No. 11 & 12 June - niscair

ISSN 0409-7467

CSIR NEWSCSIR NEWSCSIR NEWSCSIR NEWSProgress, Promise and Prospects

VOL 61 NO 11 & 12 JUNE 2011

C O N T E N T S

website: http://www.csir.res.in

National Technology Day Celebrations, 11 May 2011

NAL Developed Active Magnetic Bearings for a Vertical Sodium Pump

IICB Organized International Symposium on,Signaling Network and Cancer

INDO-US Workshop on, Nanotechnology in the Science of Concrete at CBRI, Roorkee

CSIR Programme on Youth for Leadership in Science (CPYLS)

Vertical Pump Shaft

Active Magnetic Radial Bearing

Active Magnetic Thrust Bearing

Vertical Pump Motor

CSIR NEWS122

National Technology Day Celebrations, 11 May 2011May 11 is annually observedas National Technology Dayall over India tocommemorate technologicalbreakthroughs such asmastering of nuclearweapons technology througha series of controlled tests atPokhran. Nuclear powerrepresents perhaps one ofthe most powerfultechnologies developed inthe 20th century and this is atechnology that is not easilyavailable. The success ofIndia in developing nuclear power notonly represented the acquiring oftechnological muscle but also successin an area, which is strategicallyimportant. May 11 is also the daywhen the indigenously developedTrishul missile was test fired and theindigenous aircraft Hansa-3 took to theair.

On 11 May 2011, the Shanti SwarupBhatnagar Sabhaghar in AnusandhanBhawan marked another milestone in theuse of technology in the history of CSIR.All the laboratories, across India, joinedCSIR HQ in a virtual manner to takepart in the Technology Day celebrations.Shri Pawan K. Bansal, Hon’ble UnionCabinet Minister, Ministry of Scienceand Technology, Parliamentary Affairs,and Earth Sciences and Vice President,CSIR and Shri Ashwani Kumar, Hon’bleMinister of State, Ministry of Scienceand Technology, Ministry of EarthSciences, Planning and ParliamentaryAffairs also graced the occasion.

Prof. Samir Kumar Brahmachari,

DG CSIR welcomed the gathering. Hewas justifiably proud about the fact thatall laboratories were linked either invirtual conferencing or tele conferencingmodes. He said that Technology Daywas being celebrated using technology.It is a way to communicate directly withall the laboratories of CSIR onTechnology Day.

Prof. Brahmachari was delighted toshare with all members of the CSIR

family the news that on2 May 2011, in the State ofMaharashtra and in the cityof Pune, CSIR Tech Pvt. Ltd.(CTPL) has beenincorporated under theCompanies Act as a PrivateLimited Company. He said,“NRDC was established in1953 as a not-for-profitentity. In 2011 we establishedCTPL to create wealth outof the knowledge that wehave generated. I am happyto say that on 6 May,

Dr Vijay Kelkar has accepted the postof Chairman, CSIR Tech PrivateLimited (CTPL).”

Prof. Brahmachari explained thatCTPL is a CSIR India initiative and acompany that will work closely withCSIR laboratories to commercializeCSIR technologies and intellectualproperty, primarily but not exclusively,through the spin-off route that is creatingtechnology start-ups by identifying

NATIONAL TECHNOLOGY DAY CELEBRATIONS

Dignitaries on the dais (from left): Prof. Samir Kumar Brahmachari, DG CSIR;Hon’ble Union Cabinet Minister, Shri Pawan Bansal;

Hon’ble MoS for S&T, Parliamentary Affairs and Earth Sciences, Dr. Ashwani Kumarand Shri V. K. Gupta, Head TKDL, CSIR

The release of book, Vulnerability of Andaman Nicobar Islands to Natural Disasters’ on the occasion

JUNE 2011 123

suitable spin-off opportunities;developing them further and thenspinning them off as start-up enterprise.He said that on Technology Day, thebest gift to give to the scientificcommunity is to bring this newopportunity to them.

He pointed out that this was the firsthistorical event when both our Ministerswere able to address entire CSIRdirectly through technology route onTechnology Day.

The book entitled Vulnerability ofAndaman Nicobar Islands to Natural

Disasters by Dr Harsh Gupta wasreleased by Hon’ble Union CabinetMinister, Shri Pawan Bansal on theoccasion. The Function ended with theVote of Thanks delivered by Shri V. K.Gupta, Head, TKDL, CSIR.

We have assembled here to celebrateIndian Science, on this important day,the Technology Day. Indeed it gives megreat pleasure to be here on theoccasion. I greet and commend thededication and achievements of ourScientists and Technologists. In thecurrent times, those countries whoinnovate and innovate continuously tocarve out “Global TechnologicalNiches” which make business sense,rule the roost.

There are no two opinions thatIndian Science and Technology hasplayed a pivotal role in making thecountry self reliant in many of the areasof socio-economic importance and also

Address by Shri Pawan Bansal, Hon’ble Union Cabinet Minister, Ministry ofScience and Technology & Earth Sciences and Parliamentary Affairs

and Vice President, CSIRhelped it emerge as a strong player ofknowledge economy. The role of CSIRhas been unique and well recognized inthis much cherished journey.

When one talks of pursuing andachieving innovation, particularly ofglobal relevance, the demandimmediately emerges of the desiredR&D resource – the manpower and theinfrastructure. We have come a long wayin both of these. Our country today issecond to none if one talks of the‘Human Resource.’ Necessity, however,is to quickly build and train such peoplewho can pick up the emerging globalchallenges with focus on localapplication and deliver in the identifiedtime frame, the sustainable solutions.

I must add here that the Academyof Scientific and Innovative Research(AcSIR) set up by CSIR would play animportant role in current and emergingscenario. It would help meet, up to someextent, the human resourcerequirements in transdisciplinary areas.

The vibrancy of Science andTechnology depends much on the roleof National Innovation System of acountry under its prevailing andemerging circumstances. CSIR, as an

integral component of Indian NationalInnovation System, has always playeda key role. CSIR has laid the foundationfor indigenous R&D in general and forindustrial R&D in particular. CSIR’scontribution for making the country selfsufficient in several key sectors isnoteworthy. As a socially consciousorganization, it has provided S&T neededfor the masses, helped in mitigatingappreciably the drudgery of Indian ruralpopulace and provided solutions to manynagging problems. I am happy that theCSIR 800 programme is emerging as aunique initiative to bring in the desiredsocio-economic changes in our country.

India today is on a high growthtrajectory. The Government has focusedon inclusiveness while achieving thedesired growth. Necessary mechanismsto enable such a journey and achievemilestones have been put in place. Thecurrent decade has been declared thedecade of innovation. CSIR has aspecial role to play in such a scenario.CSIR has developed ‘CSIR Vision andStrategies for 2022’ which not onlyembodies the philosophy of inclusivegrowth through desired S&T but alsostrategies to achieve and create desired


The Hon’ble Union Cabinet Minister,Shri Pawan Bansal speaking on the occasion

CSIR NEWS124

niches. CSIR thus wishes to reflect itsR&D based on the dreams andaspirations of the people of India. Thereis great hope from this outcome-basedendeavour, and I congratulate Prof.Brahmachari and the CSIR family forachieving this.

The Hon’ble Prime Minister andPresident, CSIR has complimentedCSIR for the excellent work that CSIRwas doing under the leadership andguidance of Prof. Brahmachari.Referring to the document ‘CSIR Visionand Strategies for 2022’, he said, “oncethe document is approved by theGoverning Body, there should be widedissemination of ideas contained in theVision Statement. There should be acountrywide debate as to how we cantranslate this Vision into effectivestrategies and effective programmes for

implementation. I think the CSIR nowwill be preparing the 12th Five Year Planand, therefore, some of these ideas mustbe translated into concrete programmesof action.”

The Hon’ble Prime Minister furtheradded and I quote that “the institution isentering more creative phase and I daresay we have done well but the best isyet to come and in that I think all of ushave to be partners in progress andconverting the dreams of the people ofIndia, of a billion people, into solidgroundwork for positive creative actionspurting research. That is the mandateof the CSIR.” I thus see hugeresponsibility on the shoulders of CSIRscientists. They will have to rise to theoccasion as they have done in the past.I am sure they would do so and makethe country proud.

CSIR in the 12th Plan is focusing on‘Prosperity of People while Protectingthe Planet’ and helping in building asustainable inclusive model fordevelopment. CSIR is an accomplishednational leader in high-end knowledgegeneration. It receives the largestnumber of Indian patents and is leaderin US patents awarded to our countryand utilization of them. CSIRprogrammes namely, ‘Open SourceDrug Discovery’ based on CSIR’snovel open innovation movement usingcrowd sourcing as a model and‘Traditional Knowledge DigitalLibrary’ have already emerged as pathsetters globally. I wish the members ofCSIR Family all the best and would liketo say that we are all with them in theirunique R&D endeavours.

