30 SEPTEMBER 2007 285 High Impact Papers

Functional polymers from divinyl monomers via cyclodextrin host-guest chemistry

ROSS-LINKED polymers find Chem. Soc., 128, 24 (2006), 7752- biology, and industries such as Ca wide range of applications 7753.] have developed a pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetic, such as ion exchange resins, methodology for selective perfumery, etc. adsorbents, molecularly imprinted polymerization of divinyl monomers In the methodology developed at polymers, supports for reagents in such as ethylene glycol NCL / IICT, the water insoluble organic synthesis, enzyme dimethacrylate and ethylene glycol divinyl monomers form an inclusion immobilization and drug delivery methacrylate 4-vinyl benzoate by complex with β-cyclodextrin and its systems. A sequential multi-step exploiting the principles of host- derivatives such as dimethyl β- approach, wherein, a soluble linear guest chemistry. cyclodextrin. The vinyl group polymer is first synthesized, isolated Cyclodextrins are torus shaped included in the cavity of β- and then cross-linked offers cyclic oligosaccharides produced as cyclodextrin does not participate in significant advantages in most a result of enzymatic degradation of polymerization. As a result, a divinyl applications. Therefore, there is a starch by the cyclodextrin monomer behaves as a monovinyl need to devise a one-step glucanotransferase enzyme. monomer. The polymerization methodology for the synthesis of Cyclodextrins form inclusion results in a solvent soluble linear soluble, linear and cross-linkable complexes with large number of polymer containing one vinyl double polymers. organic guest molecules. The bond per repeat unit. physical properties such as Such “vinyl” functional Mohan G. Kulkarni and his solubility, stability, volatility are polymers can be subsequently cross- colleagues Sunita S. Satav and modified without affecting the linked by free radical initiators or Rohini N. Karmalkar at National chemical structure of the guest by UV irradiation, to yield films, Chemical Laboratory (NCL), Pune, molecule. Cyclodextrins have been micro and nanoparticles as well as in collaboratrion with M. Nagraju shown to solubilize vinyl monomers graft copolymers. Such cross-linked and G.N. Sastry of Indian Institute and enable their polymerization in polymers may find application in of Chemical Technology (IICT), aqueous media. These inclusion various areas such as coatings, Hyderabad, [S.S. Satav, R.N. complexes have found numerous microelectronics, photoresists, Karmalkar, M.G. Kulkarni, M. practical applications in chemistry, molecularly imprinted polymers, ion Nagraju and G. N. Sastry, Am. exchange resins, as chromatography Water DMF / AIBN support, reagent in organic synthesis, drug delivery Inclusion complex systems and other Cyclodextrin Divinyl monomer Precipitate d biomedical Water applications. Seven patent applications are pending covering various applications of this

EGMAVB-β-CD Linear polymer precipitated chemistry. (Molecular modeling) www.ncl-.org

286 CSIR NEWS R&D Highlights

NBRI developes ‘India Herbal Garden’ at WHO (Hq), Geneva

HE National behind setting up the T Botanical herbal garden was to Research Institute popularize the usage of (NBRI), Lucknow, has Indian plants in health care developed an ‘India worldwide, as the garden Herbal Garden’ at the was to be set up in the Head Quarters of World premises of world’s top Health Organization, health related Geneva. Dr Anbumani international organization. Ramadoss, Minister for The garden has 24 beds, Health & Family Welfare, adjacent to the India Room Government of India, at WHO (HQ), having inaugurated the garden on herbs, used in Indian 16 May 2007 in the System of Medicine. presence of Dr Margaret On the occasion of its Chan, Director General, Dr Anbumani Ramadoss, Minister for Health & Family Welfare, inauguration, the Minister WHO. The garden, Government of India (extreme right) and Dr Margaret Chan, released a leaflet, prepared showcasing some of the Director General, WHO, inaugurating the India Herbal Garden by NBRI, describing the India’s medicinal plant background of the garden, wealth has been developed by NBRI through the Ministry of Health & its layout and short details of the with the financial support of Family Welfare, way back in 2003- herbs, including their usage. National Medicinal Plants Board, 04, had made a commitment to Speaking on the occasion, Dr M. New . It may be mentioned WHO to set up India Herbal Garden Chan, who herself is a Herbalist, that this is the first garden of its kind at WHO (Hq), Geneva. Later on, thanked the Indian Government for in WHO premises in Geneva. this responsibility was rendered to developing and donating the India The Government of India, NBRI in the year 2006. The idea Herbal Garden to WHO. She also

The India Herbal Garden

30 SEPTEMBER 2007 287 R&D Highlights

appreciated the hard work and efforts of NBRI in setting up the Garden. The Health Minister emphasized the future prospects of India’s rich biodiversity and traditional knowledge in grabbing the fast increasing global herbal market. He said that this garden, set up at WHO will have long term future prospects in popularizing the Indian system of medicine and herbal industry globally. Drs A.K.S. Rawat and S.K. Tewari, Scientists, NBRI who were also present on the occasion, briefed the august gathering about the propagation and medicinal uses of the herbs, planted in the garden. The officials including Permanent Representative and Deputy Permanent Representative from Permanent Mission Drs A.K.S. Rawat and S.K. Tewari with WHO Team of India to the United Nations were also present on at the India Herbal Garden the occasion.

