment, its mission proactive and enabling measures, which network programmes brought in a huge and vision are very important, so is the should propel India among the first 20 if dividend wherein CSIR laboratories case with CSIR. But the vision should not in the first 10. Creating a wider could function synergistically and it got always be dynamic, sensitive to the science base, modernizing science reflected in our output as well. CSIR’s prevailing environment and yet aim at laboratories, creating challenging recent organization of networks into reaching distinct horizons. I am very research projects and ambience, making “network clusters” by creating distinct, happy to know that CSIR is creating for scientists more accountable could be a yet synergistically linked sub-clusters, itself, a Vision Document – CSIR few such initial steps. has brought oneness in the system. I 2022, which is going to broadly focus While concluding, I am tempted to firmly believe that this is the beginning on its strengths and needs, and charts say that in the history of every of a great period of cooperation and an Action Plan. Dr. Brahmachari, I organization, there comes a ‘tipping achievements for CSIR. would very keenly watch the outcome point’, a defining moment, and a This period has also seen other of such an ambition. threshold, which decides the future for initiatives, such as mechanisms to reach During the period, CSIR has that organization. For CSIR that the masses through CSIR-NGOs inducted young and new Directors, who defining moment is on the anvil. It must linkages; CSIR-800 programmes; along with the experienced ones are transit from XI Plan to XII Plan with participating in national solar, energy and engaged in creating a new CSIR. This never before ambition, agenda and goals water missions to provide cutting-edge consultative mechanism always pays – truly global and never set before. My scientific inputs and transfer of some dividend. I would like to offer you my Ministry and I personally would always path-breaking high value technologies wholehearted cooperation in such an be there to support you. Wishing all of like sulphur of potash, carbon fibre endeavour. I also compliment CSIR for you the very best and congratulations composite, the anti-TB drug risorine, its continuing leadership position in again to all the Awardees and their semi-continuous bio-diesel plant, co- research publications, patents and family members. Thank you, all.
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Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize 2010
Instituted in 1957, the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prizes are the most coveted S&T Prizes in the country. These Prizes, each carrying a cash award of Rs 500,000, a citation and a plaque, are awarded annually for notable and outstanding research, applied or fundamental, in (1) Biological, (2) Chemical, (3) Earth, Atmosphere, Ocean and Planetary, (4) Engineering, (5) Mathematical, (6) Medical and (7) Physical Sciences. Any citizen of India engaged in research in any field of Science and Technology, who is not more than 45 years old on 31 December of the year preceding the year of the Prize, is eligible. He/she should have made, in the opinion of CSIR, conspicuously important and outstanding contribution to human knowledge and progress — fundamental or applied — in the particular field of endeavour, which is his/her specialization. The Prize is awarded on the basis of contributions made through work done primarily in India during the five years preceding the year of the Prize.
For the year 2010, nine scientists have been selected for the prestigious Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize.
Biological Sciences Dr Sanghamitra Bandyopadhyay Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata
Dr Sanjeev Galande National Centre for Cell Science, Pune (Presently at Medical Sciences Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune)
Dr Shubha Tole Dr Mitali Mukherji Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology (CSIR), Delhi
Chemical Sciences Physical Sciences
Dr Swapan K Pati Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Dr Umesh Vasudeo Waghmare Research, Bangalore Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore Dr Sandeep Verma Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur Dr Kalobaran Maiti Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai Engineering Sciences No Award was given in the area of Earth, Atmosphere, Ocean & Planetary Sciences and Dr G K Ananthasuresh Mathematical Sciences. Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore
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CSIR Young Scientist Awards 2010 Instituted in 1987, CSIR Young Scientist Awards seek to promote in-house excellence in various fields of science and technology. These Awards are open to scientists working in CSIR system who have not attained the age of 35 years by 26 September of the preceding year. The Awards are given annually for outstanding contributions made by the young scientists, based on work done primarily in India, in the following fields: Biological Sciences; Chemical Sciences; Engineering Sciences; Earth, Atmosphere, Ocean and Planetary Sciences and Physical Sciences (including Instrumentation). The scientist should be a regular employee of CSIR, holding a post of Group IV (Scientist ‘B’ or above) and should have joined the CSIR laboratory on or prior to 26 September of the previous year. The Awards carry a citation, a plaque and a cash prize of Rs 50,000. CSIR Young Scientist Awardees are also entitled to a research grant of Rs 5.0 lakhs (Rupees five lakhs only) per annum for a period of five years and an honorarium of Rs 7500/- (Rupees seven thousand five hundred only) per month till the age of 45 years. Till 2009, 133 scientists (including 17 women scientists) have received the CSIR Young Scientist Award and out of these 14 scientists have been conferred with the prestigious Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize. For the year 2010, Advisory Committee consisting of eminent scientists recommended the following seven scientists for the 2010 Young Scientist Awards. This year, none was found suitable in Physical Sciences (including instrumentation)