Thank you.

Address by the Hon’ble Minister Dr. Ashwani Kumar,Minister of State for Science and Technology, Parliamentary Affairs,

Planning and Earth SciencesWe have all gathered here to celebrateTechnology Day. Technology Day hasbeen a very special day for Indianscience since 1999. It is significantbecause India achieved milestonetechnological advancements on this day:The first indigenous aircraft ‘Hansa-3’was test flown in Bangalore on this day.India also achieved a successful testfiring of the ‘Trishul’ missile andexecuted three successful nuclear testscarried out at Pokhran all on the sameday—11 May 1999.

This is a day to recognize,acknowledge and applaud the

contributions of our outstandinginnovators, scientists andtechnopreneurs who relentlessly pursuetheir dreams with passion andcommitment and earn laurels for ournation. The work of our scientists in theareas spanning medicine, agriculture,rural development, renewable energysources, materials technology, ecologyand environment is changing our worldand spearheading a remarkable silentrevolution, which is shaping ourcountry’s progress through this decadeof innovation. On this Technology Day,I would like to dedicate my comments

to technological innovation consideringits paramount role in giving our nation astrategic edge in comparison to ourcompetitors.

We need to look differently at ourscience and technology priorities andthis is an opportune time to re-think theIndian innovation paradigm to enable itto address disparities and inequities inour system. India has a number ofstrengths and strength in numbers: astrong R&D base; burgeoning academictalent; it is a leading innovation player incertain key economic sectors such asbiotechnology, pharmaceuticals,


JUNE 2011 125

automotive components, InformationTechnology, software, and IT enabledservices (ITES); and a stable andsupportive macroeconomicenvironment. These strengths need tobe harnessed to address the basic needsof our people and to transform India intoa global science and technologypowerhouse.

In this endeavour, the generation ofideas is critical. Central to the ideationprocess is to “Trust things that arealien, and alienate things that aretrusted.” In other words, we must beadept at both learning and unlearning.That is what is at the heart of the cultureof innovation. Technological innovationsmust revolutionize products, processesand practices. And yet we mustconstantly ask ourselves whetherTechnology Promotes social andeconomic justice? Ensures distributiveequities? Favours people overmachines? Maximizes economic gainswhile conserving and optimizing ourenvironmental resources? Favoursconservation over waste? Favours thereversible over the irreversible? This is

important because ifproblems occur after thetechnology is adopted, stepscan be taken to reverse itsnegative impact.

With the Indianpopulation crossing the 1.1billion mark, never has therebeen a greater relevance forcost effective technologiesfor medicine, healthcare,appropriate rural technolo-gies, water, land use andconservation and protectionof the environment. A consequentialexplosion of consumer demand, spreadacross a range of low- and middle-income segments, allows India toexperiment with different scalingstrategies, making the cost of pursuing‘frugal innovation’ models much lowerfor firms in India than for mostcompetitors in other emerging markets.Such a strategy which has been termed“more from less for more people”(MLM) is what we need to explore.

Truly “inclusive” innovation is wherethe poor can potentially have the same

‘functional and emotional experience’ asthe rich have for a fraction of the price.Tata’s Nano is a befitting example ofthis. A two-wheeler scooter owner inIndia today can afford to buy the world’scheapest car, Tata Nano, costing $2,000.With this, India not only got its “people’scar” but also rewrote global automotivehistory. There have been many moresuch creative endeavours that havehelped “Innovate India” and I site a few:

Thanks to its innovations inoutsourcing, Bharti Tele-Ventures offerssome of the world’s lowest telephoneprices. Others too are following suit.Innovations in supply chains haveintegrated those at the bottom of India’seconomic pyramid, as exemplified by thesuccessful e-chaupal operations. Thesecyber kiosks, established in thousandsof villages, have given farmers thepower of information—eliminatingmiddlemen and resulting in higherproductivity and better prices forfarmers.

Unilever in India has adopted whatMichael Traem calls a “Fight” strategyto cater to the middle segment of theIndian market. When introducing the“Wheel” detergent brand, Unilever


The Hon’ble Minister of State for S&T, Parliamentary Affairs, Planningand Earth Sciences, Dr. Ashwani Kumar addressing the audience

A view of the audience

CSIR NEWS126

The Steering Committee onCommunication, InformationTechnology and Information for theformulation for the Twelfth Five YearPlan in its latest meeting has proposed afocus on the “Democratization ofInformation for Inclusive Growth”.The plan seeks to provide connectivityto 250,000 panchayats through fibreoptics in the coming Plan period. Werequire 100 million broadbandconnections while the current numberstands at 10 million in a country of overone billion. While the target is ambitious,it is nevertheless, doable. However, atechnologically innovating India mustdeepen and enlarge the scope and reachof R&D through much larger allocationof funds for the purpose in the privateand public sector. The budget allocationof a mere 0.98% of GDP to R&D hasto be increased. We need to realize thatIndia’s strategic power will be measuredby our ability to leverage our scientificand technological accomplishments inthe service of our national goals.

We recognize that for India toemerge as a major player in globalinnovation, a multi-pronged strategyneeds to be embraced and implemented.We need to use technology foresight tomake the right technology choices in theoverall context of our nationalimperatives. India’s choice of the fastbreeder technology as part of the closednuclear fuel cycle strategy illustrateshow technology foresight analysis helpsin the selection of critical technologiesfor development at any point of time.The choice here was dictated by the factthat India has limited uranium reservesand the world’s largest thorium reserves.Secondly, we need to establish aninnovation ecosystem whose relevance

purposefully went beyond its traditionalapproach and adopted some of the keybusiness principles of the local Indianchallengers. A critical element wasproduct availability: India’s 627,000villages are spread over 3.2 millionsquare kilometers, and Unilever’s Indiansubsidiary has built a strong distributionsystem that helps its brands to reach therural market. To service remote villages,stockists use auto rickshaws, bullockcarts, and even boats in the backwatersof Kerala.

An organization in Madurai hasinnovated and already created globalbenchmarks: Aravind Eye Hospital.Aravind evolved an eye surgerytechnique that increases a surgeon’sproductivity by a factor of 10. Thisbusiness model ensures that millions ofpoor, visually impaired people can beoperated for free or nearly free, and thatthe hospital still makes 40 per centoperating profit. It does 200,000 cataractsurgeries a year, making it the largestophthalmology institution in the world.Further, students from Harvard and JohnHopkins come here for exposure andtraining. The insight from Aravind is that‘global benchmarks are a result ofpursuing a great cause’.

A high-powered research team fromInternational Development Enterprise(IDE) observed Maharashtra cottonfarmers using drinking straws in a novelway for drip irrigation and developed amaterial that is more suited for thisactivity. It is now distributed worldwideas a commercial product with an in-builttechnology that is more appropriate forsmall and marginal farmers. Also, themaintenance of the system can becarried out within the village, therebycreating indirect employment. This not

only adds social value to the villagesconcerned, but is also commerciallyuseful.

Indeed, as Eric Hobsbawn remindsus: “Utopianism is probably a necessarysocial device for generating thesuperhuman efforts without which nomajor revolution is achieved.”

It is also time to rethink the role ofadvocacy by the S&T establishments inthe policy making process and in ourefforts toward ecological sustainability.Meeting fundamental human needswhile preserving Earth’s life supportsystems, will require an acceleratedtransition toward sustainability. Man-made calamities and natural disasterssuch as the one in Fukushima, point tothe need for a renewed focus oninstitutional innovations for safety andsecurity in nuclear energy plants. Thescientific talent and extraordinary rangeof technology innovations thatorganizations such as the CSIR, DRDO,DST, DBT, ISRO, Ministry of EarthSciences have demonstrated has helpedus to achieve greater heights.Innovations like CSIR-800, TKDL,OSDD and cloud-sourcing havedemonstrated the innovative use ofharnessing technology.

The new ICT tools can changelearning paradigms and impact sectorssuch as education, health, agriculture etc.In a study of 120 countries, researchersfound that every 10 percent increase inbroadband adoption increased acountry’s GDP by 1.3 percent. In Indiathe Internet can be increasinglyleveraged to give access to improvedservices to the 1 billion connected people,which will have a profound impact onthe socio-economic development of thecountry.