CECRI: Processes Licensed and Patents Filed/Granted

HE processes licensed and patents filed by and patent granted to the Central Electrochemical Research TInstitute (CECRI), Karaikudi, during January — June 2007 include:

Processes Licensed (process, licensee) • Decorative yellow and white bronze electroplating, M/s KM Gadia & Sons, Bangalore • Magnesium silver chloride seawater activated battery, M/s Tirven Industries, Hyderabad • Electrolytic defluoridation of drinking water, M/s Sandur Fluid Controls Private Limited, Bangalore

Patents Filed in India (invention, inventors) • Preparation of l-aminianthroquinone derivatives useful as novel corrosion inhibitors for petroleum products transporting pipelines, N. Palanisamy, P. Subramanian, S. Maruthamuthu, S. Mohanan • Development of a digital and embeddable sensor for quantitative prediction of chloride ion, S.P. Manoharan, H. Dolli, J. Kennady, M. Ramakrishnan, A. Veluchamy • An improved process for the electrochemical preparation of benzaldehyde from benzyl alcohol, T. Raju, K. Kulangiappaar, M. Anbukilandainaathan, A. Muthukumaran • Development of conducting paint for aerospace applications, S. Azim, R.H. Sureshbabu, G. Venkatachari • An alternative proton conducting polymer electrolyte membrane and its application to fuel cells, A.K. Shukla, S. Pitchumani, P. Sridhar, A.K. Sahu, G. Selvarani, P.S. Khadke

Patent Granted in India • A process for the preparation of an improved zinc-alloy useful for making improved galvanic anodes and a process for making improved galvanic anodes therefrom, D. Mukherjee, G.T. Parthiban, N. Palanisamy, N.S. Rengaswamy, Pat. No 199592.

288 CSIR NEWS Facilities

Computer-controlled Vibration Test Facility at NAL’s Structures Division state-of-the-art Computer- Viswanath, Head, Structures Division, Dr A.R. Upadhya after Acontrolled Vibration Test brought out the need for such a facility declaring open the CCVTF, recalled Facility (CCVTF) has been installed to cater to civil aircraft and other how Structures Division has in the at the Structures Division of the development programmes of the past addressed problems of National Aerospace Laboratories laboratory. He also highlighted the structural dynamics. He stressed (NAL), Bangalore. The newly utility of the system in dynamic the need for qualifying the newly acquired LDS V875 CCVTF was qualification of non-aerospace systems developed LRU’s according to inaugurated by Dr A.R. Upadhya, like automobile components, electronic relevant standards and Director, NAL, at a simple function equipment, etc. He also listed out a complimented the Scientists of on 27 May 2007. number of users who seek NAL’s Structures Division in taking the In his welcome address, Dr S. expertise in this area and the facility. initiative in setting up the facility.

30 SEPTEMBER 2007 289 Foundation Day Celebrations

IICT Foundation Day

HE Indian Institute Tof Chemical Technology (IICT), Hyderabad, celebrated its 63rd Foundation Day on 5 August 2007. It was on this day in 1944 that the Nizam of Hyderabad signed a Firman, establishing Central Laboratories for Scientific & Industrial Research (CLSIR) in the Osmania University campus to undertake research on natural resources of the erstwhile state of Hyderabad, such as oil, coal and ceramics. This laboratory became Regional Research Laboratory, Hyderabad in 1956 and later it was Dr J.S. Yadav, Director,IICT, presenting the silver plaque to Prof. Miller, re-christened as Indian Institute of the speaker of the IICT Foundation Day Lecture-07 Chemical Technology in 1989. Prof. Andrew David Miller, lung cancer, etc. The treatment is Solutions was making efforts to forge Professor of Organic Chemistry and basically about effective delivery of partnerships between laboratories Chemical Biology and Director, a nucleic acid to the cell. Since in developing and developed Genetic Therapies Centre, nucleic acids are high molecular countries for adopting a novel Department of Chemistry, Imperial weight compounds, there delivery approach to treat diseases such as College, London was the chief guest has to be done through some good malaria, tuberculosis, HIV and and delivered the Foundation Day carriers/vectors. Lack of good virus- Hepatitis-B. Lecture on ‘Whither Synthetic Non- based vectors was hampering Earlier, Dr J.S. Yadav, Director, Viral Vectors in Gene Therapy’. efficacy of the therapy and more IICT, highlighted the achievements Prof. Miller in his lecture than 1000 clinical trials have gone of his institute during the past one pointed out that gene therapy could waste. To overcome this, efforts are year. He said that the institute was be a boon for patients suffering from on to use non-viral vectors to gaining greater heights day by day; deadly diseases like Hepatitis-B, combat Hepatitis-B and this has as evident from the external cash shown promising flow (ECF) of Rs. 32.80 crore during results. Prof. 2006-07 — highest amongst the Miller informed the chemical sciences group of gathering about the laboratories. breakthrough in The chief guest presented the this area, stating annual awards to the staff members. that encouraging These included Shields (Team results are coming Award), Individual Awards in tackling ovarian (Certificates and Medals), IICT and cervical cancer. Gaurv Sanman 2006-07, Individual He further said SRF Awards and IICT Appreciation that newly created Awards. Names of two scientists Foundation for were added to the IICT Roll of Global Biomedical Honour for their extraordinary Students being explained the activities of IICT