Biological Sciences establishment of genetic diagnostic contribution in the area of metabolic procedures and recent insight into engineering & abiotic stress tolerance Dr. M. Mohammed Idris, Centre for neurodegeneration in zebrafish model. in plants. Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad. Dr. Idris has been Dr. Sudesh Kumar Yadav, Institute Chemical Sciences awarded for his excellent work on of Himalayan Bioresource Technology Dr. Kamalesh Parasad, Central Salt discovery of genes involved in Palampur. Dr. Yadav has been & Marine Chemicals Research pancreatitis and Huntington’s diseases, awarded for his outstanding Institute, Bhavnagar. Dr Parasad has
CSIR Young Scientist Awardees with Shri Prithviraj Chavan, Prof. Samir K. Brahmachari, Prof. Raghavendra Gadagkar and Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale
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CSIR Technology Awards 2010 been awarded for his significant contributions in the field of Polysaccharides Instituted in 1990 and given annually, ‘CSIR Technology Awards’ seek to leading to new functional materials that foster and encourage multi-disciplinary in-house team efforts and external have great societal applications, besides interaction for technology development, transfer and commercialization. being of fundamental interest. These Awards include one each for: (i) Life Sciences; (ii) Physical Sciences including Engineering; (iii) Innovation; (iv) Business Development and Engineering Sciences Technology Marketing; and (v) Most Significant CSIR Technology of the Five-Year Plan Period (awarded once in five years, coinciding with the Dr Sanjay Pandurang Kamble, National plan period, to such technology which has proven in the market place at Chemical Laboratory, Pune. Dr. Kamble least for five years). has been awarded for his outstanding contributions to the development of Each Technology Award comprises of a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh chemical processes and technologies with except the award for the “Most Significant CSIR Technology of the a view to protect environment and minimize Five-Year Plan Period” which has a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh. Besides, the energy requirement. a plaque and a citation is also given to the awardees. The Hon’ble Minister of State (IC) Science & Technology and Earth Dr Saptarshi Sasmal, Structural Sciences, Shri Prithviraj Chavan, on the occasion of CSIR Foundation Engineering Research Centre, Chennai. Dr Day, gave away CSIR Technology Awards for the year 2010. These Sasmal has been awarded for his awards were in the category of: Physical Sciences including Engineering significant contribution to condition (to Centre Glass and Ceramic Research Institute, Kolkata); Innovation assessment & strengthening of structures. (to North East Institute of Science and Technology, Jorhat); and Business Development & Technology Marketing (to National Metallurgical Earth, Atmosphere, Laboratory, Jamshedpur). Ocean & Planetary Sciences Technology Award for Physical Sciences Dr. Ravi Prakash Srivastava, National including Engineering Geophysical Research Institute, Hyderabad. Dr. Srivastava has been Centre Glass and Ceramic Research Institute, Kolkata won the CSIR awarded for development of a new Technology Award for developing manufacturing technology of bioceramic technique to model natural complex implants for medical applications. The technologies for production of ocular systems particularly hydrocarbon implants and hip prostheses and bio-active coatings are licensed to reservoirs. M/s IFGL Bioceramics Ltd., Kolkata and are in commercial production. The Sancheti Hospital, Pune; Disha Eye Hospitals and Research Centre Dr. Samir Ravikant Damare, National Pvt. Ltd., Barrackpore; and West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Institute of Oceanography Goa. Dr. Sciences, Kolkata have contributed for conducting necessary trials related Damare has been awarded for his to the development. outstanding research that has proven the presence of fungi in the deep-sea Technology Award for Innovation sediments in the Central Indian Basin and for understanding their physiology North East Institute of Science and Technology won the CSIR & enzyme profile using culturing Technology Award for developing process for making high strength proppants. techniques. Oil exploring companies use high strength proppants in fracturing operations,
OCTOBER 2010 229 CSIR FOUNDATION DAY CELEBRATIONS among others. The process developed utilizes native raw Technology Award for Business material like Bauxite, which is abundantly available in India. Development and Technology Marketing The proppants thus produced, conform to American Petroleum Institute (API) specifications. Keshava Deva National Metallurgical Laboratory won the CSIR Malaviya Institute of Petroleum Exploration (KDMIPE), Technology Award for significantly enhancing the business ONGC, Dehradun has contributed in developing the and markets for its knowledgebase. process.
