Essay Writing, Ex-tempore Speech and Audio Cassette Releasing Function under “DNA Clubs-DBT-TERI Mentoring Schools of North East” held at CSIR-NEIST Substation, Imphal on January 10, 2012

Essay writing and Ex-tempore Speech among students of DNA Club enrolled Schools of Manipur and Audio Cassette releasing function was held on January 10, 2012 at the CSIR: North-East Institute of Science & Technology, Substation, Lamphelpat, Imphal . The function was attended by Shri W Rajen Singh, Director, Education (S), Govt. of Manipur as Chief Guest, Dr SK Sinha, Fellow, TERI, Guwahati as Guest of Honour and was presided by Dr BG Unni, Chief Scientist, CSIR-NEIST & Director’s nominee. The topics for the essay writing was on ‘Conservation of Biodiversity” and Ex-tempore speech was on the theme ‘Biodiversity and Human Beings’. Shri Hijam Abhishek of Evergreen Flower School, Konsam Tonia Devi of Khongampat High School and Ching Ngai Mawi of Vimala Raina High School stood 1st, 2nd & 3rd position in Essay Writing competition while S. Kismat of Meitei Mayek High School, O Hemochandra of Uchiwa High School and Jayaluxmi of Wangkhei High School stood 1st, 2nd and 3rd position in Ex-tempore speech. The prizes were distributed on the same day by the dignitaries

An audio cassette on DNA Clubs having 10 episodes which are now broadcasting by the All India Radio, Imphal was also officially released at the same Function. Dr HB Singh, Scientist-in-Charge, CSIR-NEIST Substation, Imphal gave welcome address and Vote of thanks was given by Dr Alka Jain. For more photograph please click 1,2

Brainstorming session/Meeting held at Chiang Mai & Bangkok Thailand on 15th and 16th December, 2011

Brain storming session at Chiang Mai,Thailand

The brainstorming session on tea and silk were held at the conference Hall Centara hotel at Chiangmai on 15th and at Pena House near airport at Bangkok on 16th December respectively. The officials  from Maefahluang University, Bangkok, Agricultural Research & Developmental Agency(ARDA) and the Queen Sirikit Department of Sericulture, Thailand  attended the meeting. The delegation from CSIR-NEIST India was headed by Dr.BG Unni  Chief Scientist & Area Coordinator ( Biological Sciences) and Dr.H.P.Dekha Baruah Senior Scientist, Biotechnology CSIR-NEIST India.

Dr.BG Unni interacting with Director ARDA and other officials at the brain storming session Chiangmai Bangkok Thiland

Earlier to the meeting Dr.Unni had a brief interaction about his visit  with Dr.Prasert Gosalvitra, Director General of Sericulture, The Queen Sirikit Department of Sericulture, Thailand  along with Director ARDA . The other officials who were attended meeting were  Dr.Prateep Meesilpa, (Deputy Director General),Mr.Wiroje Kaewruang, (Sericulture Project Expert), and Dr. Somphob Jongruaysup, all from The Queen Sirikit Department of Sericulture Govt of Thailand , Dr.Theerapong Theppakorn, School of Agro-Industry, Maefahluang University Bangkok, Chiang Mai , Dr.Peeradet Tongumpai (Director) , Dr.Sareeya do Amaral, (Deputy Director-Academic),  Mr. Patinya Luangtongkum, (Deputy Director -Administration);Miss Montira Kaodee, (Analyst); Miss Kanokwan Kubnop, (Analyst);  Miss Mullika Kulsiripruck, (Foreign Relation Officer) all from ARDA, Bangkok Thailand , Dr.B.G.Unni, Chief Scientist, and Dr.H.P.Deka Baruah Senior  Scientist from  CSIR-NEIST- India