290 CSIR NEWS Foundation Day Celebrations

achievements. Dr Manika Pal Bhadra and Dr Narahari Sastry, CECRI Foundation Day Lecture Scientists, Organic Chemistry-I Division were added to the Roll of Honour by virtue of their receiving the Wellcome Trust Senior Research International Fellowship and DST Swarnajayanthi Fellowship 2005-06, respectively. Later ‘Prerana Group’ — a cultural organization comprising staff members of IICT, presented a variety entertainment programme for the staff and guests.

Open Day Prior to the Foundation Day Celebrations, IICT observed ‘Open Day’ on 3 August 2007 to generate Prof. A.K. Shukla, Director, CECRI, welcoming Dr N. Lakshmanan, Director, awareness about the R&D activities SERC, Chennai (seated) who delivered the CECRI Foundation Day Lecture among the general public and to inculcate scientific temper amongst HE Central Electrochemical Research Institute (CECRI), school students, inspiring them to T Karaikudi’s 59th Foundation Day Lecture was delivered by go for science studies in the higher Dr N. Lakshmanan, Director, Structural Engineering Research curriculum. Centre (SERC), Chennai, on ‘Engineering Problems and About 2500 students from 25 Innovative Solutions’. schools and a few colleges visited In his lecture, Dr Lakshmanan lauded the accomplishments of the institute. They were taken CECRI and also cited some of the major achievements of his own round the campus to have a glance institute. He said that the conversion of Pamban rail bridge between at the research projects on diverse Pamban and Mandapam, which links Rameshwaram Island to the areas like Bio-diesel, Chemical main land, from metre gauge to broad gauge, is an example of latest Informatics and Biotechnology, structural engineering techniques. The SERC played a major role Integrated Pest Management, Coal, Gas and Energy, Organic in modifying the 95 year old structure. Adopting the structural Coatings and Chemical/Design modification techniques, the existing bridge was upgraded without Engineering. They were explained any change in the structure by providing extra weights. The job the activities through colourful was completed with a few crore rupees. charts, exhibits and working The construction of concrete basement for 500 MW turbo models spread all over the generator at Talcher in Orissa is another example of the SERC’s laboratory. A documentary film success. The task had been pending for nearly five years. SERC showing the exploits of IICT was has also studied the impact of earthquake on massive concrete run continuously. Students raised structure at the atomic power plant in Kalpakkam. A novel queries and got many of their convolution and de-convolution technique was adopted for the study, doubts on various aspects clarified informed Dr Lakshmanan. from research scholars manning the Earlier, Prof. A.K. Shukla, Director, CECRI, welcomed Dr different project. Media persons Lakshmanan and the audience. Shri S. John, Deputy Director, were also invited and there was a proposed a vote of thanks. very good response.

30 SEPTEMBER 2007 291 Conferences

Application of Genomics Towards Newer Drug Development Indian Pharmacological Society’s Conference at IICT

HE Indian Pharmacological TSociety organized a two-day Southern Regional Conference during 25-27 July 2007 at Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT), Hyderabad, under the Chairmanship of Dr J.S. Yadav, Director, IICT. Dr Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, inaugurated. Welcoming a large gathering of delegates, scientists and academicians, Dr Yadav said that IICT was one of the oldest premier scientific organizations of the country, involved in solving the problems of Andhra Pradesh and Dr Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, releasing the Souvenior at serving on the whole the people of the inaugural function of Indian Pharmacological Society’s Conference at IICT. Dr J.S. Yadav, Director, IICT, is seen second from right India. Informing about some of the recent accomplishments of the institute, he said, IICT has come out at 1 kg/h scale from multi-feed stock. would never be found wanting as far with a remarkable enzymatic Additionally, with the support of A.P. as the investments in the field of degumming technology for the Government, IICT is establishing a science and technology are physical refining of rice bran oil Biotechnology Incubation Centre in concerned. which provides high nutritive Hyderabad for carrying out Dr C. Adithan, President, benefits due to the presence of a advanced research in the field of Indian Pharmacological Society, variety of nutraceuticals with high biotechnology and to help the spoke about the theme of the contents of anti-oxidants. This industry in and around Hyderabad. conference: ‘Application of technology has been released to four Also, IICT has taken up a number Genomics Towards Newer Drug industrial outfits in Andhra Pradesh of projects for public welfare in A.P., Development’, emphasizing the and to 27 industrial units in the such as setting up of defluoridation importance of areas such as country as a whole. IICT has taken plant for providing potable water in Pharmacogenomics, Nutrigenomics up a prestigious project on Nalgonda district and upliftment of and Toxicogenomics. He said that production of bio-diesel from tribal people of Srisailam forest area. knowledge on genomics has opened Jatropha and Karanja seeds, under Dr Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy, the up a new venue for development of the sponsorship of the Government Chief Guest, lauded the institute’s newer drug targets and safer drugs. of Andhra Pradesh and other contribution towards the uplift of The drug development based on collaborators and developed a rural poor and assured that the genetic profiles of the population process for production of biodiesel Government of Andhra Pradesh would strengthen the safe drug

