Dr. Jitendra Singh Lauds CSIR-IITR’s Diamond Jubilee Contributions to a Toxin-Free India

GG News Bureau
Lucknow, 28th Jan. Celebrating its 60th anniversary, the CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (CSIR-IITR) reaffirmed its commitment to public health and innovation at a landmark event inaugurated by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology. The Minister praised the institute’s unparalleled achievements in toxicology research, public health, and environmental innovation, positioning it as a unique institution in India and globally.

Contributions and Vision

Dr. Singh commended the institute for its contributions to public health, including its role in investigating a mysterious disease in Rajouri, Jammu & Kashmir. He outlined the institute’s mission to achieve a “toxin-free India” by 2047, in alignment with India’s developmental goals.

Highlighting its support for startups and MSMEs, he emphasized initiatives like the DSIR-CRTDH Environmental Monitoring Hub and BIRAC-BioNEST, which have fostered over 30 startups and 55 MSMEs in environmental monitoring and pollution abatement.

The Minister also called for modern outreach strategies, urging CSIR-IITR to leverage social media for greater visibility and collaboration with institutions like IITs and medical research centers to expand its impact.

New Facilities and Product Launches

As part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations, Dr. Singh inaugurated key facilities, including the Diamond Jubilee Arches, NaMo-ATAL facility, and VV Sansa, a state-of-the-art reference material hub. He also launched several innovative products:

• Apatkaleen AHAAR: A high-nutrition emergency food solution.
• NFit: Superfood tablets for extreme environments, including space.
• MIL-FiT: Millet-based tablets for trekkers and field personnel.
• SenzSCAn: A portable diagnostic tool for sickle cell anaemia.

The event also saw technology transfers of VV Sansa and Oneer, showcasing CSIR-IITR’s focus on translating research into practical applications.

Conferences and Initiatives

Dr. Singh unveiled the WARMEST and EARTH-25 conferences, aimed at tackling environmental and health challenges. He also launched the Diamond Jubilee Internship and E-PARAM initiative to promote skill development and digital transformation.

National Impact

Over the decades, CSIR-IITR has evolved from industrial toxicology to addressing contemporary issues like environmental hazards and food safety. Its contributions to national emergencies, such as the Odisha cyclone, and its role in flagship missions like Namami Gange underline its significance in safeguarding public health.

Dr. Singh applauded the institute’s cost-effective tools, including on-field detection kits for haemoglobin and food adulteration, which enhance healthcare accessibility. He also lauded its status as the only CSIR lab with NABL accreditation and GLP certification, ensuring global standards.

The Minister encouraged the institute to continue its focus on affordable, accessible technologies and fostering scientific temper among students through initiatives like Jigyasa.

A Vision for 2047

Dr. Singh’s address emphasized the institute’s role in achieving a toxin-free, healthy, and prosperous India by 2047, marking its centenary. He reiterated the broader commitment to public health and environmental sustainability as pivotal to India’s development goals.

The event concluded with the unveiling of a commemorative stamp, the launch of the CSIR-IITR Annual Report, and Vish-Vigyan Sandesh Sankalan (Volume 1), documenting the institute’s achievements and future aspirations.