Dr.BG Unni explained about the MOU between CSIR-NEIST India and ARDA Bangkok to the officials and thereafter discussed the current research activities and future prospects in the area of sericulture. Dr.H.P.Dekabaruah presented research activities currently undertaken by CSIR-NEIST in tea  and future prospects. The officials from Sericulture and tea Govt of Thailand appreciated the efforts undertaken by both the institutions from India (CSIR-NEIST) and Thailand (ARDA) for initiating a good effort for collaboration in  both the important areas (Tea and Silk) . They also mentioned that the areas selected for the brain storming/discussion is very important and relevant to both the countries for collaboration. The following points regarding (i) visit of delegation from Thailand lead by Director ARDA to CSIR-NEIST (ii) Formulation and identification of specific areas for collaboration in Tea & silk and (iii) deputation of researcher for undertaking research work for a certain period at CSIR-NEIST India sponsored by ARDA were discussed and recommended at the meeting.For more photograph please click 1, 2

Two days Workshop-cum-Exhibition program on novel products based on Ethnic materials & designs of North East held at CSIR-NEIST Substation, Lamphelpat, Imphal during November 18-19, 2011

Dignitaries on dais & welcome address by Dr HB Singh

Under CSIR Rural Development Programme, 2-days Workshop-cum-Exhibition of novel products based on ethnic materials and designs of North East was organized at the CSIR-North East Institute of Science & Technology, Substation, Imphal, Manipur during November 18-19, 2011 in collaboration with CSIR-Central Leather Research Institute, Chennai with the objective of developing quality novel products by using locally available raw materials and generating employment for youths of Manipur. Dr HB Singh, Scientist-in-Charge, NEIST Substation, Imphal welcomed the dignitaries and participants of the function. Dr D Chandramouli, Chief Scientist, CLRI, Chennai gave a brief profile about the programme and highlighted the contributions of CLRI to leather industry in India, and its long standing collaboration with NEIST in North East sector thus developing and promoting novel leather and non-leather products of this region. He emphasized value addition to indigenous leather products by adapting ethnic designs of North East for higher marketability of our products abroad.

Lighting of lamp by the Chief Guest

Dr PG Rao, Director, CSIR-NEIST, Jorhat mentioned the contributions of NEIST to the North East and further assured that NEIST will act as a link between other CSIR laboratories to bring technologies other than its own, which will be useful for the local population of this region. Dr T Meinya, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha and Chief Guest of the Inaugural function stressed that Research and Development is the key for overall development. He further emphasized the need for extension services and the need for scientists and entrepreneurs to work together so that the requirements of the society can be fulfilled. Shri Radha Binod Koijam, former Chief Minister and Hon’ble MLA, Manipur in his presidential speech spoke about the various resources including natural and human resources which are yet to be exploited to their full potential. He highlighted the importance of vocational training for the youths of Manipur, which in turn will boost the local economy as well as job creation. Also, he pointed the need for production of quality products to enhance the export potential of our products. The programme concluded with vote of thanks delivered by Dr Alka Jain, Women Scientist. The exhibition of novel products based on ethnic designs and fabrics was open to public by the Chief Guest. More than 50 various novel products, mainly ladies bags, carry bags, wallets, air bags, file folder, card holder, etc. made from local fabrics were displayed in the exhibition.

Products displayed in the exhibition

As a part of the ongoing collaboration with CSIR-NEIST and CLRI, Chennai, a group of young people of Manipur were given conceptualization training on development of novel products based on ethnic materials/fabrics for week duration by an expert team of CLRI. In the second day of the program, discussion and interaction sessions were conducted and officials from Punjab National Bank highlighted the possible funding for entrepreneurs.