292 CSIR NEWS Workshops

development process National Workshop on Biofuels: and help reduce time and cost involved in drug Production Methodologies, development. Utilization Techniques and Challenges Ahead Important areas such as translational HE Mechanical Engineering workshop have been brought out medicine, pharma- TResearch and Development covering all the full length papers under cokinetics, drug Organization (MERADO), Ludhiana, the guidance of Dr Pradeep Rajan. discovery, success and organized the title workshop during 22- An exhibition of biofuel related failures of herbal drug 23 March 2007. Attended by around 50 inputs and processing machinery and discovery, Indian clinical participants, the workshop had six equipment for testing was also research, human invited lectures and 16 research papers’ organized on the occasion. Exhibitors resources for clinical presentation. The invited lectures were, in addition to MERADO, M/s research and rules and covered different aspects of biofuels, International Tractors Ltd, Hoshiarpur regulations for from cultivation practices to application and M/s Medors Biotech Pvt Ltd, New conducting clinical trials strategies. Dr T.K. Bhattacharya, Delhi. were addressed to by Department of FMPE, GBPUA&T, The prominent organizations who eminent personalities Pantnagar, in his lecture narrated his deputed their delegates to the workshop from academia and experiences with aqueous ethanol are IARI, ; M/s International industry. A significant substitution in CI engines. Dr Arup Tractors Ltd, Hoshiarpur; CIPHET, feature of the conference Ghosh, CSMCRI, Bhavnagar, gave Ludhiana; CRIDA, Hyderabad; Delhi was honouring the deliberation on agronomic practices for College of Engg; AMU, Aligarh; pioneers in the area of Jatropha crop. Environmental concerns CSWCRTI, Dehradun; IGKV, Raipur; pharmacology in the of biofuels were covered by Dr (Smt) TNAU, Coimbatore and ITRC, country. About 300 Anjali Srivastava, NEERI ZLC, Lucknow. The delegates also included delegates comprising and Dr D.C. Joshi, Dean, AAU, farmers, students, and representatives teaching professionals Anand, presented various aspects of from NGOs and industry. from academic institutes, post-harvest system of Jatropha for Dr K.S. Aulakh, Vice Chancellor, researchers in chemical biofuel production. Dr Sanjay Mande, Punjab Agricultural University, and biological sciences TERI, New Delhi and Dr G.P. Govil, Ludhiana, was the chief guest, who in and industry GCE&T, Greater Noida, discussed his inaugural address stressed the need participated in the various aspects of decentralized power of appropriate technological models and generation in villages and biogas conference. strategies for popularizing the biofuel conversion kit for diesel engine. production. He also spoke about the For the benefit of The research papers covered concerns over utilizing arable land for students and various topics like cultivation practices, cultivating Jatropha. More researchers, a workshop business plan for biodiesel production, collaboration between the stakeholders on Biostatistics, Pre- fuel quality analysis, different types of is essential for evolving the entire value clinical Toxicity Studies, methyl esters, etc. Best Presentation chain of biofuel/biodiesel production Pharmacological in the Ph.D. students’ category was system — from cultivation practices, Screening and Good awarded to Shri Akhilesh Kumar, IIT, harvesting, oil extraction to the final Clinical and Laboratory Kharagpur, for his work on rice bran esterification process. Practices was also methyl ester. The proceedings of the Cdr. V.R. Dahake, Scientist In- arranged.

