Union Minister of State for Science and Technology (Independent Charge) Dr. Jitendra Singh today said that India will be transformed into a science and technology driven global biomanufacturing hub.

The Minister was speaking after inaugurating the CSIR-NIIST Golden Jubilee celebrations and Milestone Observation Program at CSIR-NIIST campus, Thiruvananthapuram. The Union Minister also added that the country should have a global vision about biochemical manufacturing and global strategies should be devised for this.

Dr Jitendra Singh said that sustainability and e-waste management has been a strong tenet in all the initiatives of the central government, citing the example of a self-powered indoor air quality monitor that he had unveiled at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport earlier today.

Dr Jitendra Singh further added that fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship through startups and incubators falls under the top priorities of the central government.

Union Minister mentioned that central government is promoting public private partnership, and urged CSIR-NIIST to follow the path. Minister also called upon the institute to bring forth new innovations that are useful for the non-scientific community as well.

Union minister Dr. Jitendra Singh released CSIR-NIIST golden jubilee year book and stamp, as part of the event. The minister also inaugurated the Centre of Excellence in Performance Chemicals and Sustainable Polymers and laid the foundation stone for Centre of Excellence in Ayurveda Research.

As part of the event, Dr. C. Anandharamakrishnan, Director, CSIR-NIIST gave a presentation before the Union Minister about the achievements of CSIR-NIIST in the past fifty years. Union Minister also facilitated exchange of MoU and technology transfer between NIIST and various technological institutions across the country. Dr. Jitendra Singh, while attending the event, inaugurated Exhibition Area (NIIST Showcase), gold testing and hallmark facility and startup expo at NIIST campus. Prior to the event, the minister planted a sapling in the campus as part of the Plant4Mother campaign.

Dr. C. Anandharamakrishnan felicitated Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh by handing over a token of gratitude. Dr, Sanjay Behari, Director, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST), was the Guest of Honour, and Dr. C. Anandharamakrishnan presided over the event. Dr. K. V. Radhakrishnan, Chief Scientist, CSIR-NIIST, Dr. P. Nishy, Chief Scientist, CSIR-NIIST were present.

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