NBRI celebrated 84th Foundation Day of CSIR

CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow, celebrated 84th CSIR Foundation on 29 September 2025. Prof. Raj Kumar Mittal, Vice Chancellor graced the occasion as Chief Guest.

Dr. AK Shasany, Director, CSIR-NBRI, Lucknow while welcoming the distinguished guests and other dignitaries said that today the fragrance of the achievements of institute were blooming all over the country. Dr. Shasany highlighted the recent R&D achievements of the institute such as India’s First Lotus Garden ‘Swastik’.

Founded in 1942, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is India’s premier scientific research network with 37 laboratories across the country, driving innovations in diverse fields of science and industry. CSIR–NBRI, Lucknow, with a legacy tracing back to the National Botanic Gardens (established in 1953), became a full-fledged CSIR laboratory in 1978. Since then, it has played a pioneering role in plant sciences, floriculture, biodiversity conservation, and translational technologies for farmers and industry, added Dr. Shasany.

Prof. RK Mittal, VC, BBAU, Lucknow and the chief guest of the said that India is presently in the Amrit Kaal and is striving to become a developed nation. While emphasizing inclusive development, he pointed out that the exploitation of natural resources has increased in the process of economic growth, resulting in changing climatic conditions. He stressed the need for sustainable use of natural resources and inclusive growth, wherein every section of society contributes to the nation’s prosperity. In this journey, the agriculture sector will play a pivotal role.

Prof. Mittal lauded CSIR’s significant contributions to India’s scientific progress and highlighted that true development is achieved when science and technology advance hand in hand. He underlined the urgent need for reforms and technological interventions in agriculture, along with linking farming to livelihood opportunities for enhancing farmers’ income, where CSIR–NBRI can play a vital role. He congratulated the institute’s scientists, appreciated their work, and extended his best wishes for their future endeavors.

On the occasion, the dignitaries distributed certificates and mementoes to three employees who have completed 25 years of CSIR service and 11 employees who have superannuated during the last one year. They also distributed prizes and certificates to the winners of the Science Essay and Drawing competition organized on this occasion for the children of CSIR-NBRI staff. Along with this, Prof. Mittal also felicitated the farmer beneficiaries of NBRI’s Biofertilizer Technology & CSIR Floriculture Mission on the occasion.

As part of the 84th CSIR Foundation Day celebrations, CSIR-NBRI also organized a Krishi Mela under the CSIR Floriculture Mission today. The event witnessed the enthusiastic participation of over 100 farmers from the Uttar Pradesh cluster. On this occasion, more than one lakh quality planting material (QPM) of marigold was distributed to the beneficiaries, promoting scientific floriculture practices and supporting farmers towards enhanced livelihood opportunities.

Dr. Sharad Srivastava, Chief Scientist proposed the vote of thanks in the end.