30 SEPTEMBER 2007 293 Workshops

charge, Workshop on Grassroot Innovations at IIP MERADO, in his welcome address spoke about achievements and activities and future vision of MERADO. Dr K. Kundu, Organizing Secretary, presented the role of MERADO in the field of biofuels and its future plan in this direction. Shri S. Salman Workshop on Grassroot Innovations at IIP in progress Mojiz, Scientist & HE Indian Institute of Petroleum but knowledge rich, who could neither Head, Business T(IIP), Dehra Dun, organized a have the privilege of formal education nor Development workshop on Grassroot Innovations on 23 could mobilize any support required in Group, while July 2007. The objective of the workshop augmenting their knowledge from proposing a vote of was to bring grassroot innovations to the organized sector. NIF helps such thanks emphasized limelight. In our country, there are a large grassroot innovators by recognizing, the need of number of people who are not well respecting and rewarding their creativity. synergizing the educated or financially very sound but still NIF scouts their innovations, helps in efforts to make have a very rich traditional knowledge. nurturing them and finally scaling them major Some of them have given practical shape up in the form of commercial enterprises. contributions to to their knowledge as grassroot innovations Under NIF, its regional unit Grassroot tap the India’s in different areas including herbal Innovation Augmentations Network treatments, mechanical engineering, (GIAN), in collaboration with State potential to energy technologies, nutraceuticals, etc. Governments of the region, works as the produce nearly 60 However their innovations generally technology incubator to bring innovations million tonnes of remain unaugmented due to lack of and investments together in order to create bio-fuels annually. support from the organized sector. viable enterprises. For true energy The programme was organized by the CSIR helps in evaluation of such indepen-dence, a National Innovation Foundation, innovations and devices and explores major shift in Ahmedabad, an autonomous society with further scope of improvement. The structure of energy a corpus fund from the Department of petroleum and energy related devices are source from fossil Science and Technology, Government of sent to IIP, a constituent laboratory of to renewable India and institutional support from the CSIR at Dehra Dun. energy source was Indian Institute of Management (IIM), The workshop was inaugurated by Shri needed, he Ahmedabad. The raison-detre of NIF is Indrajeet Khanna, Chairman, GIAN- stressed. to unleash the true potential of innovators North and State Election Commissioner, and traditional knowledge experts at Rajasthan. Shri Khanna said that NIF has grassroot level who are economically poor so far collected 65,000 innovations from 450

294 CSIR NEWS Workshops

districts of the country, and honoured 302 grassroot innovators in the competition organized by it. So far 139 patents have been filed out of which 3 in USA and 23 in India have been granted. Based on these innovations, 28 technologies in India and one technology in USA have been transferred. Dr Khanna expressed the hope that in future also NIF and GIANs would continue to play important role in bringing such talents to the limelight. In addition to Shri Khanna, prominent guests to the workshop included: Smt. Vibha Puri Das, Principal Secretary, Uttarakhand; Dr Rajendra Dobhal, Director, Uttaranchal State Council for Display of the innovative products Science & Technology, Uttarakhand; Dr R M Singhal, Principal Co- such a workshop was being organized improving their ideas. ordinator, Rural Technology Action at IIP and assured full support of the Shri Umesh Kumar Jaiswal, Group (RuTAG); Shri Rajeev Kumar IIP scientists in evaluation of Scientist, IIP, who conducted the Singhal, Chief Innovation Manager, innovations and suggestions for workshop, informed that a total of GIAN-North. further development work on these eight innovations have been In the welcome address so as to commercialize the same. received by IIP. Most of there are Dr M. O. Garg, Director, IIP, said Shri Rajeev Kumar Singhal gave related to the appliances (stove, that IIP is equipped with all a presentation on activities of NIF. chulha, etc.) used in kitchen. He necessary infrastructures for the He said that through such said that the innovators are from evaluation of petroleum and energy workshops the grassroot innovators Kerala, Gujarat, Maharashtra, UP related products and appliances. get a chance to interact with the and Delhi. Following are the details He said that this is the first time scientists which helps them in of the innovations: S. No. Innovator Innovation

1. Shri Niranjan Prasad Sharma, Pilibhit, UP • Stove which operates on kerosene and water • Stove which operates on kerosene and gas 2. Shri Sarvesh Kumar Sharma, Pilibhit, UP • Dosa burner 3 Shri Agastya Narayan Shukla, New Delhi • Safety valve for pressure stove 4 Shri Bharat Agravat, Joonagarh, Gujarat • Improved stove (chulha) which operates on firewood 5. Shri (Late) Safruddin Qazi, Gujarat • Kero-gas stove 6. Shri Uttam Sambhu Bhai Patil, Maharashtra • Match sticks made from jute 7. Shri G. J. Joes, Kerala • Multipurpose stove (chulha)