JUNE 2011 127

Welcome Address by Director General, CSIR, Prof. Samir K. Brahmachari

Hon’ble Minister Shri Pawan KumarBansal, Ministry of Science andTechnology, Earth Sciences andParliamentary Affairs and VicePresident CSIR; Hon’ble Minister ShriAshwaniji, Minister of State for Scienceand Technology, Parliamentary Affairs,Planning and Earth Sciences, Membersof CSIR family, Ladies and Gentlemen.

Technology Day is being celebratedusing technology. This month we haveseen the power of technology in theoperation that the US undertook. I waswondering what a marvel of technology,(it was) how one could, look, see,communicate, interact and operate over

long distance. And today, weare using technology toreach the entire CSIR familyon 11 May. This is a new tooland a new power to reachthe masses. We areconnected to 40 differentlaboratories at thismoment….thousands ofpeople. It is a way tocommunicate directly withall the laboratories of CSIRon Technology Day. It is agreat opportunity; we haveboth our Ministers here, so

it is a way to communicate theirexpectations and also to tell us theexpectation that Planning Commissionhas about the 12th Plan. Thus we thoughtthat it would be a good idea onTechnology Day to have connectivitywith all the laboratories.

Sir, CSIR Head Quarter is not thebrain of CSIR. The brains of CSIR arein its laboratories. At the best, HeadQuarter is like a railway junction withthe trains passing through but it is notthe biggest terminus, unlike DRDO,ISRO or BARC etc., where the HeadQuarter is the main brain centre. CSIR’sbrains are in its arms. There are 40 such

arms (37 laboratoreis +3 units) makingthe difference.

This year on Technology Day oneof our long-standing dreams has beenfulfilled. On 2 May 2011, in the State ofMaharashtra and in the city of Pune,CSIR Tech Pvt. Ltd. (CTPL) has beenincorporated under the CompaniesAct as a Private Limited Company.NRDC was established in 1953 as anot-for-profit entity. In 2011 weestablished CTPL to create wealth outof the knowledge that we havegenerated.

To add another feather in the cap,Sir, I am happy to say that on 6 May, DrVijay Kelkar has accepted the post ofChairman, CSIR Tech Private Limited(CTPL). We really thank Dr Kelkar whosteered CSIR in 2004 in the KelkarCommittee when a vision was seededthat the CTPL should be formed. Duringthe last year, Hon’ble PM approved.CSIR scientists and those in publiclyfunded organizations can float thecompany and hold equity.

CTPL is a CSIR India initiative anda company that will work closely withCSIR laboratories to commercializeCSIR technologies and intellectual

to our future is ensured by leveraginginternational cooperation in the serviceof our innovation strategies.

Let me take this opportunity tocompliment the entire scientificfraternity of CSIR and our nation for

their relentless and creative endeavourto achieve technological excellence invarious spheres in the service of ouroverarching national priorities. Let meconclude with a quote from E. Hubbardwho wrote: “Celebration of


DG-CSIR, Prof. Samir K. Brahmachari deliveringthe Welcome Address

Technology Day is a celebration ofhuman genius. One machine can dothe work of 50 ordinary men.However, no machine can do the workof one extraordinary man.”

CSIR NEWS128

property, primarily but not exclusively,through the spin-off route that is creatingtechnology start-ups by identifyingsuitable spinoff opportunities; developingthem further and then spinning themoff as start-up enterprise. This is the

entire exercise and I thought that onTechnology Day, this is the best gift togive to our scientific community bringingthis new opportunity to them.

I welcome all of you and I thankboth of you Sir, for being here on this

Technology Day Celebrations at CSIR LaboratoriesThe CSIR Institutes/laboratorries also celebrated the Technology Day with great jubilation. The programmes organizedon this occasion at some of these are briefly described here:

National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI), Lucknow

National Technology Day wascelebrated at NBRI on 11 May 2011. AFunction was organized in NBRIauditorium. Prof. P. K. Gupta Hon.Emeritus Prof. & NASI Senior Scientist,


The Institute of Himalayan BioresourceTechnology (IHBT), Palampurcelebrated the National TechnologyDay on 11 May 2011. Dr S. Ayyappan,Director General, Indian Council ofAgricultural Research (ICAR), NewDelhi delivered the Keynote Lectureon, Feeding Crores Forever.

In his lecture Dr. Ayyappanrevealed several top priorities ofagricultural R&D in India. Theseincluded standardizing soil-plantwater management system, integratedfarming, integrated nutrientmanagement, precision farming,drought proofing, harnessingbiodiversity, developing stress-resistantcultivars, farm mechanization, efficientenergy management, post-harvest

management, minimizing storage losses,development of disease diagnostic kitsfor animal husbandry, climate resilientagricultural initiatives, developingAgropedia and IT based decisionsupport system, empowering farmers,strategies for region-specific farmproduction target.

Dr. S. Ayyappan visited the farmsand research facilities of the Institute andinteracted with scientists. He wasgreatly impressed by the ambience andthe work being carried out by IHBTand assured whole-hearted supportfrom ICAR.

In his Presidential remarks, Prof.V.L. Chopra, former Member,Planning Commission opined that todayat global level food production is not

an issue, it is rather the availability offood in a particular geographicallocation that is a great challenge to meet.Dr Naresh Kumar, Head HRDCGhaziabad, CSIR highlighted that oneof the mandates of CSIR is developingstrong linkages and synergies with like-minded agencies at ICAR, ICMR etc.Prof. S.K. Sharma was optimistic ofbuilding strategic partnership betweenHPKV and IHBT on several commontechnological issues.

The Technology Day Function wasattended by a large number of students,scientists and dignitaries frominstitutions like IVRI, IGFRI, etc. in andaround Palampur.

Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (IHBT), Palampur

Ch. Charan Singh University, Meerutwas the Chief Guest of the occasion.

Prof. Gupta delivered a lecture onTechnology Driven BotanicalResearch in the Age of Genomics and

Information Technology on thisoccasion. Scientists and ResearchScholars of NBRI were present. Thegeneral public including students fromschools and colleges visited the different

day to address this organization. I thinkthis is the first historical event when bothour Ministers will be able to addressentire CSIR directly through technologyroute on Technology Day.

JUNE 2011 129

laboratories, expositions, botanicalgarden, herbarium of the Institute as thisday was declared as open day.

Dr. C.S. Nautiyal, Director, NBRIwhile welcoming and introducing theChief Guest emphasized that it isimportant that good scientific leads mustbe converted into technologies for thebenefit of nation and the common man.He further said that Technology Day iscelebrated to mark the many oftechnological achievements made by thecountry especially CSIR in our context.This occasion reminds us to translate theresearch into technologies and business.

The Chief Guest, Prof. P. K. Gupta,while delivering his lecture highlightedon some newer technologies, whichrevolutionized research in biology. Heelaborated about the development of anumber of automated high throughputtechnologies. He said that thetechnology driven research has alsogenerated massive data in differentareas of the so-called science of“Omics” that is Genomics,Transcriptomics, Proteomic,

Metabolomics etc. &necessitated paralleldevelopment of thediscipline of plantb i o i n f o r m a t i c sutilizing informationtechnology. Heelaborated the varioustechniques developedin the last fewdecades marking thebeginning of an era ofmolecular biology,which later influencedall disciplines ofbiology. He emphasi-zed that these

technological developments in biologyare useful for understanding biologicalsystems.

Prof. Gupta finally summarized hislecture with the address to students thatwe will work not only towardsdevelopment of newer technologies, butalso towards utilization of newertechnologies that are being developedon a regular basis for motivation ofstudents to adopt science as a career.Prof. P. K. Gupta applauded the effortsof NBRI in developing herbalproducts/ technologies.

On this occasion,technology/ knowledgebaseof NBRI namely,“Microbial pesticidetechnology based onBeauveria bassiana(strains NBRI-9947) formanaging pod borer ofchickpea and pigeonpea andtermites in field crops” wastransferred to M/S BalajiCrop Care Pvt. Ltd.(Sowbhagya group)

Cheralapally, Hyderabad-500051,Andhra Pradesh.

NBRI has developed this technologybased on Beauveria bassiana (strainNBRI-9947) which is effective againstmost damaging pest i.e. pod borer ofchickpea and pigeonpea and alsotermites of field crops. The formulationdeveloped is talc based 1% wettablepowder with colony forming units (cfu1x108/g minimum). NBRI has generatedtoxicological data of primary culture andformulated product, shelf life data,bioefficacy data on one crop. Theproduct has got one year shelf life. Thistechnology was developed byDr. C.S. Nautiyal, Director, NBRI andProf. H. B. Singh, former Scientist,NBRI and at present Professor Instituteof Agriculture Sciences, BHU.