Winners of CSIR Technology Award with Shri Prithviraj Chavan, Prof. Samir.K. Brahmachari, Prof. Raghavendra Gadagkar and Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale
CSIR Diamond Jubilee Invention Award for School Children 2010 In order to enhance creativity amongst school children, CSIR announced, for the first time, Diamond Jubilee Invention Award for School Children on 26 April, 2002 - the day celebrated as World Intellectual Property Day throughout the world. The objectives of this competition are: to capture creativity and innovativeness amongst school children and create awareness about IPR. There are a total number of 60 awards to be given each year. The first prizewinner becomes eligible for WIPO’s Young inventor’s Award carrying a medal and a certificate besides cash prize of Rs 50,000/-. For the year 2009, only one invention was selected out of 288 proposals received for the various categories of prizes to be given. No first prize was given. Miss Neha Lalit Sharma of Class XII, Swami Vivekanand Junior College, Chembur, Mumbai was given the Second Prize (Rs 25,000/- ). Her work involved devising a method for dyeing cotton fabric using Winner of the CSIR Diamond Jubilee Invention Award for a natural colorant from tobacco. School Children with Shri Prithviraj Chavan, and Prof. Samir K. Brahmachari
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SOLECKSHAW CSIR’s Solar Solution to Street Steering Dr. P. Cheena Chawla
Unquestionably, the plight of poor Mr. Palash Maji, Mr. P. S. rickshaw-pullers who pedal all day long, Banerjee and Mr. Sankar all for a meager income that barely Karmakar. sustains their families, is pathetic. But Prior to cycle not any longer, thanks to CSIR’s path- rickshaws of the present breaking work in designing solar day, runner-pulled powered, non-polluting modern rickshaw rickshaws were in vogue that is poised to erase forever the that personified poverty and drudgery so deeply linked helplessness and sheer to this occupation. Christened as submission to such ‘Soleckshaw’ — the new avatar of the unhealthy practice. In old rickshaw — this unique vehicle is a fact, the word ‘rickshaw’ product of the research efforts of CSIR has originated from the scientists working at the Central Japanese word jinrikisha Launching of “Soleckshaw” — the solar operated cycle rickshaw — Mechanical Engineering Research which means ‘human- in Delhi on 2 October 2008 by the then Union Minister of Science & Institute (CMERI), Durgapur. The powered vehicle’. Technology and Earth Sciences, Shri Kapil Sibal and the Chief Minister of Delhi, Smt. Sheila Dikshit credit goes to the scientific team of this Soleckshaw has come to project at CMERI, comprising the the rescue of millions of rickshaw-pullers Principal Investigator, Mr. A. J. in the country, for it promises to reduce Banerjee, and other key players, namely the human effort in steering the vehicle while being a faster means of transport than the traditional rickshaw and is also environment-friendly. Soleckshaw is one of the classic examples that testifies CSIR‘s commitment to translate its meaningful technologies into relevant products and services for the common man through the CSIR 800 initiative — a pragmatic approach of reaching out to 800 million The 3D model of soleckshaw shows flexible hood [1] that is attached to the body [2] through hinge economically weak, less privileged arrangement. The entire body is mounted on main people of the country. Soleckshaw is a chassis [3] that has the transmission system. The promising product of CSIR that has born BLDC based, front wheel drive soleckshaw, driver’s seat [4], with adjustable height, is mounted on prototype manufactured by CMERI, Durgapur the main chassis out of this vision.
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rickshaw does not have a solar charging mechanism integrated into it, which is why replenishing/charging stations, which house the solar panels, are needed for the purpose of recharging the batteries. A battery takes about 5-6 hours for charging. According to Dr Gautam Biswas, Director, CMERI, setting up of solar charging stations is quite costly. So far there are three solar charging stations for test run of soleckshaw, in Durgapur, Delhi and Experimental Model with overhead solar panel PMDC based, rear wheel drive soleckshaw, Chandigarh. The Central Electronics manufactured by M/s Dean Systems (one of the licensee), Kolkata Limited, (CEL), a Govt. of India undertaking is authorized to set up such stations in India. The Kolkata-based Solekshaw has been so designed Ahmedabad, as a technology INSILICA is also ready for setting up that mere manual ‘pedal pushing’ of demonstration project, soleckshaw is solar charging stations, where a used rickshaw would get transformed to slowly making its presence felt in battery could be replaced with a charged ‘driving’ a rickshaw as the latter is different parts of the country. one. On the other hand, solar panels can equipped with a solar-powered electric Reducing the effort made by its be added while manufacturing the motor that assists the pedal drive. driver to minimum, soleckshaw can soleckshaws, but understandably, this Having a battery panel and a specially carry a load of as much as 200 kg that would raise the cost of each rickshaw. designed 240-350 W, 36-volt solar is about two or three passengers. It also Usually a 1 m x 1.5 m panel is capable battery-powered electric motor, has a sturdier frame and is equipped of producing 300 W that is needed to weighing about 5 kg, this new rickshaw with FM radio, while having power- power a soleckshaw. effectively harnesses solar energy that sockets for