CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), Pune, celebrated its 76th Foundation Day with a commemorative programme held at the CSIR-NCL on 3 January 2026. The celebration featured the Foundation Day Oration on “Innovation and the University” by Prof. MS Ananth, Former Director, Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras).
The programme commenced with welcome remarks by Dr Parveen Goyal, Senior Scientist, CSIR-NCL, followed by the presentation of the Director’s Report.
Dr Ashish Lele, Director, CSIR-NCL, reflected on its remarkable 75-year legacy and its journey toward NCL@100, aligned with India’s aspirations during the Amrit Kaal. He emphasised CSIR-NCL’s enduring role in advancing fundamental science, translating research into impactful technologies, and strengthening India’s self-reliance and global standing in chemistry. Presenting the Director’s Report for 2025, Dr Lele highlighted major scientific and technological achievements across seven strategic themes, including clean energy, C1 chemistry, sustainable chemical processes, biomanufacturing, circular economy, agritech, and strategic sectors. Key milestones included India’s first hydrogen fuel-cell catamaran entering commercial service, significant progress in green hydrogen technologies, sodium-ion battery validation, solvent-free continuous manufacturing of metformin, advances in biotherapeutics, agri-biologicals, and strategic materials for defence and space.
Dr V Premnath, Chief Scientist, CSIR-NCL, introduced the Chief Guest, Prof. Ananth, highlighting his pioneering contributions to various scientific fields and his transformative leadership in Indian higher education.
In his Foundation Day lecture, Prof. MS Ananth spoke about the traditional role of universities as places meant for learning and the pursuit of knowledge, not just for practical or immediate benefits. He explained that universities were built on the idea that all fields of knowledge — science, engineering, medicine, social sciences and the humanities — are connected. Referring to thinkers such as Oakeshott, Chomsky, and EO Wilson, he emphasised that universities should foster curiosity, critical thinking, attention to detail, and independent thought, rather than focusing solely on job-oriented training.
Prof. Ananth highlighted the close link between teaching and research, saying that research makes teaching stronger, while teaching helps improve and refine research. He noted that real education is not about simply finishing the syllabus, but about helping students understand ideas deeply, ask questions and think creatively beyond rigid boundaries.
Speaking about today’s knowledge-driven world, he said that universities now play a key role in discovery, innovation and entrepreneurship. He emphasised the need for strong collaboration between academia and industry, citing the IIT Madras Research Park as an example where faculty, students and industry professionals work together to turn research into real-world impact. He also spoke about leadership and ethics in academic life, highlighting the importance of shared leadership, consensus, honesty and ethical values.
In conclusion, Prof. Ananth said that while innovation, intellectual property and economic impact are important, they should always be guided by the university’s core mission: the honest pursuit of truth, the development of strong character and the use of knowledge for the benefit of society. He conveyed many deep messages through several witty anecdotes that kept the audience engaged.
As part of the celebration, NCL Research Foundation (RF) Awards were given to the CSIR-NCL staff at the hands of the chief guest to recognise outstanding research and innovation, reinforcing CSIR-NCL’s commitment to excellence and scientific leadership.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr Parveen Goyal, who expressed gratitude to the distinguished guests, scientists, faculty members, researchers, students, CSIR-NCL alumnae and staff for participating in the celebration, both in person and online.