Dr. K. Muralidharan, DirectorTechnical, M/S Balaji Crop Care Pvt.Ltd. (Sowbhagya group) Cheralapally,Hyderabad was present on the occasion.

Dr. S.K.S. Rathore, Scientist &Head, Technology Transfer andBusiness Development Divisioncompeered the Function and facilitatedhanding over the transfer document. Healso proposed the Vote of Thanks.


Microbial pesticide technology being transferred to industry

Sitting on the dais (from left) are: Prof. P. K. Gupta Hon. EmeritusProf. & NASI Senior Scientist, Ch. Charan Singh University, Meerut and

Dr. C.S. Nautiyal, Director, NBRI

CSIR NEWS130

Students and teachers visiting NEIST


Release of Newsletter, NEIST News by Dr. J. Mahanta, Director,RMRC NE Region, ICMR, Dibrugarh (right) and Dr P. G. Rao,

Director, NEIST on the dais (left).

The North East Institute ofScience & Technology (NEIST),Jorhat celebrated NationalTechnology Day at its premiseson 11 May 2011 with a wellcharted out programme. Everyyear this day is celebrated asNational Technology Day to markthe tremendous Indiantechnological potential.

Welcoming the gathering,Dr P. G. Rao, Director, NEIST,Jorhat highlighted thesignificance of the day and alsospoke about the technologiesdeveloped by NEIST over theyears. He said that NEIST is alsoworking in the field of low-cost drugsfor affordable healthcare especiallyherbal drugs. He informed the gatheringthat NEIST has received the license byDrugs Licensing Authority, Guwahati tomanufacture its recently developedherbal drugs (Anti-arthritis and Fungidestruct) for free distribution to people.

Dr J. Mahanta, Director, RegionalMedical Research Centre (RMRC), NERegion, ICMR, Dibrugarh graced theFunction as the Chief Guest and gavean illuminating Technology Day lectureon, Challenges for Technology inMedical Diagnostics & PersonalizedDrug Therapy. He said that the timespan between development of differenttechnologies and breakthroughs havereduced nowadays. Further, he said thatthe requirement for technologydevelopment has arisen to create adisease-free world, to sustain highquality of life and longevity. He discussedabout technologies used and challengesin molecular diagnostics.

North East Institute of Science & Technology (NEIST), Jorhat

he talked about nano-biotechnology in medicine. Hesaid that it may play a tremendousrole in diagnosis and therapeuticsfor conquering many diseases. Heconcluded by saying that thetechnologies should be developedto conquer challenges faced inmedical diagnostics like etiologyof unknown diseases, to developpersonalized medication etc.

Befitting the occasion, Mr. B.C. Saikia, Scientist, NEISThighlighted the patent status ofthe Institute during the financial

Dr J. Mahanta, Director, RMRC NE Region, ICMR, Dibrugarhdelivering the Technology Day Lecture, Dr. P. G. Rao, Director,

NEIST is seen on the dais

Dr Mahanta also talkedabout advances inpharmacological scienceslike tailored drug therapy andgenetic profiling. He said thattoday predictive biomarkersfor various diseases havemade it easy to diagnose andidentify the possibility ofearly infection. He explainedabout personalized drugtherapy and advances ininstruments used in medicalresearch. Towards the end,

JUNE 2011 131

NAL Developed Active Magnetic Bearingsfor a Vertical Sodium Pump

Though the phenomena of magneticlevitation has been discussed as earlyas 1842 by Earnshaw, the research onmagnetic levitation of rotating or movingsystems gained momentum with theadvent of reliable electronic componentsin recent years. The device used forsupporting a rotor by magnetic levitationis termed as magnetic bearing, whichconsists of mechanical components aswell as electronic components such assensors, power amplifiers and controlcircuitry. Thus, it is amechatronic product and thedevelopment of activemagnetic bearings requiresknowledge in multipledisciplines.

In magnetic bearingsthere is no physical contactbetween the stator and therotor. Owing to the absenceof contact, these bearingshave several advantagesover conventional (sliderand rolling element)bearings. The principleadvantages are numerous,such as: low power loss, nolubrication, no leakageproblem, suitability forapplication in high pressure

or vacuum, high rotor speed and longerbearing life. Furthermore, the stiffnessand damping characteristics of themagnetic bearings are easily adjustableaccording to the requirement. Magneticbearings can operate in a wide range oftemperature from –250°C to 450°C.

Application of magnetic bearings invarious fields may be found in theliterature employing different controlstrategies. The Propulsion Division ofNational Aerospace Laboratories

(NAL), Bangalore is one of the leadingresearch groups in this area, as researchactivities have been carried out towardsindigenous development of ActiveMagnetic Bearing Technology leading tosuccessful demonstration of 5-axeslevitation of a rotor weighing 5 kg andspeed up to 10000 rpm at NAL,Bangalore.

In recent years, there have beeninstances of the use of magneticbearings in nuclear reactor systems.

Vertical centrifugal sodiumpumps are used forcirculation of coolant in theprimary and secondarycircuit of fast reactors fornuclear power plants.Lubrication oil leak from theconventional bearings usedin these pumps is a potentialthreat to cause reactivitychanges, which couldculminate in extendedreactor shut down. Activelycontrolled magneticbearings, which do notrequire lubrication is anexcellent alternative toconventional bearings usedto overcome the abovereferred problems.

Fig. 1: AMBs Installed at IGCAR Pump Test Rig

Vertical Pump Motor

Vertical Pump Shaft

Active Magnetic Radial Bearing

Active Magnetic Thrust Bearing

R&D HIGHLIGHTS

year 2010-2011, which showedimprovement over the previous year.NEIST News, a bimonthly newsletter ofthe Institute was formerly released bythe Chief Guest, who highly appreciated

the publication. The Function concludedwith Vote of Thanks by Mr DipankarNeog, Scientist, NEIST.

The day was also observed as‘Open Day’ and the laboratory was kept

open for the visit during morning hours.About 500 students accompanied byteachers and others came and interactedwith the scientists.

CSIR NEWS132

Fig. 2: Measured Vibrations for Thrust (t1,t2,t3,t4) and Radial (r1,r2) AMB Sensors

A development program had beeninitiated towards this goal by NAL incollaboration with IGCAR, Kalpakkam.It was decided to develop indigenously,the active magnetic bearings to beretrofitted in an existing centrifugal pumpof 50m3/h capacity at IGCAR,Kalpakkam. The activity basicallyinvolved development of thrust and radialactive magnetic bearings catering to athrust load of around 1050 N and anominal radial load for the existingvertically configured shaft system of thecentrifugal pump and demonstration at2900 rpm under simulated conditionsfollowed by commissioning of thebearing system on site at IGCAR. Thisnecessitated the development ofactuators and a direct feedback controlsystems for radial/thrust magneticbearings ensuring proper stiffness in thebearing planes from rotor dynamics point

of view resulting in smooth running ofthe shaft system up to the design speed.

During the course of this activity asuccessful attempt to realize improvedactuator response was made whichresulted in filing for a patent (ref: 0613DEL 2009) and an innovative design forthe thrust disc have been realized. Theapplication of active magnetic bearingsfor centrifugal pump under simulated

conditions was successfullydemonstrated in presence of scientistsof IGCAR at NAL before successfullycommissioning of the same at IGCAR(Figure 1). Performances of themagnetic bearings have been testedsuccessfully, by running the pump rotorup to full operating speed of 2900 rpm.The measured vibration levels are withinallowable limits (Figure 2).

R&D HIGHLIGHTS

CSIR’s Breakthrough in Bamboo FloweringDr P. Cheena Chawla

250

200

150

100

50

0Peak

to p

eak v

ibra

tion

(in m

icron

s)

0 150 300 450 600 750 900 1050 1200 1350 1500 1650 1800 1950 2100 2250 2400 2550 2700 2850 3000

Rotor Speed (RPM)

t1t2t3t4r1r2

Just think of a versatile plant withunparalled utility. Sure, the word‘bamboo’ comes to the mind of most ofus, although Nature is replete with manyplants with multifarious uses. Theobvious reason is that this fast-growinghardy grass has enormous utilitiesranging from making beautiful hedgesand fences for landscaping; constructingstructures like walls, roofs and floors,and building bridges to making musicalinstruments like flutes, xylophones and

wind chimes, and of course, designing ahost of furniture items. Besides, mostbamboo shoots are edible and in timesof massive flowering of bamboo theseeds are even used as grain.