30 SEPTEMBER 2007 295 Seminars

Speaking on the occasion, Seminar on Smt. Vibha Puri Das observed that traditional Pollution Abatement and Effluent Control knowledge available in the state needs to be documented and in addition to the innovations, the novel practices being used in the state also need to be recognized. All such innovations of the state should be available at one place. Dr Rajendra Dobhal stressed on the need of patenting such innovations. He said that more workshops are required to create an awareness on the importance of protecting the innovation Seen on dais during the seminar on ‘Pollution Abatement and Effluent Treatment’ (from left) are: by IPR. Dr R. M. Singhal, Dr A.C. Kunwar, Dr Vara Prasad, Dr A.V. Rama Rao and Shri A. Krishna Reddy informed that RuTAG is HE Indian Institute of Chemical were racing towards information working to select the Technology (IICT), Hyderabad, technology and software technologies suitable for the T organized a seminar on ‘Pollution management, there was still a big development of rural masses. Abatement and Effluent Treatment’ vacuum in the field of pollution free, The technical support to the on 30 July 2007 in honour of Shri A. clean and green production oriented innovations from various Krishna Reddy, Deputy Director and technologies. Hence, there was an research organizations and Head, Pilot Plant Division, who immense need to have clean RuTAG provide the financial retired on superannuation on 31 July technologies that can be effectively, support to them. 2007 after rendering 29 years of economically and easily adopted by The Scouts and service to CSIR. the manufacturers. Volunteers of GIAN-North The seminar was inaugurated by Dr A.V. Rama Rao, former shared their experiences Shri Vara Prasad, Senior Advisor, Director, IICT and CMD, AVRA related to collection of such BDMA and Member, A.P. Pollution Laboratories Pvt. Ltd, in his innovations. The innovators Control Board. A well known expert keynote address, spoke about the displayed their prototypes in the field of pollution control and importance of effluent treatment in and explained their special green technologies, In his inaugural the chemical industry and said that features. address, Shri Prasad said that after after the implementation of different Shri Jaiswal expressed globalization and economic acts like Water (Prevention and that in association with the liberalization, there has been great Control of Pollution) Act, 1974; Air innovators the prototypes emphasis on adopting latest eco- (Prevention and Control of Pollution) would be evaluated in the friendly technologies, energy Act, 1981 by the A.P. Pollution next two days and suggestions conservation system, artificial Control Board, it was imperative for for improvement would be intelligence and logic control the chemical industry to go for the given. operations in the critical areas for the effluent treatment facility. He called plant and maintenance. However, the young and energetic scientists while companies and corporations and chemical engineers to search for

296 CSIR NEWS Lectures

newer processes and products with STRATEGIES FOR INNOVATIVE LEADERSHIP minimum pollutants. Fourth NISTADS Silver Jubilee Lecture by Dr J.S. Yadav, Director, IICT, who Dr R. Chidambaram presided over the Principal Scientific Adviser to Government of India function, said that Shri Krishna Reddy R R. Chidambaram, Principal economically developed, scientifically successfully took up DScientific Adviser to Government of advanced and militarily strong. There was R&D work related to India, and Chairman of Scientific a time, when USA and UK used to get difficult technologies, Advisory Committee to the Cabinet, and Nobel Prizes and Japan used to make usually associated Technology Information, Forecasting, and money. But now Japan is stressing on with hazardous Assessment Council (TIFAC), delivered basic research. China is stressing on basic chemicals and the Fourth lecture in the Silver Jubilee research. Fortunately India somehow has handling of these Lecture series of National Institute of always been on the right path and paying either as raw Science, Technology And Development attention to basic research all the time. material or as Studies (NISTADS), New Delhi, on 24 However, today’s main problem all over finished product. He August 2007. The theme of the lecture the world is to attract best talent to science had excelled during was ‘Strategies for Innovative Leadership’ as other sectors, e.g. Finance the development of In this lecture Dr Chidambaram Management, are becoming more technology on pilot stressed the need for ‘Coherent Synergy’ lucrative. We have to evolve strategies to scale for cyanuric in India’s S&T efforts to help put India on make science careers more attractive, chloride. a sustained fast growth path. That India create cyber connectivity, grid Other important will be a developed nation, there is no computing to pool our intellectual speakers of the doubt. The question is, Dr Chidambaram resources to enhance the velocity of R&D. seminar were Prof. said, how fast shall we realize this goal. Citing the history, Dr Chidambaram M. Bhagavant Rao, And for India to become a developed said that at one time violence determined former Professor, nation soon, we need to evolve innovative the winner. From violence we came to Osmania University; strategies and achieve competitiveness wealth as the deciding factor and then Dr Y.R. Akella, globally. Dr Chidambaram pointed out knowledge power and innovation. History Executive Vice that there are no technological shows that India always had very good President, PETL, specifications for becoming a leader in any warriors but wherever we lacked Hyderabad; Dr P. field; the only yardstick is that others technology, we lost. So deterrence is Eshwar Reddy, should recognize one as a leader. important. Technology is important and CEO, Ramkey, There are various indicators that show to generate it knowledge is important and Hyderabad and Dr how advanced, how developed a nation innovation is important and also T.R. Kolanu, Co- is, e.g. GDP, per capita electricity important is the IPR. We must become ordinator, Stanford consumption, average life expectancy, self-reliant and wherever needed, go for University, USA. mortality rate, percentage of literacy and equal partnerships. All this requires About 50 participants so on. Of these, Dr Chidambaram technology foresight. Citing the example from the industry, opined, per capita electricity consumption of Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR) technology, academic institutes and the percentage literacy are more Dr Chidambaram said Russia, France, and CSIR important indicators in the present day etc. were leaders in nuclear power. laboratories scenario where knowledge and innovation Tomorrow we may become leaders. participated. are the main driving force of development. We should go for value addition so He further said, We have to be that in short-term we may need others

