CSIR-NPL Marks its 78th Foundation Day

CSIR-National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL) commemorated its 78th Foundation Day with a grand celebration held on Thursday, January 4th, 2024. The event was graced by esteemed dignitaries and luminaries from the scientific community, witnessed a series of impactful sessions and significant announcements. The National Physical Laboratory is one of the earliest national laboratories set up under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, the foundation stone of which was laid on the 4th January 1947. The celebration kicked off with the ceremonial lamp lighting, symbolizing the illumination of knowledge and innovation. Prof. Venu Gopal Achanta, Director, CSIR-NPL, extended a warm welcome, setting the tone for an insightful day. He also shed light on the recent developments and activities of CSIR NPL. The event featured distinguished guest addresses by Dr. Ranjana Aggarwal, Director, CSIR-NIScPR, New Delhi, and Dr. Viswajanani J Sattigeri, Head, CSIR-TKDL, New Delhi.

Dr. Aggarwal congratulated CSIR-NPL for its glorious 77 years of service to the nation and lab’s contribution in various facets of science and technology for Atmanirbhar Bharat. She also told the most recent initiatives of national interest taken by NIScPR like the compendium of CSIR technologies based on their assessment on Technology Readiness Level (TRL) scale; Livelihood creation for rural India through deployment of CSIR technologies by collaborating with UNNAT Bharat Abhiyan and Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA). Dr. Sattigeri emphasized the importance of Traditional Knowledge and its relevance in present time. The highlight of the foundation day celebration was the keynote address by Chief Guest, Prof. Ashutosh Sharma, President, INSA and Former Secretary, DST, GoI. Prof. Sharma spoke on Science and it’s various facets and interfaces like Invention, Innovation, Culture, and Society. His address was a beacon of inspiration, emphasizing the significance of scientific advancements in shaping the nation’s progress. The day also witnessed pivotal moments with the release of Bharatiya Nirdeshak Dravya (BND) BND^® 1041 – Conductivity Standard Solution for Drinking Water with RMP Aashvi Technology LLP (ATL), Ahmedabad and BND^® 5061 – Pet Coke Standard (Chemical Parameters) with RMP National Council for Cement & Building Materials (NCCBM), Ballabgarh. A Technology Agreement Tool for Partnerships TATPAR (तत्पर) was also launched. The 78th Foundation Day celebration served as a platform to honour the rich legacy of CSIR-NPL while embracing the future with groundbreaking initiatives and collaborative endeavours. The program concluded with vote of thanks by Dr. Govind, Chief Scientist, CSIR-NPL and Coordinator, 78^th Foundation day program followed with National anthem. The event was gracefully compered by Dr. Avni Khatkar, Scientist, CSIR-NPL.