It is, however, amazing that bambooflowers only once during its lifetime andthat happens once in 7 to 100 years,depending on the species. Interestingly,there occurs ‘gregarious’ flowering asthe bamboo clumps flower at the sametime. Thereafter, the plants die. Coming

to the rescue of this much valued plant,CSIR scientists in the year 1990, createdhistory by making the flowering inbamboo possible within weeks – a featthat could never occur naturally. Thisbreakthrough was achieved byemploying the amazing power of tissueculture technology.

Plant tissue culture, also calledmicropropagation, simply involves thegrowing of small tissues of plant materialin a sterile environment for propagation

JUNE 2011 133

R&D HIGHLIGHTS

Globularstage

Elongatedstage

An embryo showingdevelopment of ascutellum on one

side

Embryo withshoot Apical

Meristem(SAM)

A typicalembryo

Multiple shootprimordia

Singlegerminating

embryo

Embryoaggregation

Germinated embryo withthree shoot primordia

Clustered embryos

Germination pathways ofsomatic embryos of a

bamboo, Dendrocalamushamiltonii

ScSc

RR

Sc

of that species. Not just that. Thistechnique is also of special interest toplant breeders and biotechnologists, forit allows controlled manipulation of plantsat the cellular level for obtaining newand better plant varieties that areresistant to stress, insect pests and tovarious diseases. Besides, plant tissueculture helps in the mass propagation ofspecific germ-free plants. Just asvegetative propagation such as cutting,layering, and grafting, propagation bytissue culture also helps in producingclones, which are genetically identicalplants derived from the same individual.

CSIR scientists working in theInstitute of Himalayan BioresourceTechnology (IHBT), Palampur havestandardized the tissue culturetechniques of bamboo. With this, largescale aseptic cultures of D. hamiltonii,

D. asper, D. giganteous, Bambusabamboos, and B. nudans have beenraised. Before mass propagation,selection of the seedlings in the fieldgrown plants of Dendrocalamushamiltonii was done through nodalexplants in vivo as well as through tissueculture. The selections were based onthe growth performance of the seedlingsin the field conditions.

In the year 1990, scientists at theNational Chemical laboratory (NCL),Pune, successfully attempted in vitroinduction of flowering in bamboo usingbenzyl adenine (BA). This also helpedscientists to understand the phase changein bamboo from juvenility to maturity atmolecular level. A micropropagationprotocol for D. strictus has beendeveloped by NCL scientists usingseedling explants. Using this cost-

effective protocol a large scaleproduction of bamboo has been achievedfor supplying this plant to different forestagencies, agriculture universities andprivate sectors. The technology know-how has been transferred to industrythat includes hands-on training andconsultancy for bamboo production. TheS&T personnel from variousUniversities, private companies andGovernment organizations have alsobeen provided training for adoption ofthis technology. NCL scientists are alsoworking with various State Horticulture/Forestry Departments, AgriculturalUniversities and Private Industries forestablishing Tissue Culture Laboratorieson a turnkey basis.

What’s more is that efforts havebeen made for the assessment of geneticdiversity of Indian bamboo germplasm

CSIR NEWS134

R&D HIGHLIGHTS

Culture initiation Multiple shoots with roots Rhizome induction

using the DNA fingerprinting technology.Besides, genetic transformation of selectbamboo species is being attempted tocreate stress tolerant varieties formaking the plant adaptable to a widerenvironmental conditions. Large scaleplanting materials of several ediblebamboo like Bambusa bambos, B.nutans, Dendrocalamus asper, D.hamiltonii, D. giganteous, have beenplanted at IHBT and supplied toforesters of Himachal Pradesh,Uttaranchal bamboo and fiber board,Conservator of forest in Mizoram, andalso in Arunachal Pradesh. It is nowpossible, through tissue culture methods,to supply large quantities of good qualitybamboo planting material at reasonablecosts. The scope of this technology isindeed vast in our country as India ishome to some more than 100 species ofbamboo.

As scientists found the rooting ofmicro-shoots inconsistent, they used an

alternative method namely, induction ofsomatic embryogenesis. They raisedcallus cultures in special media,containing specific growth hormones,that resulted in both fast growing as wellas nodular and compact slow growingcallus lumps. Various morphogeneticevents leading to somatic embryoformation were then studied in detailthrough histological studies. For findingout the cells involved in callus induction,sections were cut both from the controlexplants showing no proliferation and theones with cells proliferating at cut ends.Embryogenic masses were seen toappear in the callus tissue whicheventually developed into full-fledgedembryoids. The latter transformed intorooted plantlets, which were grown inthe soil under greenhouse conditions.

Scientists have successfullydemonstrated a similar procedure ofmultiple shoot formation and subsequentrooting of nodal explants of B.

multiplex and B. ventricosa in liquidmedia.

In one study, CSIR scientistsconducted the large scale field collection,maintenance and raising the bamboospecies, namely Dendrocalamushamiltonii, D. asper and Bambusabambos through nodal cuttings as wellas tissue culture. About 11000 seedlingswere collected from different locationsin Kangra and Hamirpur where thesespecies are predominantly growing. Inyet another development, scientistsestablished aseptic cultures of Bambusanutans in special growth medium usingnodal explants of branches of its fieldgrown plant.

Thus, by employing the revolutionarytechnique of tissue culture CSIRscientists have been successful in rapidmultiplication of a variety of bamboospecies and the same is being attemptedfor many other plants to preserve therich plant diversity of our country.

JUNE 2011 135

NIO Signs MoU with Zhejiang Ocean University, China

The National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), Goa and the Zhejiang Ocean University, China have signed a Memorandumof Understanding (MoU) for joint research projects in marine biology, ecology, biotechnology, mariculture and coastalzone management. This maiden understanding is for a period of 5 years with scope and intent for renewal. The scientistcoordinators for this long-term collaboration are Dr. N. Ramaiah and Prof. Wu Changwen.

The envisaged cooperation and consultation in the chosen areas will be accomplished through joint research proposals,researchers and information exchanges, access to research enabling instrumentation and an implementation committeecomprising staff scientists and faculty from NIO and ZOU. ZOU’s contribution to the local society and economy inChina is through its academic-industry research model with emphasis on subject domain specialization and development.The University had won thrice the National Scientific and Technological Advancement Awards in the recent past and isamong the three marine research and educational institutes in its province.

MoU SignedBetween NGRI,

Hyderabad and IPGP,Paris

National Geophysical Research Institute(NGRI), Hyderabad and IPGP(Institut Physique du Globe de Paris) arethe premier organizations of researchin Earth Sciences in their respectivecountries. It has been a historicalmoment when the Directors of the twoorganizations signed an MoU on4 February 2011 so that scientists ofthe two organizations could worktogether by exchanging ideas,information and knowledge in the fieldof Earth Science.

The MoU was signed by Prof.Claude Jaupart, Director, InstitutPhysique du Globe de Paris (IPGP),France and Dr. Y. J. Bhaskar Rao,Acting Director, NGRI, Hyderabad.

CLRI recently signed an agreement with Bay Leather Company,Erode in connection with the preparation of Prefeasibility Reportrelating to erecting Bio-refinery plant with special focus on biodieselrecovery from leather product wastes.

Agreement Between CLRI andBay Leather Company

MOUS

CSIR NEWS136

National Conference on, Recent Advances inGround Improvement Techniques

A two days NationalConference on, RecentAdvances in GroundImprovement Techniques(RAGIT 2011) wasorganized by CentralBuilding ResearchInstitute (CBRI), Roorkeein association with IndianGeotechnical Society,Roorkee chapter on 24-25February 2011 at CBRI,Roorkee.

Increased building constructionactivities and scarcely available suitableland, particularly in metropolitan cities,poses a challenge for Civil Engineers.This obviously, demands adoption ofsome suitable ground improvementtechniques that are becomingfavourable choices for the utilizationof all types of grounds having weaksub-soil deposits. This becomes anessential need for construction offoundations of civil engineeringstructures. These project sites in thepast have been rejected otherwise dueto low bearing capacity.

During the recent decades manyinnovative techniques have beendeveloped for ground improvement.Now, the present day demands to useeven the land having poorest bearingcapacity, such as the reclaimed landnear seashores having marine clay etc.In such situations, rejection of projectsite becomes almost impossible. Fewsuch ground improvement techniquespopular in the present day practice

include – earth walls, stone columns,soil nailing, deep grouting, dynamicconsolidations and many more. Theseare being applied to achieve significantsavings in time, cost and effort. At thesame time, adopting these techniques,civil engineers may convert these weakgrounds to behave as per the designrequirements for providing foundationswith adequate safety. All such aspectsrequire even more attention. ThisConference was organized consideringan important aspect – GroundImprovement.