charging mobile phones As the current price of soleckshaw actually brings movement to the during the ride. The solar battery, at Rs 30,000-35,000 is quite high, in vehicle’s chain drive. weighing around 15 kg, is placed under contrast with the price of a normal The rear wheels of soleckshaw are the passenger’s seat. Interestingly, this rickshaw being about Rs 8,000, efforts manually driven while the front wheel is new ‘pedicab’ has additional features are being made to reduce its driven by the motor, which is mounted like head-light, a tail lamp and indicators. manufacturing cost for the demand to on the wheel. The specifically designed It also has a low footboard that is pick up. Apart from the chassis, the sub- brush less direct-current (BLDC) motor user-friendly especially helpful for assemblies that need to be manufactured has been developed for the first time in children, senior citizens and the include the differential drive, the special India by the Crompton Greaves based disabled. With a top speed of 15 Km hub motor and the light weight solar on the specifications provided by per hour, a fully charged solar battery panel. CSIR has so far transferred the CMERI. The motor is having a proper of soleckshaw can ferry passengers license for manufacture of soleckshaws braking system. Currently plying in for up to 50-70 Kms that is quite to the following companies — Modular Durgapur, Delhi (Chandni Chowk), impressive. Machines, Faridabad, Dean Systems, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Ranchi, Kolkata and However, this new design of Kolkata; HBL Power Systems Ltd,
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Hyderabad and Stilam Automobiles Pvt Minister, Mr Kapil Sibal, who was the accommodating the solar charging Ltd., Gurgaon. then Minister of Science and Technology station at its Delhi Metro Station at While high cost of soleckshaw may and Earth Sciences. Chandni Chowk. Besides, the Centre for pose as a hindrance to its widespread With focus on designing slimmer and Rural Development (CRD), an NGO, is use, efforts are in full swing to develop lighter versions of soleckshaw, CMERI working as a partner for wider innovative business models with NGOs, scientists have also developed the Mark deployment of soleckshaw. banks, corporates and manufacturing II soleckshaw with one of its model It is indeed a heartening fact that organizations to make soleckshaws having a solar panel on top. It is faster the Honorable Minister of State for available to drivers at the cost of an than Mark 1 model, as it can reach a Communications & Information ordinary rickshaw or alternatively work speed of up to 30 Km per hour. A still Technology, Shri Sachin Pilot, has out reasonable rentals/installments for advanced version, Mark III recently launched soleckshaw as an owning a soleckshaw. Another soleckshaw, is poised to be more environment-friendly postal delivery challenge is to have solar battery spacious family vehicle having reclined vehicle. This signifies Govt’s inclination charging stations functional across the seats and aerodynamic body. Besides towards modernizing the Indian Post country, for which plans are underway. reducing the physical stress of present- Services and making the postal delivery Besides, the cost of charging a battery day rickshaw pullers and providing them more efficient. In this light, recently that is about Rs 45 at present needs a a decent employment with higher M/s Kinetic Motors along with CMERI further cut. economic returns, soleckshaw would has re-designed and developed a The main body structure of the help mitigate global warming as well, as modified version of soleckshaw that scientifically-designed soleckshaw has this public transport vehicle is free from could serve, more appropriately, as a been customized in different models that carbon dioxide emission and its light postal delivery vehicle. No doubt, it suit different terrains and purposes. large-scale use is poised to reduce our would add more dignity to the postal Unlike the existing rickshaws, dependence on polluting vehicles delivery service as a whole, while soleckshaw can be driven easily like auto-rickshaws that use fossil speeding up the delivery time. both on the plains as well as uphill, fuels. There are bright rays of hope that without any risk of imbalance. Moreover, The other players who have joined soleckshaw would go places very soon different materials have been tested hands for taking soleckshaw to Delhi as the Honorable Finance Minister, Shri for optimizing the most suitable streets, under the Technology Pranab Mukherjee has proposed to design, thanks to the team of CMERI Demonstration Project (TDP) at provide a concessional excise duty of scientists working on this project Chandni Chowk, are scientists at the four per cent to soleckshaw, while tirelessly. Advanced Materials & Process exempting the customs duty on its key The Mark I version of soleckshaw, Research Institute (AMPRI), CSIR, parts and components. Meanwhile, designed and developed by CMERI was who have provided the fly ash jute- newer models of soleckshaw are in the the one that was launched in Delhi in polymer composite-based instant offing as CMERI scientists are fully October 2008 by the Honorable Chief housing unit for housing the battery bank, committed to providing novel Minister of Delhi, Mrs Sheila Dikshit and while the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation engineering marvels to suit our country’s Union Human Resource Development (DMRC) has provided the facility for needs.
(Technical inputs and Photo courtesy: Dr Gautam Biswas, Director, CMERI and Project Team, CMERI, Durgapur).