CSIR-NEIST concluded its Golden Jubilee Celebrations

Concluding the year-long Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Institute, the CSIR-NEIST organized the Valedictory Function of its Golden Jubilee Celebration Year 2010-11 at its premises on 11 November, 2011 at 1100 hours with a well charted out programme. Held at Dr J N Baruah Auditorium, the function was attended by Dr G Thyagarajan, UNIDO National Consultant and Senior Most Former Director of CSIR-NEIST as Chief Guest, Mr Akan Chandra Sarma, Senior Most retired staff member of the laboratory (by date of joining) and Mr Hazarpur Pathak, Senior Most retired staff member of the laboratory (by date of birth) as Guests of Honour, besides a galaxy of invited guests, distinguished personalities of Jorhat town and CSIR-NEIST fraternity, both old and existing.
Welcoming the audience in his Welcome Address, Dr N C Barua, Chief Scientist & Head, Natural Product Chemistry Division, gave highlights of the year-long activities and events held under the auspices of the Golden Jubilee celebrations. During the year, a total of 12 Golden Jubilee lecture series, 3 Workshops and 4 Interactive Meets were held, he informed. He also said that CSIR-NEIST organized Golden Jubilee Project Investigatory Competition among the school students of NE region under different themes and the winners were suitably awarded at the recently conducted prize distribution ceremony. He further informed that CSIR-NEIST also conferred Golden Jubilee Fellowship to the best scoring student in the Talent Search Examination conducted by an NGO, ‘GUIDANCE’ of Jorhat district. Besides that, CSIR-NEIST also organized Seminars/Conferences namely, International Ayurvedic Congress, National Seminar on Plants in Diabetes and International Symposium On Frontier Areas-II (ISOFA-II) on different occasions, he informed. Befitting the occasion, the laboratory felicitated the Senior Most retired staff members of the laboratory with an ovation and other gift items for their immense contribution to the growth and development of the laboratory during its glorious existence of 50 years. For this, the staff members were selected as Senior Most on the basis of date of joining, date of birth, Senior Most Director, Senior Most lady employees, the first employee to do Ph D work from the laboratory, the first scientist to publish research paper and the oldest surviving patent holder, etc. The felicitation was conducted by Dr S P Saikia, Scientist. To mark the celebration, the laboratory also brought out number of publications namely, ‘Pictorial History- Illustrated History of CSIR-NEIST through Pictures’, ‘Souvenir– On the Sands of Time”, “The Days We Cannot Forget (Unforgettable Past)”, “Techtales”, “50 Years 50 Technologies” and “Plant Folk Medicines and Medicinal Plants of North East India” which were released by the Chief Guest, Guests of Honour and Dr P G Rao, Director, CSIR-NEIST at the function.
Addressing the gathering on the day, Dr G Thyagarajan, spoke about the importance of the occasion and appealed to all to work harder and bring further recognition and laurels to the Institute in the days to come. He particularly encouraged the young generation to take up challenges in their research works but also at the same time to maintain perseverance.

Mr Akan C Sarma, in his speech shared his work experience during his tenure at CSIR-NEIST then known as RRL and mentioned the necessity to work in unity in a multidisciplinary laboratory like CSIR-NEIST.

Mr H Pathak, in his speech also encouraged the gathering to collectively contribute to the growth and development of the laboratory.

 Dr P G Rao, Director, CSIR-NEIST, in his remarks said that the Golden Jubilee Year has been a rewarding year to the Institute as the Institute was awarded the CSIR technology Award 2010 under the category of Innovation in September, 2010 for developing a process for manufacturing High Strength Proppants. He also informed that the Institute received CSIR Technology Award 2011 for the second time in Life Sciences for developing the technology "Terminalia chebula based bioformulation (Muga Heal) - an anti-flacherie agent and a silk fiber enhancer". He further encouraged the young staff members to take up greater challenges and responsibilities for the development of the society at large.

The Golden Jubilee celebration came to a close by the closure of Golden Jubilee logo done electronically by Dr G Thyagarajan. As a token of love and appreciation, Mementoes were presented to the Chief Guest and Guests of Honour. Also, in the function, the Golden Jubilee Memento was received by Dr N C Barua, Chief Scientist on behalf of the entire laboratory being the Senior Most existing staff member of the laboratory present in the function and the same was received by Miss Preetismita Borah, Technical Assistant, being the Junior Most existing staff member. The function came to an end by vote of thanks offered by Dr L Nath, Chief Scientist and Head, HRD Division. Later, the Golden Jubilee Memento was distributed to all the employees of the laboratory.