The Conference was aimed atbringing together the design, researchand practicing engineers working in thefield of geotechnical engineering tofoster and promote exchange of ideason the recent advances in the field ofground improvement. The Conferencethemes were: Mechanical andChemical Stabilization of Soil;Accelerated Consolidation of ClayeySoils; Deep compaction of GranularSoils; Soil Reinforcement; Grouting’

Thermal Stabilization ofSoils; Deep Soil Mixing,Micropiles, StoneColumns, Granular Piles;Innovative Techniques inGround Improvement;Evaluation of GroundImprovement andEnvironmental Aspects.

The Conference wasinaugurated by Prof. PremVrat, former Director(IIT, Roorkee) & Former

Vice Chancellor (U.P. TechnicalUniversity) as the Chief Guest. AConference proceeding in the form ofBook and CD on this occasion was alsoreleased. The Function was alsograced by Prof. S. K. Bhattacharyya,Director, CBRI, Roorkee; Prof. GopalRanjan, Prof. K.S. Rao, President, IGSNational Body. A number of Nationaland International Experts from thisfield and academic front presentedtheir papers. The six Keynote speakersinvited were: Prof. Robert Liang(USA), Dr. V.R. Raju (Singapore),Prof D. M. Dewaikar (IIT, Bombay),Prof M. R. Madhav, Prof. SarveshChandra and Prof. Basudhar (IIT,Kanpur). All speakers presented theirpapers and highlighted the fieldproblems or experimental investigationscarried out related to different aspectsof Ground Improvement Techniques.

The research work being carriedout during the recent few years wasdiscussed in detail. Prof. Gopal Ranjan,Former IGS president and Chairman

CONFERENCES

A book on Conference proceeding being released by the dignitaries

JUNE 2011 137

delivered his theme-speech on this topic,whereas Prof. S. K. Bhattacharyya, appreciatedthe effort of IGS, Roorkee chapter to associatewith CBRI to organize this National Conferenceon the emerging research area, which is the needof the present day. Prof. Prem Vrat, encouragedthe Conference participants to work seriously inthe near future on problems related to groundimprovement. He was of the opinion that workingout for various problems related to the themewould certainly be useful for building constructionactivity on the scarcely available land particularlyin urban area of the country or land which is hardlysuitable for construction of civil engineeringstructures.

The general opinion of all participants was thatwith rapid infrastructural development all overworld and in India, civil engineers need to adoptsome ground improvement techniques, particularlywhen the foundations are to be laid on weak sub-soil deposits before any civil engineering structureis constructed. This becomes more relevant in thepresent scenario when suitable lands are scarcelyavailable and construction activities have to becarried out on weak lands.

Prof. K.S. Rao, Professor (IIT, Delhi) &President, IGS appreciated the initiative of IGS,Roorkee chapter for selecting such an importanttheme for this Conference. The ValedictoryFunction of the Conference was held on25 February 2011. Prof. Prem Krishna, Chairman,Research Council, CBRI & former Head, CivilEngineering Department, University of Roorkeewas the Chief Guest. Also present were: Prof. SK Bhattacharyya, Prof Rampal Singh and Dr.Pradeep Kumar.

The Organizing Committee comprisedProf. Ram Pal Singh, Dr. Pradeep Kumar(Organizing Secretary & Honorary Secretary, IGSRoorkee Chapter), Sh. A. Ghosh, and the facultymembers from IIT Roorkee; Dr. V.A. Sawant,Dr. M.N. Viladkar, Dr. N.K Samadliya andDr. M. Singh.

IICB Organized InternationalSymposium on, Signaling Network

and Cancer

The 30th Annual Convention of Indian Association for CancerResearch (IACR) and International Symposium on SignalingNetwork and Cancer was jointly organized by the Indian Instituteof Chemical Biology (IICB) & IACR. It was held during 6-9February 2011 at IICB, Jadavpur, Kolkata. The Symposium wasalso a part of the celebrations to commemorate the 75th year ofIICB.

Scientists and clinicians from different countries, namely UK,USA, Japan, Canada, Australia, Singapore, Korea and Indiaparticipated in the Conference. The inauguration of the Conferencewas held on 6 February 2011 in IICB Auditorium. Prof. SiddharthaRoy, Director, IICB delivered the Welcome Address. He expressedhis pleasure as IICB co-organized this Conference along withIACR. He presented an excellent slide show about the glorioushistory of IICB and the region around it in science and education.He also portrayed the role of IICB in Affordable HealthcareThrough Modern Science’ since its early days.

Dr. Rita Mulherkar, President, IACR in her address spokeabout the activities of IACR in brief and extended her heartfeltcongratulations and wishes in celebration of 75 years of IICB.Referring to the world cancer report, published by WHO, she saidthat the cancer rates will increase by 50% by the year of 2020.The report also mentioned that there is clear evidence that actionon smoking, diet and infection can prevent almost one third of

Seated on dais (from left) are: Prof. T. Kundu, Prof. A Dharmarajan,Prof. K. Sakaguchi, Prof. M Meuth, Shri A. Jha, Dr. R Mulherkar,

Prof. S. G. Rhee and Dr. S. Zindge

SYMPOSIA

CSIR NEWS138

these cancers and another one thirdcan be prevented or cured if detectedearly.

Dr. Tanuja Teni, Secretary,IACR focused on the organizationalstructure of IACR and its activitiesin detail. The Inaugural Sessionended with Vote of Thanks from Dr.Susanta Roychoudhury, Scientist,IICB and Secretary, OrganizingCommittee. Dr. Roychoudhurymentioned that a meeting of such astature where scientific minds acrossthe globe come together requires anarmy of people to make itsuccessful.

The scientific programme wasenriched by oration lecture, keynoteaddress, plenary lectures and studentaward lectures by national andforeign delegates. There were oralsessions and poster presentations too.More than 200 delegates participatedin the Conference.

The four-day Conferencecomprised of 16 sessions includingthe inauguration and valediction. TheIACR Presidential Oration Lecture,entitled, “Cancer Biomarkers forDetection, Prognostication andTherapy” was delivered by Dr. RitaMulherkar, ACTREC, Mumbai.Keynote Address was presented by

Prof. Gerry Mellino, MRC Laboratory, UKdelivering his lecture

Prof. S Roy, Director, IICB deliveringthe Inaugural Address

INDO-USWorkshop on,

Nanotechnology inthe Science of

Concrete at CBRI,Roorkee

The INDO-US Workshop on‘Nanotechnology in the Science ofConcrete’ was held at Central BuildingResearch Institute (CBRI), Roorkee inthe recent past. The Workshop wasjointly organized by CBRI and INDO-US Science & Technology Forum(IUSSTF), New Delhi. UttarakhandState Council for Science andTechnology (UCOST), Dehradunsupported the Workshop. The objectiveof the Workshop was to arrive atappropriate direction of research in thearea of concrete and possiblecollaborative activities between Indianand US institutions with industrial supportin the area of concrete research withimpetus on Nanotechnology.

Distinguished speakers from USand India participated and deliberated inthe Workshop with their thought-provoking presentations anddeliberations. Eminent speakers fromthe US included: Prof. S.P. Shah,Director, Centre for Advanced CementBased Materials, NorthwesternUniversity, Illinois; Dr. Paramita Mondal,University of Illinois, UrbanaChampaign; Dr. N. Neithalath, ClarksonUniversity; Dr. Zachary C. Grasley,Texas A&M University and Prof. R.Panneer Selvam, University ofArkansas.

SYMPOSIA/WORKSHOPS

Dr. Mammen Chandy, Director,Tata Medical Center, Kolkatawhose topic was From Bedside toBench.

One of the key features of theConference was the interactivesession between M. Pharm studentsof the National Institute of thePharmaceutical Education andResearch, Kolkata (NIPER) andeminent national and internationalscientists. Participants of the sessionwitnessed a lively discussion of thestudents on the topics ranging fromthe opportunity of Indian scientistsin anti-cancer drug discovery to thescope of pharmaceutical sciencestudents in scientific research inthose areas.

In the Valedictory Session thedistinguished delegates greatlyappreciated the excellent scientificsessions of the Conference. Theywere impressed by the youngstudents’ presentations, andappreciated the participation of aconsiderable number of clinicians.All participants expressed that theConference was truly ofInternational standard and hoped thatcollaborative research work wouldemerge with better therapies forcancer.

