Excelsior Correspondent
LUCKNOW, Jan 28: The CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (CSIR-IITR) celebrated its 60th anniversary, highlighting its achievements and future goals during an event led by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, and other departments. He praised the institute’s significant accomplishments that have established its reputation as one of the premier institutions of its kind in India and globally.
Dr. Jitendra Singh also acknowledged the institute’s crucial role in investigating the recent mysterious disease reported in Rajouri district, Jammu & Kashmir.
He called attention to the institute’s efforts in addressing public health issues and emphasized the need to expand its initiatives towards achieving a “toxin-free India” by 2047, in line with the vision for a developed Bharat.
The minister highlighted the institute’s support for startups and MSMEs through initiatives such as the DSIR-CRTDH Environmental Monitoring Hub and BIRAC-BioNEST, which have collectively aided over 30 startups and 55 MSMEs, thereby promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in environmental monitoring and pollution control.
He urged for greater visibility of the institute’s work, advocating for modern outreach strategies, including social media, to engage more effectively with the public and stakeholders. “Institutes like these don’t usually attract attention unless there’s a crisis. We need a proactive strategy to highlight their invaluable contributions,” he stated.
Emphasizing collaboration, Dr. Jitendra Singh proposed enhanced partnerships between CSIR-IITR and institutions such as IITs and medical research centers to create a more integrated approach to science and innovation. He celebrated the institute’s support for over 30 startups and 55 MSMEs, underscoring its role in bolstering India’s bio-economy.
As part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations, Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated various key facilities at CSIR-IITR, aimed at boosting research and innovation, including the Diamond Jubilee Arches, the new Diamond Jubilee Block, the NaMo-ATAL facility, and the advanced VV Sansa reference material facility. Furthermore, he opened the third-floor TDIC, the hub for the BioNEST initiative focused on fostering biotech startups and research collaborations. The Minister also visited the CSIR-IITR Exhibition, which displayed the latest research findings and technological advancements from the institute.
Additionally, Dr. Jitendra Singh unveiled a commemorative stamp celebrating the institute’s remarkable history. Noteworthy product launches included Apatkaleen AHAAR, a nutritious food solution designed for disaster relief, and NFit: Nutritious Food in Tablets, optimized for endurance and cognitive function in extreme conditions, including space travel. Another innovation, MIL-FiT: Millet-enriched All-in-One Tablets, serves as a high-fiber, protein-rich option for adventurers and field personnel in remote areas. Also introduced was SenzSCAn: a Point-of-Care Chromogenic Sensor for Sickle Cell Anaemia, providing a cost-effective and portable diagnostic tool for the rapid detection of sickle cell anaemia, particularly in underserved populations.
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