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CSIR Foundation Day Celebrations at Laboratories/Institutes
All the 37 CSIR Laboratories/Institutes celebrated the CSIR Foundation Day on 26 September with great enthusiasm. They took stock of the performance of the past year and planned the future. Special programmes were arranged on the occasion and the staff members who had completed 25 years of regular service and who had retired since last Foundation Day, were honoured by presenting memontoes and shawls. Various competitions were organized as a part of the celebrations and winners were awarded. The occasion was also observed as Open Day by many Institutes/Laboratories and a large number of people, particularly the students, visited and interacted with the scientists. The programmes organized on the occasion at CBRI, CIMAP, IICB, IMMT, NEIST, NGRI and NIO are highlighted here:
Central Building Research Institute (CBRI), Roorkee
The Institute observed ‘Open towards the ethical values Day’ on 26 September 2010 diminishing in the area of to commemorate the scientific research. Prof. Foundation Day of Council of Prem Krishna, Chairman, Scientific and Industrial Research Council, CBRI, Research. The Institute was Roorkee graced the occasion kept open to the public and as the Guest of Honour and invitations were sent to drew attention on the problem schools to send their children of Global Warming. He also to interact freely with the emphasized that the scientists scientists of the Institute. in the Institute should choose Padam Shree Prof. K.L. A view of the dais during CSIR Foundation Day Celebrations at CBRI a few areas and work Chopra, Former Director, IIT towards excellence in those. Kharagpur graced the occasion as Chief of CBRI has benefited the society, In his Presidential Address, Prof. Guest and congratulated scientists and particularly the rural people of the S.K. Bhattacharyya, Director, CBRI staff members of the Institute for country. He emphasized that the welcomed the Chief Guest and the Guest carrying out various R&D programmes research should cater to the needs of of Honour and highlighted the Institute’s concerned with the advancement of the masses and must be environment- R&D activities. He informed that a Science & Technology. The R&D work friendly. He also showed his concern PGRPE course on “Engineering of Infrastructure (Buildings/Roads) and Disaster Mitigation” has started from this year in the Institute and eight students have been enrolled. Prof. S.K. Bhattacharyya also said that it is a matter of great satisfaction that our country is now considered as one of the greatest scientific resource of the world market. CBRI is directly concerned with the CSIR Foundation Day celebrations, in progress, at CBRI upliftment of the common people
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man as shelter is considered to be one staff were also rewarded. An essay At a later session, Prof. K. L. of the basic needs. CBRI has always competition for CBRI wards was Chopra delivered the first lecture of the played a vital role in finding appropriate organized in different groups and the Distinguished Institute Lecture Series on solutions for providing houses and selected ones were awarded. The prizes ‘Application of Solar-Photovoltaic in buildings to meet the aspirations of the were also given to the winners of Buildings’. In the evening a cultural people of this country. different events organized for programme was also organized in the On this occasion, the citations were celebrating the Foundation Day. The Institute’s auditorium, in which the distributed to the persons who retired Programme was anchored by Shri Y. PGRPE students, scientists, staff during the year and the employees who Pandey, Scientist ‘F’and the Vote of and the wards of CBRI family had completed 25 years of service in Thanks was given by the CoA, Shri S. participated. CSIR. The meritorious wards of CBRI C. Tyagi.
Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP), Lucknow
Visit of a large number of students and The Institute was visited by large number Director, CIMAP welcomed the persons from different section of of students from various schools. In the participants. Dr. Sumit Kumar Bag from society, scientific lectures by young forenoon scientific session, young NBRI delivered a talk on scientists, CSIR Foundation Day Oration scientists from local CSIR labs delivered ‘Computational Biology Research in by eminent scientist, release of a new talks, which were attended by the Plant Sciences’. He said that drought publication, felicitation of the staff and scientists and research scholars of the tolerance and superior fibre quality are cultural programme marked the day-long Institute. two of the most desirable traits that need celebrations of CSIR Foundation Day Prof. D.N. Rao of the Indian to be introduced in the present day cotton at Central Institute of Medicinal and Institute of Science, Bangalore chaired plant. He further said that the task of Aromatic Plants (CIMAP), Lucknow. the session. Prof. Ram Rajasekharan, sequencing of five whole transcriptome
A glimpse of CSIR Foundation Day celebrations at CIMAP
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libraries of leaf and root tissues of transplantation, a significant number of general R-M systems restrict unmodified drought tolerant and drought sensitive surviving functional NSC derived DA DNA, but there are other systems that varieties of Gossypium herbaceum neurons were observed in co- specifically recognize and cut modified have been carried out on GSFLX 454 transplanted group as evident by the DNA. sequencer. increase in number of tyrosine More than 3500 restriction enzymes Dr. B. Surendar Reddy from CDRI hydroxylase immunoreactive (TH-IR) have been discovered. “With the delivered a lecture on ‘Targeted Cancer neurons and TH-IR fiber density at the identification and sequencing of a Therapies: A Chemical transplantation site (striatum). number of R-M systems from bacterial Pharmaceutics Approach’. He said At a special function held on this genomes, an increasing number of these that targeted cancer therapies block the occasion, Director, CIMAP, Prof. Ram have been found that do not seem to fit growth and spread of cancer by Rajasekharan welcomed the Chief into the conventional classification”, interfering with molecular targets. Guest and highlighted the progress of the Prof. Rao added. He