JUNE 2011 139

The speakers from India were:Prof. B. Bhattacharjee, IIT, Delhi;Prof. Ananth Ramaswamy, IISc,Bangalore; Prof. Ravindra Gettu, IIT,Madras; Prof. Sudhir Mishra, IIT,Kanpur; Dr. Absar Ahmad, Scientist,NCL, Pune; Dr. Rakesh Kumar,Scientist, CRRI, New Delhi, Dr. UmeshSharma, IIT, Roorkee. The Indianspeakers representing the industrywere: Dr. Subrato Chowdhury, JointPresident, UltraTech, Mumbai andDr. Chetan Hazaree, R&D Manager,HCC, Mumbai. The presentationsfrom CBRI were made by Prof. S.K.Bhattacharyya, Director, Dr. L. P. Singh,Scientist (Workshop Coordinator)and Dr. P.C. Thapliyal, Scientist,CBRI.

The Workshop was divided into fourthematic sessions viz.: (i) Synthesis &Modification of Materials at Nanoscale(ii) Nanoscale Characterization(iii) Design and Modeling of MaterialsBased on Nanotechnology and(iv) Performance Enhancement of

Concrete. The speakers made theirpresentations in the respective areas.Thematic group discussion was followedon the topics viz.: (i) NanoscaleModification and Characterization (ii)Design and Modeling of Material atNanolevel and (iii) Nanotechnology forSustainable Development.

The two days presentations,brainstorming and discussion emergedout with the following futuristic goals:

It clearly emerged out that to achieveultra high strength and durableconcrete, it is necessary to focus onthe fundamental research with theapplications of Nanotechnology in thearea of concrete. It is essential tounderstand the behaviour of cementpaste at nano level to obtain durableconcrete material.

To establish a research consortiumamongst Universities and Institutionsto promote and lead nanotechnologybased concrete research. It is very

important to form a coalition of majorresearch groups to generateknowledgebase.

The consortium shall include expertson construction materials, materialsscientist, computational modeling etc.

To establish a website on keyresearch progress and outcomes inthe area of concrete with emphasison nanotechnology. The website willalso secure/establish a link amongstresearchers during research inprogress.

To create a bilateral forum forinteraction amongst S&T communityof both countries to establish broaderstrategies.

Creation of network of scientist,technologists and entrepreneurs towork together to promote jointresearch and development to fosterthe mutually beneficial innovation andentrepreneurship.

WORKSHOPS

A view of the participants

CSIR NEWS140

CSIR Programme on Youth for Leadership in Science(CPYLS)

The CSIR Programme on Youth for Leadership in Science (CPYLS) is aimed at attracting the best school studentstowards science through a unique ‘hand holding’ experience. It aims at encouraging them to take science as anexciting, rewarding and fulfilling career. The CPYLS held at AMPRI, CSIO, NBRI and NEERI are highlighted here:

CPYLS was organized during 1-2February 2011 at AMPRI, Bhopal. Atotal of 121 students from M. P. Boardof Secondary Education, ChhatisgarhBoard of Secondary Education andCBSE of both the States participated inthe two-days programme.

The Inaugural Programme began bylighting of lamp and recital of SaraswatiVandana. Padma Bhushan Dr. M.N.Buch, Former Chief Secretary, Govt. ofM.P. was the Chief Guest. Shri SewaRam, Principal Secretary, Science &Technology, Govt of M.P, Shri AnuragJain, Secretary, IT and PA to the ChiefMinister, Govt of M.P. and Dr. V.K.

Advanced Materials and Processes Research Institute (AMPRI), Bhopal

Singh, Director, Indian Institute ofScience Education & Research, Bhopalwere the Guests of Honour. Dr. AnilK. Gupta, Director, AMPRI welcomedthe students, parents and the guests andDr. R. K. Rawlley, Scientist conductedthe programme.

Presentations were made byDr. P. D. Ekbote, Scientist G, AMPRI,Dr. Ganesh, Sr. Scientist, CancerResearch Institute and Dr. Ajai,Principal Scientist, IISS, Bhopal. Thestudents were exposed to differentinstruments, models, infrastructure andexperiments at different institutions. Alive demonstration at sub-zero

temperature was given to the studentsand their parents. The students were alsotaken for a field visit to municipal solidwaste and plastic waste managementcentres and briefed by Dr. Rawlley andthe concerned scientists.

The Valedictory Function began withthe views of parents and students. Itwas followed by address of the ChiefGuest, Dr. S.D. Kulkarni, ProjectDirector, APPD, CIAE, Bhopal.Certificates were given away by theChief Guest and Director, AMPRI. TheProgramme ended with the concludingremarks of Director, AMPRI and singingof the National Anthem.

CPYLS

The Inaugural Function of CPYLS Students interacting with scientists

JUNE 2011 141

The CPYLS Programme wasinaugurated at the National BotanicalResearch Institute (NBRI), Lucknow bythe Chief Guest Prof. H.N. Verma,Pro-Vice Chancellor, Jaipur NationalUniversity, Jaipur. The main aim of thescheme is to expose the young minds tothe exciting world of science, help inbuilding up a scientific temper at an earlyage and instill a sense of pride in theachievements of Indian Science.

NBRI organized the CPYLS

National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI), Lucknow

Programme during 13-14 April 2011 forthe toppers in the last CBSE, ICSE andUP Board examinations. A total of 30merit holder students belonging toschools from Lucknow, Mau, Noida,Ghaziabad, Hamirpur, New Delhi, Bareiliand Muradabad participated in theProgramme. Prof. H.N. Verma in hisInaugural Address narrated a briefoutline of the importance of science forthe improvement of our life. “It is thearduous efforts of our scientists like Prof.

M.S. Swaminathan that we have beenable to increase the food productionthrough green revolution and fulfilled thepressing demand of feeding ourburgeoning populations,” he said. Hecalled upon the students to take upscience as a career.

Prof. Verma illustrated by examplesthe great achievements of a number ofeminent scientists like Dr. SrinivasaIyengar Ramanujam – the great Indianmathematician, Nobel laureate Sir

CPYLS

The CSIR Programme on Youth forLeadership in Science (CPYLS) forattracting young and brilliant minds inscience stream was inaugurated on 22March 2011 at CSIO, Chandigarh.Meritorious students from the State ofHaryana, who had scored distinction inMatric Examination from variousEducational Boards in the year 2010participated in this two-day programme.

Shri S.C. Choudhary, I.A.S.Financial Commissioner and PrincipalSecretary, Public Works Department,Govt. of Haryana was the Chief Gueston the occasion. While delivering theInaugural Address, he called withnostalgia when he was in tenth class andwas among the top ten students ofRajasthan Board. He said that althoughthere was a lure of high salaries beingoffered by MNCs but the studentsshould continue their quest for innovativeresearch. He encouraged the studentsto improve their overall generalknowledge by reading newspapers andlistening to news on the radio and TVbesides their regular studies. He said

Central Scientific Instruments Organisation (CSIO), Chandigarh

that just as call centers have beenoutsourced to India, very soon R&Dactivities will also be outsourced whichwill open up new opportunities for us.He appreciated the efforts being madethrough the CPYLS programme toencourage the students to pursuescience.

Dr Pawan Kapur, Director, CSIOin his Welcome Address informed thatthe basic purpose of CPYLSprogramme has been to motivate andattract young minds towards leadershipin science. Dr Kapur elaborated on thepossibilities offered by the fascinatingworld of science and the clue we cantake from the wonders of Nature todevelop scientific curiosity andinquisitiveness. He emphasized uponthe need to opt for career in science,which gives fulfilment besides providingumpteen opportunities for self-growthwhile contributing to society. Heencouraged them to pursue science asa career and welcomed them to begintheir career with CSIR labs in pursuingtheir curiosity.

The students attended interactivesessions in which scientists from variousresearch areas of CSIO discussed abouttheir research, technologies and theupcoming trends. A multi-media ScienceQuiz Competition and Cultural eveningwas also organized for the participatingstudents. During their two days stay atCSIO, students were taken aroundvarious labs of CSIO to apprise themabout the actual environment of R&Dlabs. Students got an opportunity toclosely interact with the researchers invarious laboratories, where experimentswere especially set up to help studentsunderstand the basic principles of howthings work.

Popular science lectures by thescientists of CSIO were also arrangedfor the students to inspire and motivatethem for developing a scientifictemperament.

Shri A.D. Kaul, Senior Scientistproposed the formal Vote of Thanks.Shri N.S. Aulakh, Scientist, coordinatedthe Programme.