30 SEPTEMBER 2007 297 Meets

but in long-term they would need First Meeting of Max Planck Society, us. Stressing on the need for an Germany - India Partner Groups effective interface between academia and industry, Dr Chidambaram said that while academia had capital ‘R’ (i.e. strong in research) and small ‘d’ (i.e. not so strong in development) industry had small ‘r’ and capital ‘D’ and together they can accelerate pace of growth in a big way. Major weakness in the Indian context was the rural development and this required altogether different strategies as compared to those for industrial development. Money was not a Seen on the dais during the inaugural meeting (from left) are: constrain, the major problem was Dr Felix Kahle, Prof. David Heckel and Dr S. Sivaram of delivery. We require effective strategies that will enhance HE National Chemical projects funded by Max Planck production, bring about value T Laboratory (NCL), Pune, Society, exchange scientific addition and make the rural India organized a three-day meeting knowledge, identify areas of mutual prosperous. between Max Planck Society, interest and develop new Addressing the climate Germany - India Partner Groups programmes to enhance the bilateral change issue, Dr Chidambaram and representatives of Indian research programmes between pointed out that there is not funding agencies such as CSIR, India and Germany. sufficient fossil fuel available all DST, DAE and MHRD during 15- The meeting was attended by over the world that will enable 17 July 2007. The meeting was scientists from several Max Planck India and China to have the same arranged to discuss the research Institutes (MPI), including Prof. per capita energy consumption as in the west. So we have to look for other energy sources that are clean and meet our demand. We have to go for coherent strategies that will enable us to move at a much faster pace, transform India into a developed nation and make us leader in chosen fields, concluded Dr Chidambaram. Earlier, Dr P. Banerjee, Acting Director, NISTADS, who presided over the function, welcomed the distinguish speaker and Max Planck Society, Germany - India Partner Group members introduced him to the audience. along with Max Planck Society officials

298 CSIR NEWS Honours & Awards

David Heckel, Director of Max Planck Institute for Dr S. Shivaji selected as a Chemical Ecology, Jena; Dr Felix Kahle, Programme Manager, Max Planck Society; Dr Silke Rathgeber, Member of India’s First Project Leader, Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Mainz and Dr Himadri Gupta, Research Expedition to the Arctic Group Leader, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and R S. Shivaji, Interfaces, Golm (Postdam), besides leaders/ D Director-Grade representatives of partner groups from Indian Scientist, Centre for Cellular institutions such as TIFR, Mumbai, IITs at Delhi and and Molecular Biology Roorkee, JNCAS, Bangalore and NCL. (CCMB), Hyderabad, has Dr S. Sivaram, Director, NCL and Prof. David been selected as a Member of Heckel initiated the scientific session on 16 July with India’s First Expedition to the welcome remarks. Later, Prof. Heckel gave a lucid Arctic, the northern end of the presentation on ‘Frontiers in the chemical ecology of Earth. insect-plant interactions’. Subsequently, Dr Naveen Dr Shivaji has earlier visited Antarctica twice Garg from IIT, New Delhi, presented a general along with the Indian delegation in 1984 and with overview on the activities of Max Planck Partner Groups. This was followed by a series of talks the US expeditionary in 1995 and is now visiting the highlighting the current project status presented by North Pole. He had discovered several new species the respective heads of each Indian partner groups. A of microbes from Antarctica and identified genes visit to the various lab facilities at NCL was also arranged. required for the growth and survival of life forms at On the third and concluding day of the meeting, a freezing temperatures. His main interest is centered programme by leading scientists from the biological, around microbes from extreme habitats such as material and polymer sciences was arranged besides Antarctica, Himalayan glaciers, deep sea, the presentations by distinguished scientists from MPI. stratosphere and now, the Arctic. His overall aim is In the category of biological sciences, Prof. David to define the limits of life with respect to temperature, Heckel addressed the meeting on ‘Mechanisms of to understand the survival capabilities of life forms resistance by insects to Bacillus thuringiensis toxins’ at extremes of temperatures such as below the and Dr Vidya Gupta from NCL gave a talk on ‘Plant freezing point and above the boiling point of water proteinase inhibitors to control lepidopteran insect and also to find relationship between organisms, which infestation: A strategy’. Later, Dr Hemadri Gupta and are separated geographically by enormous distances. Dr K. Vijayamohanan spoke on ‘The involvement of Dr Shivaji would like to explore the possibility of cooperative deformation, temperature activated using Arctic microbes as workhorses of biotechnology. plasticity and lamellar springs in bone micromechanics’ To this end he would be conducting investigations on and ‘Electron transfer behaviour of hybrid materials: Arctic microbes to establish their identity, to Nanoclusters, nanowires, Y junctions and network understand their dynamics in the environment and structures’, respectively covering material sciences. to identify unique bioactive molecules with immediate During post-lunch session under the polymer sciences application in the industry. Microbial biodiversity has category, Dr Silke Rathgeber spoke on ‘Highly become extremely important due to the associated branched polymers: from fundamentals to applications questions and discussion’ while Dr Ashish Lele from biotechnological potential of the microorganisms, NCL talked on ‘Bridging polymer dynamics and which could be utilized for the betterment of mankind polymer processing’. with their ability to synthesize biomolecules of use in The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks from medicine and agriculture. The delegation left New the organizing secretary Dr Ashok Giri, NCL, who Delhi on 3 August 2007 and reached Arctic via Oslo summarized the scientific sessions. on 6 August 2007.

