CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute (CSIR-NBRI), Lucknow, celebrated the National Technology Day on 11 May 2024. On the occasion, Prof. Rabinarayan Achraya, DG, Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences, Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, New Delhi, was the Chief Guest.

Dr Ajit Kumar Shasany, Director of CSIR-NBRI, welcomed the gathering and mentioned that the institute has also contributed to society by transferring various technologies to industry partners. The main purpose of celebrating this day is to popularise and showcase our technologies among the public at large.

Prof. Acharya remembered the contribution of Indian scientists in developing indigenous technologies in various fields, including education, medical, pharma, health sector, etc. In his address, Prof. Acharya highlighted the recent developments and challenges of the Ayurvedic system in developing affordable medicines for incurable diseases. Now, Ayurvedic Sciences are continuously evolving with modern medicine systems to tackle challenges in establishing a proper Ayurvedic medicine system, said Prof. Acharya.

As per Prof. Acharya, Ayurveda is based on balance in bodily systems and uses diet, herbal treatment, and yogic breathing. Globalised and modernised practices derived from Ayurveda traditions are now established as complementary or alternative medicine system. Today, Ayurveda therapies and practices have been widely integrated with modern medicine systems, added Prof. Acharya.

Prof. Acharya called on scientists of the institute to conduct research on the untapped potentials of hidden plants, such as poisonous plants and weeds, to explore pharma molecules that can be used to cure various life-threatening diseases. Prof. Acharya appreciated CSIR-NBRI's efforts to develop plant-based herbal products for human welfare.

On the occasion, CSIR-NBRI transferred the technology of Herbal Gulal from Kachnaar Flowers to Shri Ganesha Global Gulal Pvt. Ltd, Raipur, Chattishgarh. Mr Umang Goel, Managing Director, Shri Ganesha Global Gulal Pvt. Ltd, Raipur, Chattishgarh, said herbal Gulal made by CSIR-NBRI is very famous and demanding. We will launch this new herbal Gulal from Kachnaar flowers soon in the market.

CSIR-NBRI also exchanged an MoU with Oil India Limited under the corporate social responsibility project entitled Integrated Aromatic Florivillage for livelihood enhancement in Tripura to create income generation opportunities for better livelihood of farmers of Tripura by implementing the CSIR mission projects.

The institute and its laboratories remained open to the general public. More than 600 students from 15 schools/colleges of Lucknow and nearby areas visited the institute and its various facilities, including herbarium, exposition, botanic garden, etc.

Dr SK Tewari, Chief Scientist, proposed the vote of thanks.