Two-day Workshop-cum-Training program on Sericulture Development held at the CSIR-NEIST Substation, Imphal, Manipur under CSIR Rural Development Programme (October 20-21, 2011)

A 2-day workshop-cum-training on sericulture development was organized at the CSIR-NEIST Substation, Imphal, Manipur during October 20-21, 2011 under the CSIR Rural Development Program. The joint program between CSIR-IICT, Hyderabad and CSIR-NEIST, Jorhat was graced by Shri L. Jayentakumar Singh, Hon’ble Minister, Health & Family Welfare & Cooperation, Manipur, Dr PG Rao, Director, CSIR-NEIST, Jorhat,  Shri G Simte, Director, Sericulture Deptt., Govt. of Manipur, Dr USN Murty, Chief Scientist, CSIR-IICT, Hyderabad, Dr BG Unni, Chief Scientist, CSIR-NEIST, Jorhat and Dr K Chaoba Singh, Scientist D & Head, Regional Tasar Research Station, Mantripukhri.were the Chief Guest, President and Guest of Honours, respectively.
The welcome address of the program was given by Dr HB Singh, Scientist-in-Charge, CSIR-NEIST Substation, Imphal. Dr USN Murty, Chief Scientist, CSIR-IICT, Hyderabad gave the profile of the project. Dr BG Unni, Chief Scientist, CSIR-NEIST Jorhat highlighted the research works on sericulture development taken up by CSIR-NEIST particularly in the northeast. Shri G Simte, Director, Sericulture Deptt., Govt of Manipur said that in Manipur Sericulture is a long traditional practice. In Manipur 4 types of silk are there, they are Eri, Muga, Tasar and Mulberry. Manipur has started a project on Silkworm in collaboration with Japan and there are various schemes for sericulture development. He also requested farmers to take up modern scientific methods of rearing.
            “Muga heal” developed by CSIR- NEIST, Jorhat were  also distributed to the  serifarmers by the Chief Guest. The Chief Guest thanks to CSIR-NEIST for giving chance to grace the training program and expressed his involvement and attachment with sericulture activities. He requested the farmers to take full advantage from the CSIR for development of sericulture. He also said the sericulture is one of the tools to eradicate poverty in Manipur, so need sincerity and interest of farmers for development of Sericulture. Farmers and Govt. need to work as a team for the development of Sericulture.
            The president of the function Dr PG Rao, Director, CSIR-NEIST, Jorhat, stressed on the technologies developed by the CSIR for the benefit of the Common people. Director said that it is the initiative of CSIR IICT Hyderabad in collaboration with CSIR-NEIST Jorhat to spread newer technologies to the seri-farmers in order to uplift their socio-economic status. He mentioned the role of CSIR-NEIST in developing and transferring technologies for the local population and also requested the farmers to approach the institute in case they require any help in their farming practices. He stressed the need of feedbacks and database generation out of the activities so that there is always scope for further development and expansion thereby maximizing the benefits. Vote of thanks of the inaugural session was given by Dr CM Senthilkumar, Scientist, NEIST Substation, Imphal.
            After the Inaugural session, training program was followed by the Technical session. In the Technical session, Dr. Murthy said that IICT offers globally competitive and environmentally viable technologies and has collaboration in many areas of rural development programs. Dr. Murthy said that the training programme is basically a project developed by CSIR under rural development scheme. Some of the main objectives of the project are to implementation of package practices for the better cocoon crop yield, impart training to the selected farmers in various activities of farm sector, organizing farmer meets, workshops with technical experts, representatives of financial institutions and technology transfer. He added that SAMADHAN KENDRA developed by IICT is a rural Information Technology centre for the benefit of community residing in rural areas. etc. Dr BG Unni CSIR-NEIST Jorhat gives talk on the topic ‘eco-friendly bio-formulation and other viable technology for the upliftment of sericulture’. Dr.Unni encouraged the farmers to adopt the technology released by NEIST, on ‘Muga Heal 1’ and explained about its preparation and application to the host plant. Dr K Chaoba Singh, Regional Tasar Research Station, Imphal talked on the status & constraints of Ericulture. Dr Sanjit Kanjilal, IICT, Hyderabad, talk on the topic Drying, Extraction, and Characterization & Refining of Silkworm pupal oil. He also discussed  the prospects of using pupal oil in various health applications. He also mentioned that the pupal oil has various neutraceutical properties and has lot of potential health benefits.     Dr Sunil Misra, IICT, Hyderabad, described on various types of infestations on mulberry plantation crops and its subsequent damages  and explained how to identify them and prevent their attack on the host plant.
A demonstration and field visit to Regional Tassar Research Station, Imphal . Manipur was arranged for the sericulture farmers at the end of the workshop. The trainee farmers visited the farm and the laboratory and were also exposed to first hand experience on modern technologies that can be adopted for food plantation and post- cocoon processing technology.
            Dr. P. G. Rao, Director of CSIR-NEIST, Jorhat in his   Presidential address said that it is the initiative of CSIR IICT Hyderabad in collaboration with CSIR-NEIST Jorhat to spread newer technologies to the local people in order to uplift their socio-economic status. He mentioned the role of CSIR-NEIST in developing and transferring technologies for the local population and also requested the farmers to approach the institute in case they require any help in their farming practices. Dr. P. G. Rao, Director of CSIR-NEIST, Jorhat in his   Presidential address said that it is the initiative of CSIR IICT Hyderabad in collaboration with CSIR-NEIST Jorhat to spread newer technologies to the local people in order to uplift their socio-economic status. He mentioned the role of CSIR-NEIST in developing and transferring technologies for the local population and also requested the farmers to approach the institute in case they require any help in their farming practices.For more photograph please click 1