further said that it Among many possible targeted Institute made in last one year. The is well documented that restriction therapies, delivery of anti-neoplastic Function was presided over by Prof. D. enzyme genes always lie close to their agents to cancer cells using N. Rao of Biochemistry Division, Indian cognate methyltransferase genes. nanomaterials as pharmaceutical Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore. Analysis of the bacterial and archaeal delivery systems is an important Prof. Rao delivered the Foundation Day genome sequences shows that MTase strategy. “Amongst the different lecture on, Genomics of Restriction– genes are more common than one would arsenals of nanoparticles, tumor specific Modification System. He said that have expected on the basis of previous small molecule ligand bearing multi- restriction endonucleases occur biochemical screening. functional nanoparticles, which would ubiquitously among procaryotic On this occasion, four staff selectively find and kill cancer cells, play organisms. Up to 1% of the genome of members who had completed 25 years a very significant role in the development procaryotic organisms is taken up by the of continuous service in CSIR, and nine of targeted therapies”, added Dr. Reddy. genes for these enzymes. Their principal staff members who had superannuated Dr. Rajnish Kumar Chaturvedi from biological function is the protection of during 2010 were felicitated by the Chief IITR delivered his lecture on ‘Stem the host genome against foreign DNA, Guest. Prof. D.N. Rao also released Cell’s Transplantation in Parkinson’s in particular bacteriophage DNA. CIMAP Annual Report 2009-10, Hindi Disease: Prospects for Regenerative Restriction-modification (R-M) magazine ‘Aus-Boond’ and its English edicine’. He said that transplantation of systems are composed of pairs of version ‘Maps Dew’ besides the latest neural stem cell (NSC) derived opposing enzyme activities: an issue of the Journal of Medicinal and dopamine (DA) neurons has emerged endonuclease and a DNA Aromatic Plant Science (JMAPs). He as an alternative approach to fetal neural methyltransferase (MTase). The also released a newly developed variety cell transplantation in Parkinson’s endonucleases recognise specific of Menthofuran mint named ‘CIMAP- disease (PD). sequences and catalyse cleavage of Patra’. Director, CIMAP, Prof. Ram An attempt has been made at IITR double-stranded DNA. The modification Rajasekharan and General Manager of to increase survival and function of NSC MTases catalyze the addition of a methyl IPCA Laboratory, Ratlam Dr. D.C. Jain derived DA neurons, by co-grafting with group to one nucleotide in each strand also exchanged the consultancy Zuckerkandl’s organ; (a paraneural of the recognition sequence using S- agreement for contractual cultivation of organ that expresses neurotrophic adenosyl-L-methionine (AdoMet) as the anti-malarial drug from the plant factors as well as cell adhesion methyl group donor. Based on their Artemisia annua. Later in the molecules), to provide continuous NTF molecular structure, sequence evening a cultural programme by support and developmental cues to recognition, cleavage position and CIMAP research students was also transplanted DA neurons in rat model cofactor requirements, R-M systems are organized, which was attended by the of PD. After 24 weeks of generally classified into four groups. In staff.
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Indian Institute of Chemical Biology (IICB), Kolkata
IICB, Kolkata, observed the Scientific and Industrial 68th Foundation Day of CSIR Research, BSIR was formed on 26 September 2010 at its and very soon it was premises. Prof. Siddhartha transformed into CSIR in Roy, Director, IICB presided 1942 which acquired a large over the Function in which number of scientific Dr. Ajay Kumar Ray, Vice- institutions in its aegis Chancellor, BESU, Shibpur, countrywide. West Bengal was present as The employees of IICB the Guest-in Chief. Prof. who had completed 25 years Amitabha Chattopadhyay, of service and the employees Scientist H, CCMB, CSIR Foundation Day celebration at IICB. Seated on dias (from left) are: who had retired from services Dr. S.R.Sarkar, Dr. A. Chattopadhyay, Dr. A. K. Ray, Hyderabad delivered the Prof. S.Roy and Dr. H.K.Majumder in IICB during September Foundation Day Lecture. 2009 and August 2010 were In his Welcome Address, Prof. highly reputed international journals. honoured by presenting mementos. The Siddhartha Roy mentioned that in 1942 Dr. A. K. Ray, the Chief Guest, in Function was graced by invited guests, CSIR was born with an aim to transform his Inaugural Address said that the fire distinguished scientists, employees, ex- the future independent India into a set by Dr. Bhatnagar 68 years back, has colleagues and the students. It ended scientific power, a technological power spread all over the country and CSIR with Vote of Thanks by Dr. S R Sarkar, and to carry our scientific and can really boast of being an organization CoA, IICB and Convener of the technological progress to world class which has possibly produced the Organizing Committee. echelon. :CSIR has silently and quietly maximum number of patents and After the first session, Foundation transformed India from a relatively rural publications. He congratulated IICB Day lecture was delivered by Dr. agricultural country into a major force”, scientists for contributing to diverse Amitabha Chattopadhyay, regarding an he added. Prof. Roy was much delighted aspects of cellular and molecular biology. important work on Membrane Biology to inform that about two months back He discussed about the contributions of and Neurobiology entitled, “Role of the Academy of CSIR was created as Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose, Membrane Cholesterol in the a part of CSIR.. Acharya Prafulla Chandra Roy, Indian Function of Serotonin-1A Receptors: In the introductory lecture, Dr. Association for Cultivation of Science, Implication in Health and Disease”. Hemanta Kumar Majumder, Scientist G, Presidency College, the University of In his lecture, Dr. Chattopadhyay said IICB and Chairman, CSIR Foundation Calcutta and presented a brief history that most of our brains are full of Day Organizing Committee presented a of the Indian Science in this context. membranes and in these membranes brief history of CSIR formation and Dr Ray elaborated that in 1940, there are cholesterols. The main interest discussed about the CSIR structure, after a lot of destruction and devastation of his work was to find out the major which is heterogeneous in nature. He during the Second World War, the British cholesterol in brain per gram tissue and expressed his pleasure in stating that Government in India could not decline to understand its function in different Institutes of CSIR are doing to the requests of the Indian stalwarts neurodegenerative diseases. It was excellent science and IICB is not an in science like Dr. Bhatnagar to form important to understand neurobiology in exception as the scientists are an organization in India in line with the context of membrane biology. He consistently publishing their work in DSIR in England. In 1941, the Board of said that G-protein coupled to receptors,
