‘VIGYAN YATRA’ – A Wonderful Programme, proved a Great Success at CSIR-IHBT Palampur

• www.indiareportertoday.com

• PALAMPUR : RAJESH SURYAVANSHI

• Mob : 9418130904

• The ‘VigyanYatra’ program under the 6th Indian International Science Festival (IISF 2020) was organized through MS-Team and YouTube on 5 December 2020 at CSIR-Himalayan Institute of Bioresource Technology, Palampur.

Dr. Sanjay Kumar, Director, CSIR-IHBT, Palampur explained the importance of ‘VigyanYatra’ while welcoming the guests and participants present online at the function.Briefly summarizing the research and development activities and achievements, vision and objectives of the institute, he said that introduction ofasafoetida (Heeng) and saffron crops in the state will be a milestone to make self-reliant India. Also, he told that the institute has played an important role in strengthening the economy of the farmers by introducing apple cultivation in Mizoram and north-eastern states of the country.

Dr. Kumar further informed the audience about the efforts made by CSIR-IHBT for cultivation of aromatic crops and installation of aromatic oil extraction unitsacross the state, which led to Himachal Pradesh emerged as the largest producer of wild marigold oil in the country. The institute developed food products enriched in iron, protein and fiber, vitamin D enriched Shittakemushroomforcombating malnutrition.In its societal responsibility, IHBThas distributed ready-to-eat canned foods and energy/ protein bars to the victims of various cyclones and COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Sanjay Kumar further highlighted the effort of the institute to promote floriculturein the region to raise farmer’s income. The institute has developed the technology of alcohol-based hand sanitizer and herbal soap as per WHO guidelines,and transferred this technology to the local industries for production and distribution among the people to confront the present COVID-19 pandemic. He further informed that the institute is popularizing and promoting science through its various activities such as JIGYASA programme, science fairs and exhibitions, scientific-student-teacher interaction program and lecture by scientistsin schools.

On this occasion, the keynote speaker, Prof. Shashi Kumar Dhiman, former Vice Chancellor Himachal Pradesh Technical University, Hamirpur and Professor of Physics, Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla delivered a lecture on “India’s Contribution to Science and Technology”.While talking on vedic science and its role in modern science, Porf. Dhiman highlighted the contribution of Indian scientists in in the field of quantum physics, mathematics, astrology and navigation. He also appreciated the contribution and achievements of IHBT and disseminating the scientific knowledge as well as the products for the welfare of common people. Previous to this, Dr. Ashwani Rana, President of Himachal Pradesh Chapter of VigyanBharati introduced Prof. (Dr.) Shashi Kumar Dhimanto the audience.

A documentary on the history and significance of IISF and on significant achievements of the CSIR-IHBT were displayed on the occasion.

The program is participated by dignitaries and students from the nearby agricultural university, local colleges, scientists, researcher scholars and other staff of the institute, tea producers, entrepreneurs, farmers, local media representatives through MS-Team and YouTube.