CSIR Technology award -2011 in Life sciences Awarded to CSIR-NEIST-Jorhat, Assam

The Technology Award for Life Sciences awarded  to CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology (CSIR-NEIST), Jorhat for ‘Developing Terminalia chebula based bioformulation (Muga Heal) as an anti-flacherie agent and a silk fiber enhancer’ The technology was developed by a team headed by Dr.BG Unni, Chief Scientist & area Coordinator (/Biological Sciences) ,Dr.PG Rao (Director) CSIR NEIST and Dr.SB.Wann.(Scientist) . The award was presented to the team by honorable Minister of  Science & Technology and Earth Sciences & Vice President CSIR  Shri Vilasrao Deshmukh in the presence of  Dr.Ashwani Kumar Minister of State for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences and Planning, Dr.R.A.Mashelkar Former Director General CSIR, National Research Professor and Prof. Samir K. Brahmachari, Director General, CSIR and other dignitaries  at the CSIR Foundation day celebration held on 26th September 2011 at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi

Muga silkworm (Antheraea assamensis, Helfer), the economic insect is unique, prerogative and Geographical Indicator to the North Eastern region of India.  Current information appeared in one of the national dailies shows that the production of Muga in 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 was about 105 metric tones while in 2009-2010 it was about 90 metric tones. The golden yellow yarn produced by this insect is lustrous, highly durable, strongest and toughest of all natural silks having multifarious utilities for which its demand is increasing in world fabric market. The silkworm is polyphagous, multivoltine (5-6 crops per year), semi-domesticated in nature, the worms are reared outdoor on standing trees. On maturity, the worms crawl down at the end of completion of five larval instars, are collected by rearers, and allowed to spin cocoons inside rearing house. Muga silkworm feeds primarily on “Som” (Persea bombycina King ex. Kost.) and “Soalu” (Litsea monopetela Pers.). The other food plants include “Diglotti” (Litsea salicifolia Roxb. Ex. Wall.) and “Mejankori” (Litsea citrata Blume) are of secondary importance. Because of its rearing outdoor the muga silkworms, A. assamensis are exposed to the adverse climatic conditions, pests and predators. In muga silkworms the disease which affects large population of silkworms usually during the hot and humid summer climatic conditions results in high mortality, which affects the silk production and even those surviving there is decrease in their silk producing capacity. The diseases associated with pathogenic bacteria come under the general term “flacherie” which refers to the flaccid condition exhibited by infected silkworms due to different ailments. A potent bacterial strain of Pseudomonas aureginosa Strain AC-3 has been identified in the Biotechnology Laboratory of CSIR-North East Institute of Science & Technology as the organism  which causes the flacherie disease of muga silkworm. About 60-70% loss of muga silkworms has been estimated to be accountable  due to  infection of this bacterial strain, which mainly occur during the later part i.e. 4th-5th larval instars. A protein from the bacteria exhibiting toxic affect on the health of the silkworm larvae was also purified and characterized. Recurrence of death due to various diseases caused by different agents including bacteria is an integral phenomenon and a burning problem of the muga silkworm rearers for successful crop harvest. Unfortunately, till date, no report is so far available for controlling the diseases of muga silkworm. As it is a highly sensitive organism towards chemical treatments, use of bio-formulations of plant, bacterial or animal origin is considered as the best alternative for conducting experiments on management of the diseases of muga silkworm. Therefore, attempts of first kind were made by the research team in the Biotechnology Division headed by Dr. BG Unni and his team with the traditional folk medicinal plants extracts in controlling the flacherie of the muga silkworm and a potent bioformulation “ MUGA HEAL”  from the Terminalia chebula fruits has been developed. Application of the bioformulation enhances the biting habit of the silkworm to consume more food. It is highly effective in controlling the dreaded disease ‘flacherie’ in muga silkworm thereby reduces the rate of mortality of larvae from 90-100%  to 25-30%. It is an eco-friendly material/ substances and non toxic to the silkworms/ host plants. The bioformulation enhances the pupal weight, Shell weight and Cocoon weight and Silk yield from 15-20 %. The larvae fed withbioformulation treated Persea bombycina leaves showed higher yield in non-breakable filament length up to 30-40% with better quality and higher quantity of silk than the untreated plants. The use of Terminalia chebula based bioformulation by sericulture farmers in large scale would uplift the economic status of the weaker section.