OCTOBER 2010 237 CSIR FOUNDATION DAY CELEBRATIONS
which are a class of proteins that also elaborated his studies with human House’ on 24 September 2010 in connect the cells inside to outside. He serotonin-1A receptors and brain connection with the Foundation Day described the communication pathways cholesterol, cholesterol requirements of celebration to enable students to visit of cells up to the DNA level and serotonin receptors, interaction of the IICB. About 400 students from 15 informed that these GPCRs are good hippocampal serotonin 1A receptor with schools and colleges with their teachers drug targets. “Serotonin acts as a membrane cholesterol and the diseases visited various laboratories and neurotransmitter in the brain and it exerts associated with defective cholesterol interacted with the scientists expressing its diverse actions by binding to distinct biosynthesis. great interest and enthusiasm. cell surface receptors”, he added. He The Institute also observed ‘Open
Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (IMMT), Bhubaneswar
Institute of Minerals and Materials achievements of CSIR in the recent Technology (IMMT), Bhubaneswar decade in the scientific, industrial, observed the 68th Foundation day of strategic, societal and academic Council of Scientific and Industrial sectors in the country. He welcomed Research (CSIR), New Delhi on the ESSAR proposal for the joint 26 September 2010. Mr. M.K. overseas collaboration and assured Sampath, CEO, ESSAR Steel Ltd that IMMT will begin its global delivered the Foundation Day industrial campaign in association Lecture as Chief Guest in a Function with ESSAR to compete with the attended by retired and existing global players. The joint venture will employees of IMMT and invited be the first of its kind for any Indian guests. Describing his experience in R&D organization in the mineral Mr M.K. Sampath, CEO, ESSAR Steel Ltd. delivered the the Indian industries, Mr. Sampath 68th Foundation Day Lecture sector. said that as an Indian research On the occasion, IMMT organization of repute, IMMT has industry for its high standards of released a process technology for drawn attention of the global minerals process development, especially in manufacturing of cold setting chemical the field of iron ore processing. activated fly ash and red mud building Mr. Sampath declared that brick and block to M/s Vedanta ESSAR and IMMT will soon join Aluminium Limited, Lanjigarh. Retiring hands to work in overseas projects employees of CSIR in IMMT and to extract iron ore. ESSAR has employees completing 25 years of sought IMMT’s collaboration to service were felicitated. The Chief study iron ore pockets in the Guest awarded the winners of various African continent and implement competitions held to commemorate the strategy to begin large-scale CSIR Foundation Day. Studentship production soon. awards were also distributed to the Prof. B.K. Mishra, Director meritorious children of IMMT Prof. B.K. Mishra delivering the Welcome Address IMMT mentioned the significant employees.
238 CSIR NEWS CSIR FOUNDATION DAY CELEBRATIONS
North East Institute of Science and Technology (NEIST), Jorhat
NEIST organized the 68th CSIR in bringing the position of CSIR up to On this special occasion, a Golden Foundation Day on 26 September 2010 this level and for keeping the CSIR Jubilee Brochure on CSIR-NEIST was with much gaiety and well sorted out flagship high. Delivering the foundation formally released by the Chief Guest. programme. Held at its auditorium in the day lecture on, ‘Role of Medicinal At the Function, 29 retired retired evening hours, the Function was plant Salacia Species in the employees of NEIST were felicitated presided over by Dr R. C. Boruah, Prevention and Management of with mementoes and sanman patra and Scientist H & Scientist-in-charge, Metabolic Syndromes’, Prof Dubey staff members who had completed 25 NEIST. Those present included NEIST said that the North-East of India being years in CSIR service were also fraternity, a large gathering comprising a biodiversity hotspot has a vast scope presented mementoes. Awards were of invited guests, retired employees of for the exploitation of plant diversity in given to the winners of various NEIST and the press. Prof G. P. Dubey, various medicinal uses. Prof. Dubey competitions held on the occasion of Ex-Dean, Faculty of Ayurveda, Banaras explained in detail the promising results Foundation Day, SC/ST students for Hindu University, Banaras graced the of Salacia species in having anti-obesity, their academic excellence in State Board occasion as the Chief Guest and also anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic and anti- Exams and wards of NEIST employees delivered the Foundation Day Lecture. atherogenic properties. He presented, for their excellence in sports during 2009- In his Welcome Address, Dr J. C. S. through various slides, the biochemical 10. The Function concluded with Vote Kotoky, Scientist G, extended a warm activity/parameters in different ranges of Thanks offered by Dr B. G. Unni, welcome to all and apprised the of normal population in the study of Scientist G. Earlier the Institute observed gathering about the achievements of metabolic syndrome. He also stressed as ‘Open Day’ in the morning hours for CSIR in various fields of research. He on the importance of preserving our the visit of students and public at large extended gratitude to all the former environment and to contribute towards who came in large number and interacted scientists of CSIR for their contribution economic empowerment of the country. with the scientists.