CSIR NEWS142

C.V. Raman, Astrophysicist Prof. S.Chandrasekhar and Meghnad Saha,Prof. J.C. Bose, Dr. Vikram Sarabhai,Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Prof. M.S.Swaminathan and Dr. Verghese Kurienin taking forward India in many fields ofscience and technology. “For theprogression of the country in everysphere, technology is needed andtechnology is nothing but the applied

aspect of science,” he remarked. Hecalled upon the students that the youthhave tremendous power of creativity andenthusiasm, which they should apply tothe tedious, arduous and burning issuesof the country for making it strong andprosperous nation of the world.

Earlier in his Welcome Address, Dr.C. S. Nautiyal, Director, NBRIwelcomed the Chief Guest and other

dignitaries present on theoccasion. In his address,Dr. Nautiyal congratulatedthe students and said that ifwe had to build our nationstrong and self-dependent,then we have to developour own innovations andtechnologies rather thanrelying on imitated orborrowed technologies. Forachieving this, Dr Nautiyal

said that young scientists like the one inaudience could excel and propel Indiain the field of scientific research anddevelopment in the coming years. Dr. J.K. Johri, Scientist and Coordinatorcompeered and briefly outlined the aimsand objectives of the Programme. Dr.P.B. Khare, Scientist, NBRI proposedthe Vote of Thanks.

The two days ‘CSIR Programme onYouth for Leadership in Science(CPYLS)’ was organized by NationalEnvironmental Engineering ResearchInstitute (NEERI), Nagpur on 30-31March 2011. The Programme wasattended by 10th (SSC) passed 40meritorious students from variousschools of Nagpur and the Vidarbharegion along with their parents.

Dr. A K Joshi, General Manager,Regional Remote Sensing ServiceCentre (ISRO), Nagpur presided overthe Inaugural Function as Chief Guest.Dr. Joshi while addressing the studentsand their parents said that foradvancement of the country, students

should develop innovativeness andcreativity in basic science. It is essentialto develop scientific temper amongstudents, he advocated. He said that

Dr. A K Joshi, General Manager, Regional RemoteSensing Service Centre (ISRO) addressing the

students; Seated on the dais (from left):Dr S R Wate, Director, NEERI and Mr. Prakash

Kumbhare, Head, R&D Planning Division, NEERI

such programmes definitely helpstudents to interact with scientists andenhance their scientific temper. Dr. Joshialso briefed about various satelliteswhich are sending data on Earth forseveral applications covering agriculture,water resources, urban development,mineral prospecting, environment,forestry, drought and flood forecasting,ocean resources and disastermanagement. Besides outlining theimportance of ISRO, he also briefedabout some of the latest R&Dachievements that are useful for society.

Earlier, Dr. S R Wate, Director,NEERI in his Welcome Address said thatthe CPYLS Programme helps to build a

CPYLS

Glimpses of the CPYLS Function at NBRI, Lucknow

National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Nagpur

JUNE 2011 143

scientific temper at an early stage. Heexplained why science is important, whyscience should be chosen as a careerand why science is exciting. He alsomentioned that science and engineeringtogether can only give rise to a newinvention. He urged the students to adoptleadership in science for progress of thecountry. He encouraged the students fortaking up R&D activities at the Institutein near future.

While giving an introduction ofCPYLS Programme, Mr. PrakashKumbhare, Coordinator of the CPYLS& Head, R&D Planning Division,NEERI said that the aim of organizingthis Programme is to attract the bestyoung students towards science througha unique ‘hand-holding’ experience. Hestated that this Programme willencourage youth to discover science as

an exciting, rewarding and fulfillingcareer.

NEERI Scientists delivered popularscience lectures on variousenvironmental topics on this occasion.Dr. A. N. Vaidya, Scientist & Head,Solid & Hazardous Waste ManagementDivision, NEERI briefed about variousaspects related to Solid and HazardousWaste Management. Dr. S. K. Goyal,Scientist, Air Pollution Control Division,NEERI spoke on Air Environment.Dr. G K Khadse, Scientist, WaterTechnology & Management Division,NEERI delivered a lecture on ‘WaterEnvironment’. Dr. (Mrs.) Asifa Qureshi,Scientist, Environmental GenomicsDivision, NEERI spoke on Environmentand Genomics. Dr. TVBPS RamaKrishna, Scientist, Environmental Impact& Risk Assessment Division, NEERI

briefed about various aspects related toAtmospheric Science. The studentswere taken to various NEERIlaboratories to show them practicaldemonstrations on various significantactivities related to environmentalscience and engineering. They were alsotaken to Raman Science Centre, Nagpurwhere they were briefed anddemonstrated various scientificprinciples.

In the Valedictory Function,certificates were given by Dr. S. R.Wate, Director, NEERI to theparticipating students. The students andparents also expressed their thoughts,gave feedback about the Programme,and promised to avail R&D opportunityat CSIR in future. Mrs. Jaya Sabjiwaleconducted the proceedings of theProgramme.

Dr S. R. Wate, Director, NEERI delivering theWelcome Address

The participating meritorious CPYLS students from Nagpur and Vidarbha region

CPYLS

Glimpses of the CPYLS Function at NEERI, Nagpur

CSIR NEWS144

Printed and Published byDeeksha Bist on behalf of National Institute of Science Communication And Information Resources (NISCAIR), (CSIR),Dr K.S. Krishnan Marg, New Delhi -110 012 and printed at NISCAIR Press, Dr K.S. Krishnan Marg, New Delhi -110 012

Editor: Dr. P. Cheena Chawla; Editorial Assistant: Neelima HandooDesign: Neeru Sharma; Sarla Dutta; Production: Kaushal Kishore; Editorial help: Dr Sukanya Datta

Phone: 25846301; Fax: 25847062; E-mail: [email protected]; [email protected]; Website:http://www.niscair.res.inFor subscription: The Sales & Distribution Officer, NISCAIR; E-mail: [email protected];

Annual Subscription: Rs 300; Single Copy: Rs 30.00Subscription Complaint No: 25843359

RN 4512/57

Nominations invited forProf. G. N. Ramachandran

Gold Medal forExcellence in

Biological Sciences &Technology - 2011

The Council of Scientific & IndustrialResearch (CSIR) invites nominations forthe Prof. G. N. Ramachandran GoldMedal for Excellence in BiologicalSciences & Technology -2011. TheAward is bestowed every year to anoutstanding Indian scientist, who hasmade conspicuously importantcontributions, applied or fundamental, inthe inter-disciplinary subject/field ofBiological Sciences and Technology. TheAward would be given for the work doneprimarily in India during ten yearspreceding the year of the Award.Nominations addressed to Head, HumanResource Development Group, CSIRComplex, Library Avenue, Pusa, NewDelhi 110 012 should be sent as perprescribed proforma (Original +one copy) along with reprints of fivemost significant publications of the last10-year’s period by 30th June 2011.The details of the Award and theprescribed proforma for nomination maybe downloaded from ourwebsite http://csirhrdg.res.in

IICB student BagsNASI Young Scientist Award 2010

Dr. Swaranjit Singh Cameotra, Scientist F, IMTECH,Chandigarh was elected Fellow National EnvironmentalScience Academy (FNESA). He had joined the CultureCollection in IMTECH in 1987. Dr Swaranjit wasawarded based on his excellent work on EnvironmentalBiotechnology, Culture Collection and Biodiversity. Heis a recipient of the Environmentalist Award inDecember 2009. Dr. Swaranjit Singh is also a Memberof World Federation of Culture Collections (WFCC)Task Groups.

Dr. Swaranjit Singh Cameotra Honoured

Dr. Anindita Ukil, Ph.D. and Post-doctoral studentof Indian Institute of Chemical Biology (IICB),Kolkata has been awarded the prestigious YoungScientist Award for the year 2010 in BiomedicalSciences by National Academy of Sciences(NASI). This Award is recognition for herexcellent work on the dual role of the inducibleisoform of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) inmacrophage biology in two disease models, visceralleishmaniasis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). She showed for thefirst time that up regulation of NF-kB plays a very important role in diseasepathogenesis of IBD. She did her doctoral and post-doctoral research underthe able guidance of Dr. Pijush K. Das, who is not only a scientist of eminence,but also a very good teacher. To her credit she has published nine majorpapers in noteworthy peer-reviewed journals, which attest to her hard work,biological insight, and outstanding writing skills.

Presently she is Assistant Professor, Department of Biochemistry,Calcutta University and working on negative regulatory pathways ofmacrophage —Leishmania interaction with special emphasis on identificationof negative regulatory proteins by which Leishmania might turn off thesignaling in phagocytic cells.

HONOURS & AWARDS/ANNOUNCEMENTS

No. 11 & 12 June - niscair

Documents

Transcript of No. 11 & 12 June - niscair