Nagpur: CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI) celebrated its 67th Foundation Day on April 8, 2025. To commemorate the occasion, a series of programmes were organized. Dr. Kannan Srinivasan, Director, CSIR-Central Salt & Marine Chemicals Research Institute (CSIR-CSMCRI), Bhavnagar, graced the event as the Guest of Honour and delivered the Foundation Day address. Dr. S. Venkata Mohan, Director, CSIR-NEERI, presided over the function.
While delivering the Foundation Day address on “Importance of Collaboration & Partnerships in Science & Technology”, Dr. Kannan Srinivasan shared the success stories to illustrate how collaboration can drive translational outcomes. He emphasized the need to identify key areas for collaboration with potential stakeholders to create meaningful impact. He also expressed interest in working with CSIR-NEERI in areas of mutual interest. Dr. Kannan stated that translational research is the need of the hour. Reflecting on the shift in global priorities, he remarked that while the 20th century focused on growth without considering sustainability, the 21st century is now centered on achieving growth with sustainability. He stressed that today’s challenges require both individual brilliance (science) and collaborative translation (technology). He urged scientists to work as cohesive teams to achieve the desired translational outcomes. He also highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships in advancing science and innovation. Citing a recent breakthrough, he informed that while 99% of the potassium used by Indian farmers was being imported, the extraction of potassium from spent wash represents a significant advancement. He concluded by underscoring the need to seize emerging opportunities by leveraging analogies and data analytics.
In his welcome address, Dr. S. Venkata Mohan, Director, CSIR-NEERI outlined the significant achievements of the Institute since its inception. He also briefed on recent R&D outcomes, including major projects and bilateral programmes. He also shared details about some upcoming initiatives planned by the Institute.
CSIR-NEERI Newsletter and brochure were released on this occasion. Dr. Debishree Khan, Sr. Scientist, CSIR-NEERI conducted the proceedings, and Prakash Kumbhare, Senior Principal Scientist, proposed the vote of thanks. Approximately 1500 students from schools and colleges visited the institute, where they observed practical demonstrations and interacted with CSIR-NEERI scientists in the laboratories.
A Science Models Competition was organized, and prizes were awarded to the winners. In the first category (8th to 10th standards), the first prize was conferred upon Bhavan’s Bhagwandas Purohit Vidya Mandir, Ashti (Khurd), Nagpur, for their model on ‘Upcycling Marigold Waste into Graphene’; second prize was awarded to The Blind Relief Association Nagpur’s Mundle English Medium School, Nagpur for their model on ‘Solar Powered Smart Farming System’; third prize went to Kendriya Vidyalaya (KV) CRPF, Nagpur for their model on ‘Air Pollution to Ink Convertor’; and Consolation Prize to Lal Bahadur Shastri Hindi High School N M C Hanuman Nagar, Nagpur for their model on ‘Water Level Alert System’.
In the second category (10th-12th standards), the first prize was awarded to Bhavan’s Bhagwandas Purohit Vidya Mandir, Srikrishna Nagar, Nagpur for their model on ‘Green Tunnel with Safety Monitoring System’; second prize went to Sandipani Jr. College, Nagpur for their model on ‘Waste & Water Management to Clean Sullage Water’; third prize to ‘J.N. Tata Parsi Girls’ High School, Nagpur for their model on ‘Air Purifier: Carbon Rod Electroswing Adsorption System’; and Consolation Prize was conferred to Army Public School, Kamptee for their model on ‘Production of Biofuel from Algae’.
CSIR-NEERI officials were awarded the Foundation Day Awards for their outstanding contributions. Dr. Rima Biswas Mondal, Principal Scientist, CSIR-NEERI received the ‘Best Senior Scientist’ award and Er. Roshan Wathore, Scientist, CSIR-NEERI received the ‘Best Junior Scientist’ Award. Shri Satish Lokhande, Sr. Technical Officer, was honored with the ‘Best Technical Officer’ award. Mr. Satyendra, Senior Research Fellow, CSIR-NEERI received Late Shri P.S. Dutt Memorial Award as ‘Best Young Researcher’. Sub Vertical Excellence Award was conferred upon jointly to Environmental Impact Assessment, Audit and Planning and Waste Water Management Sub Vertical.
A voluntary blood donation camp was organized by the CSIR-NEERI Staff Club in association with the GSK Blood Centre, Nagpur, at CSIR-NEERI as part of the CSIR-NEERI Foundation Day celebrations.