National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI), Hyderabad
CSIR Foundation Day celebrations acknowledging definite contributions started with a Welcome Address to all from NGRI, such as exploration for gas by Dr Y..J.Bhaskar Rao, Acting Director, hydrates, legal continental shelf mapping, NGRI. The Chief Guest was Dr. tsunami warning system, monitoring and Shailesh Nayak, Secretary to the assessment of earthquake hazards and Government of India, Ministry of Earth Antarctic research. Sciences (MoES). Dr. Nayak delivered Prior to the lecture, Dr Kalachand a lecture with a very appropriate title Sain, scientist, NGRI, introduced the befitting the occasion ‘Societal Benefits speaker to the gathering. The Seen on the dais (from left) are: Dr.Y.J. Bhaskara of Earth System Sciences’. Through his Rao, Director, NGRI & Dr. Shailesh Nayak, superannuated staff members were India-centric illustrations, Dr. Nayak Secretary to the Government of India, Ministry of felicitated by the Chief Guest. Cash explained how Earth science plays a Earth Sciences (MoES). awards were presented to winners of very crucial role in serving the society. various competitions and meritorious He also highlighted the role of MoES in significantly impact the Indian society students. The Function ended with a Vote the Indian Earth science scenario, where and socio-economics. Dr. Nayak of Thanks by Dr. D. Sarkar, scientist, the numerous scientific programs highlighted some recent successes NEIST.
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To commemorate the CSIR Foundation Day, NGRI was kept open for public especially for students to know about ‘Mother Earth’ About 3000 students from various schools visited different laboratories depicting the activities of the Institute. The demonst- rations invoked a lot of enthusiasm among the students and teachers as a NGRI scientists explaining scientific experiments and interacting with participating students result of the painstaking effort made by the scientists, technical staff and Explanation Award went to the Consolation Prize for his low cost research students. The Best Exhibit Tsunami studies group led by Dr. Kirti pump run by solar power. Prizes were Award was won by Seismology group Srivastava. Besides, Mr. Anand awarded by the Chief Guest, Dr. Shailesh headed by Dr. Srinagesh and the Best Kumar, Technical Officer won a Nayak
National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), Goa
“In order to handle the adverse situations temperature, wheat production would suggesting the strategy due to the effects of climatic change on reduce to a large extent. It is therefore that includes food security, it is very essential to have essential to develop different varieties development of an anticipatory research on the agenda” of seeds that can handle the situations mangrove and non- said Prof. M.S. Swaminathan during of such fluctuating climate. “We must mangrove bio-shields CSIR Foundation Day lecture at the move from ‘green revolution’ to ‘ever- to minimize the impact National Institute of Oceanography green revolution’ by increasing of coastal storms and sea water (NIO). Prof Swaminathan was sharing productivity in perpetuity without inundation, promoting sea water farming his thoughts on “Safeguarding associated ecological harm”, he through agri-aqua farms, promoting below National Food Security in an Era of emphasized. While organic farming/ sea level farming as already being Climate Change” from the floor of NIO agriculture is one direction in this effort practiced by farmers in the Kuttanad area to a large gathering of scientists, for grain production, the fish production of Kerala, breeding salinity tolerant students, farmers and many others who can also be enhanced by low external crop varieties for cultivation in coastal attended the Foundation Day lecture on input sustainable aquaculture methods areas based on genetic engineering 26 September 2010. wherein the herbivore-based feeds are techniques besides preparing contingency Prof. Swaminathan said the used, indigenous species are plans for the resettlement of climate Government is trying to bring in considered and water quality and refugees. Food availability, home grown legislation in the form of Food Security health of the fish is maintained. food security and nutrition security by way Act but to fulfill the needs of the people, Prof. Swaminathan also of use of other farm products was his enough food availability is essential. addressed the issues of meeting the mantra for food security and fight for Whereas just by 1 or 2 degrees C rise in challenge of sea level rise by hunger.
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