One day National Workshop on "Sustainable Technology on Road Construction in North-East" held on 19th September 2011at CSIR-NEIST

CSIR-North East Institute of Science & Technology, Jorhat organized an one day national workshop on Sustainable Technologies for Road Construction in NE at its premises on 19 September 2011 jointly with CSIR-Central Road Research Institute, New Delhi which was supported by Public Works Department, Govt of Assam. The workshop is the first of its kind in the region and nearly 175 participants from various organizations in India, specifically from the North East like Border Road Organisation, Public Works Department, Govt of Assam, Dibrugarh RR Divn., Jorhat Road Circle, MES-GE- Jorhat (Army), NHAI, IIT-Guwahati, EIPL and private companies from Guwahati like BitChem, Om Infracon Pvt. Ltd etc participated in the workshop. Held at Dr JN Baruah auditorium of CSIR-NEIST, the workshop was presided over by Dr S Gangopadhyay, Director, CRRI where Mr MC Boro, Commissioner & Special Secretary, Govt of Assam was the Chief Guest and Dr PK Jain, Chief Scientist & Head, Flexible Pavement Division and Convenor of the programme. The workshop was largely attended by eminent Engineers, Scientists and Govt Officials renowned nationally and internationally. Dr Gangopadhyay mentioned that CRRI is happy to work with NEIST for the combined mission for benefit of the common people of the NE in his presidential remarks. As the poor transportation leads to poor economy, search for sustainable connectivity is vital for the growth of the region. A modern transport system should be sustainable both economically and environmentally. Energy efficient technologies like Bitumen Additive and Warm Mixes are required to develop ecological corridors in the biodiversity rich states of the North East India. Therefore the workshop is organized including researchers, industries and local administration for making sustainable roads for the most deserving states of the region, he further mentioned. In his welcome address Dr PG Rao, Director, NEIST mentioned that the region lacks proper transportation and for that site specific technologies are to be developed. Already in the 9th and 10th 5 year plan CSIR-NEIST has completed projects on better utilization of bitumen for energy efficient technology for road construction. NEIST can supply the quality material and work together with CRRI in this aspect, he further mentioned. On the occasion Mr Boro, Chief Guest of the workshop released the document on “National Workshop on Sustainable Technologies for Road Construction in North East”. In his inaugural lecture he mentioned that for energy efficient living researchers, scientists, industries and administration must take the challenge to make the green roads accessible to all. Cold Mix Technologies for construction of roads are already started in Assam. In green way Vetiver grass is used for slope protection in Assam. Development and implement energy efficient technology for construction of road would also help to earn carbon credit, he further mentioned. The inaugural session ended with vote of thanks delivered by Dr PK Jain which was followed by Technical sessions on Rural Roads for NE Region, Emulsions & Cold Mix Technologies, Warm Mixes and Adhesion Promoters & Patching Technologies. The workshop was a grand success and it ended with a hope to fill in the lacuna for developing Sustainable Technologies for Road Construction in NE with combined effort by various Govt, Public and Private organisation of the region.For more photograph please click 1,2,3,

