CSIR-Nationlal Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR), New Delhi, celebrated its foundation day with a dynamic event showcasing a commitment to advancing science communication, STI policy research, innovation, and research. Under Prof. Ranjana Aggarwal’s directorship, the Institute marked the occasion with significant events and collaborative endeavours.

Prof. Yogesh Singh, Vice Chancellor of the University of Delhi and Member of CSIR Society, was the Chief Guest of the Foundation Day Programme on 9 February. Prof. Singh delivered an inspiring foundation day lecture on “Rising India: Future of India”. He appreciated CSIR-NIScPR’s vision to become a globally respected think tank and resource centre for policy research, innovation, and science communication. Prof. Singh emphasised the integral role of science communication in India’s journey towards becoming a Viksit Bharat.

Prof. Ranjana Aggarwal, Director, CSIR-NIScPR, emphasised the Institute’s dedication to disseminating scientific achievements in all Indian languages. Highlighting the new initiatives of the Institute, Prof. Aggarwal mentioned the concrete outcomes of the Science Media Communication Cell, SVASTIK, Technology Readiness Level efforts and many others. She also stressed the strong focus on language diversity to reach a wider audience. Prof. Aggarwal shared insights into the Institute’s prominent role as the host of the National Science Library, the largest in Asia.

Key deliberations out of the address by the Director CSIR-NIScPR: Science Media Communication Cell (SMCC) is an innovative initiative bridging the gap between media and science. This cell is designed to enhance the communication of scientific achievements to the public, fostering a better understanding of S&T knowledge in society. NETRA Framework was developed in collaboration with the National Research Development Corporation (NRDC) to assess technology readiness levels. CSIR-NIScPR will play a pivotal role in certifying technologies for the NRDC, further supporting technological advancements. 
Prof. Aggarwal highlighted the Institute’s commitment to creating rural livelihoods by leveraging CSIR technology. This initiative will utilise the networks of the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA) and Vijanana Bharati (VIBHA), aiming to empower rural communities through innovation. In line with Prime Minister Modi’s vision, SVASTIK seeks to disseminate scientifically validated traditional knowledge of India. This initiative reflects CSIR-NIScPR’s dedication towards preserving and promoting traditional wisdom.

Dr Anil Kothari, Director General of MP Council of Science & Technology, Bhopal, expressed the importance of CSIR-NIScPR becoming a centralised platform for scientific information and Dr Sudesh Kumar Yadav, Director of CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT), Palampur, participated in the release of CSIR-NIScPR publications and signing of MoUs, including brochures and SVASTIK’s communication on the dissemination of traditional knowledge.
Dr Manish Mohan Gore, Scientist, CSIR-NIScPR, moderated the event. Dr Charu Verma, Chief Scientist, CSIR-NIScPR, and Chairperson, Foundation Day Celebrations Committee, proposed the vote of thanks.

On 8 February 2024, as part of the foundation day celebrations, the Institute organised an Open Day by conducting two events simultaneously: Interaction with PhD scholars, Student-Scientist Connect Programme and Poster Presentation Competition for PhD scholars of CSIR-NIScPR.
The Chief Guest was Prof. Deepak Kumar, Member, Research Council of CSIR-NIScPR and formerly Prof. at JNU and Senior Scientist with CSIR-National Institute of Science, Technology and Development Studies (CSIR-NISTADS). He motivated the PhD students of CSIR-NIScPR and highlighted the importance of teaching and research. He said, “Research and teaching must go together. And to be a good researcher, one must also be a good teacher.”

Prof. Ranjana Aggarwal addressed the PhD students at the Student Interaction Meet, saying, “PhD study is a good example of the Guru-Shishya tradition. This research study focuses on the importance of the PhD guide to their students, which is like a parent-child relationship, a bond that remains forever.”

After a healthy discussion with PhD students, a poster presentation competition was organised for the PhD students of the CSIR-NIScPR. There was a display of 31 posters on various topics, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Perception towards Scientific Temper, Analysis of CSIR-JRF Scheme: A Capacity Building and Human Resource Development Programme, Knowledge of Food Labelling for Healthy choices of Food Items, Challenges for Stem Cell Therapy and Implementation in India: Doctor’s Perspectives’ and Popular Over-the-Top (OTT) Platforms for Science Communication — A Review; among others.

Dr Vandana Kalia, Scientist F, DSIR; Dr Meenakshi Singh, Chief Scientist CSIR HQs; and Shri RKS Roushan, CoA, CSIR-NIScPR, evaluated the posters. They were impressed by the students’ efforts and expressed their views that events like this are an opportunity to interact with students, see how they work, and know about their future plans.

CSIR-NIScPR’s flagship outreach programme, JIGYASA, organised a quiz competition for school students.

During the programme, Prof. Ranjana Aggarwal said in her keynote address, “CSIR is serving as a scientific backbone in our daily lives. From indelible ink for elections to milk powder, they have touched it all and even contributed to the construction of the Ayodhya temple.”