30 SEPTEMBER 2007 299 Obituary

Dr A.P. Mitra, FRS, passes away 1965 and then Middle Atmosphere in technologies for the nation’s growth. eighties and IGBP in nineties Dr Mitra was President of URSI Dr Mitra introduced tropospheric during 1984-87 — the first Indian and radio research in India in the 1970s, and second Asian to be elected to this high made significant contribution to major office. He was a member of the General improvements in radio communication Committee of ICSU, 1984-88 and in capabilities in the country. He initiated addition, was associated with several new experimental techniques for policy-making bodies. He served COSPAR ionospheric and tropospheric monitoring, in various capacities; was Chairman, developed an ionospheic prediction National Committee for International system that supported broadcasting and Union of Geosphere-Biosphere point-to-point communication systems Programme (1991-94); Chairman/member CSIR News records with deep sorrow the over the past three decades, provided of START-SASCOM and Director, sad demise of Dr Ashesh Prosad Mitra, reference data base for radio SASCOM-RRC; Chairman, Indian FRS — an internationally renowned communication over frequencies from Advisory Committee on Space Sciences; climate scientist and former Director VLF to microwaves, developed a scientific Chairman, Governing Council of National General of CSIR, on 3 September 2007. base for troposcatter design and Council of Science Museums; Member, Born on 21 February 1927 in Kolkata, performance analysis and for estimation Advisory Committee on Climate Change, Dr Mitra did his D.Phil. in 1955 from the of radar target errors, established an Ministry of Environment and Forests; under the International Radio and Geophysical Chairman, SAC - NMRF; Bureau Member supervision of late Prof S.K. Mitra, FRS, a Warning Centre serving India, Middle in ICSU Scientific Committee on Solar- pioneer in ionospheric and related East and South East Asia, and established Terrestrial Physics; Member, Council of atmospheric research. He joined National one of the most extensive radio flare United Nations University; Member, Physical Laboratory (NPL), New Delhi, detection systems. Scientific Planning Group, Asia Pacific in 1954 and rose to become its Director in His studies on atmospheric Network. Advises Ministry of Environment 1982. He was Director General of CSIR chemistry, greenhouse gases and ozone and Forests on Global Environment. from 26 February 1986 to 16 April 1991. In depletion, and global environmental The large number of prestigious 1989, he was awarded . chemistry have had international impact. awards won by him include: Shanti Swarup Even at the age of 81 he was actively He led global change science programme Bhatnagar Prize for Physical Sciences engaged in research as Scientist of in India and South Asia, Indian (1968), Sir K. S. Krishnan Memorial Eminence at NPL, where he had set up programme for INDOEX, Indian Lectureship of INSA (1975), C. V. Raman the Radio Science Division in the early component of ALGAS Programme (in Award of UGC (1982), FICCI Award for sixties, and where his recent efforts had association with TERI), Methane Asia Physical Sciences (1982), Jawaharlal led to the establishment of a ‘Regional Campaign 1998, etc. New programmes that Nehru Fellowship (1978-80), Om Prakash Facility on Radio Science for had his involvement include: Megacities Bhasin Award for Physical Sciences Development’ (RFRS) in February 2007. and Greenhouse gas emissions (a (1987), Meghnad Saha Golden Jubilee Dr Mitra will be remembered for his programme of Asia Pacific Network), Award of Indian Association of Science pioneering contributions to the field of Climate Change and Human Health (1991), Modi Science Award (1992), earth’s near-space environment through (India-UK Programme), UNFCCC Meghnad Saha Medal by Asiatic Society ground-based and space techniques. His related GEF activities, a synthesis report (1994), S.K. Mitra Centenary Medal by work on cosmic radio noise for studying on South Asian Global Change Science for ISCA (1995), Senior Homi Bhabha the upper atmosphere led to several new IGBP, etc. Fellowship (1966-98). He was Fellow of the discoveries in ionosphere, solar physics As CSIR Director General he INSA, IASc, NASc; TWAS and and cosmic rays. He was the driving force emphasized on a close interaction between International Academy of Astronautics; for the Indian programme of the research, academia and industry to pool past president, NASc and Secretary, INSA International Geophysical Year 1957-58, the resources for the advancement of (1979-82), and INSA Council Member International Quiet Sun Year (IQSY) 1964- knowledge and development of (1994-95).

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