International Symposium on Frontier Areas organized at CSIR- NEIST on 6th-7th September 2011

The International Symposium on Frontier Areas (ISOFA-II) was held at CSIR- North East Institute of Science & Technology, Jorhat on 6th September 2011 with a day long program as part of the Golden Jubilee Celebrations. The inaugural function was held in the morning hours where the Chief Guest, Dr. K. M. Bujarbaruah, Vice Chancellor of Assam Agricultural University (AAU), Jorhat delivered the inaugural speech in presence of the plenary speakers from China, Canada, Thailand, India ,scientific community of CSIR- NEIST, special invitees from colleges and other research institutions, representatives from ARDA, Thailand and students of the laboratory present in large number. Dr. P. G. Rao, Director of CSIR- NEIST, Jorhat delivering the welcome address said that ISOFA-II as part of the Golden Jubilee Celebrations is organized as a retrospect or review of the past and planning for the future programs for the 12th Five Year Plan, as the 11th Five Year Plan concludes this financial year. He added that CSIR- NEIST (formerly RRL), Jorhat was established in 1961 as one of the multidisciplinary laboratories of Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) under its Chemical Science Group of laboratories. The major thrust of R&D activities has been to develop indigenous technologies by utilizing the vast natural resources of North Eastern Region of India. The laboratory was targeted to undertake research for development of know-how for a wide a range of industrial and rural development works. Over the years, the laboratory has generated more than 100 technologies in the areas of Agrotechnology, Biological and Oil Field Chemicals of which about 40% were of commercial success in setting up of various industries through out the country. The Vertical Shaft Kiln Cement plant of CSIR- NEIST technology is still working even after more than 40 years. The agro-technologies for important medicinal and aromatic plants has resulted in extensive cultivation of citronella grass and extraction of oil have led to the establishment of major citronella based agro- industries in the North-Eastern region and this has generated employment for 22,000 persons in the rural sector alone. The annual turn over of the products produced with CSIR- NEIST (RRL) technologies within the country is estimated to be Rs. 110 crores.

Dr. K. M. Bujarbaruah in his inaugural speech lauded the achievements of CSIR- NEIST in frontier areas of research in this remote part of the country to bring economic development to the country. However, he said more is needed to be done to re-enforce excellence in R&D as India is still lagging in terms of patents filed and granted when compared to developed countries of U.S. and Japan. He said all efforts should be made by policy makers to accelerate R&D and increase the numbers of patent by giving maximum support and assistance to individual scientist or groups doing good works, facilitate research innovations, promote excellence between individuals and teams by rewards, generous funding for novel ideas, and there should be proper guidelines or frame work for R&D. In addition, Dr. Bujarbaruah also mentioned some efforts and research activities in AAU, Jorhat on genomics to study genes that accelerate NO2 assimilation, development of commercial crops that can withstand drought stress, soil acidity, and study of microbes with acid tolerance genes from soils of Assam and North East India, nanotechnology application to insects and pests, and animal bioreactors for production of useful pharmaceuticals without disturbing nature. He urged the policy planners to encourage innovation and prepare a workable ‘Vision Document’ to achieve the goal. He hoped that the deliberations in the ISOFA-II would result in formulation of innovative projects. The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks offered by Dr. (Mrs.) Neelima Saikia, Principal Scientist.

Earlier, Dr. B. G. Unni, Chief Scientist & Coordinator, ISOFA-II, GJC explained the prime objective of conducting the symposium is to expose the scientists and the academician of the institutes and others in the region to the latest developments taking place in the areas of speakers expertise, which has relevance to the institute and also to seek their advice on the future course of research activities, CSIR-NEIST should pursue with in future. He said that the ISOFA-I was held during the year 1986-1987 as a part of the Silver Jubilee Celebration where eminent scientists from India and abroad in the areas of Applied Chemical and Engineering Sciences, Biological and Chemical Sciences and Physical and Engineering Sciences participated at the symposium. He added that under the Golden Jubilee Celebration (2010-2011) the second ISOFA (ISOFA- II) is being organized with distinguished academicians and eminent scientists from India and abroad invited to deliver plenary lectures. He hoped the ISOFA-II will provide a forum for researches in chemical, biological, engineering, and earth sciences to interact with each other and build knowledge networks with reputed Professors/ Scientists who are invited from China, Canada, Thailand and from India, and this will certainly befitting the conference themes in various areas of research associated to this institute. The ISOFA - II will also provide a forum for sharing the experiences of R&D institutions of this region and institutions of the respective speakers apart from discussing the various aspects of resource mobilization. The ISOFA would also help in formulation of plans and programmes for future development of this region.

The Inaugural function of the International Symposium on Frontier Areas (ISOFA-II) was followed by the Plenary Sessions where 5 lectures were delivered by invited speakers from India and abroad. Prof. Wenhao Hu of East China Normal University, China in the first lecture on “Novel Multi Component Reactions Via an active Onium Ylide Trapping Process” spoke on the Novel Multi-component reactions based on an onium ylide trapping process for the Synthesis of Bioactive compounds. Multi-component reactions have received considerable attention for their inherent advantages in the formation of multiple chemical bonds from 3 or more simple starting reactants in one single operation. Irreversible trapping of an active intermediate resulting from 2 components by a third component is an effective strategy for the discovery of novel multi-component reactions. Dual or cooperative catalysis strategy provides an opportunity for controlling the reaction selectively in the multi-component reactions. Prof. Hu demonstrated this concept in the reaction of an onium ylide trapping process. It was shown that protic onium ylides can be trapped by active electrophiles to provide rapid and efficient access to polyfunctional molecules, and the application of cooperative catalysis strategy gives the multi-component products in good yields with high level control of stereo selectivity.

Prof. Gopinadhan Paliyath of University of Guelph, Canada delivered the second lecture on “Fruits, Vegetables and disease prevention” deals with fruits and vegetables, and in relation to their senescence (ethylene, signal transduction, calcium second messenger system), shelf life and quality, nutraceutical ingredients and their mechanism of action. He said that fruits and vegetables contain a lot of antioxidants and increased consumption of vegetables and fruits reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, cataracts. The important phytochemicals in food are carotenoids, polyphenols, Limonene, indole, and allium compounds. The polyphenols play an important role in inhibition of lipid peroxidation, platelet aggregation and act as antioxidant defense systems. The antioxidants may be enzymatic or non-enzymatic in nature, and deals directly with oxygen species. The biochemical mechanisms of action of grape and wine polyphenols on cell growth and their importance in cancer prevention have been investigated by Prof. Gopinadhan using mammalian cell lines and athymic mouse model system. His research is focused on understanding the biochemical and molecular mechanisms of the developmental processes in fruits and vegetables and their role as functional foods in disease-prevention. Prof Gopinadhan has also explored the relationship between calmodulin-inhibitory properties of flavonoids as a mechanism that causes cytotoxicity in MCF-7 cells without affecting the viability of normal human mammary epithelial cells. The results show potential multi-site action of flavonoid components in calcium homeostasis which may also implicate the beneficial action of several flavonoid components in regulating physiological processes in humans. Prof. Gopinadhan also said that breast cancer is the leading cause of death among American women between age 35 and 65; and 1 in 9 women is expected to develop breast cancer during her lifetime. Cancer preventive properties of natural food components were found in vegetables, fruits, dietary fibre, etc. Hormonal signal transduction is triggered by food components. Checkpoints at both G1/S and G2/M of cell cycle are perturbed by flavonoids by inhibition of CDKs and causing cell cycle arrest. Calcium signaling can be modified by flavonoids.

Prof. G. N. Jadhav of IIT, Mumbai delivered the third lecture on “Application of ore Petrography in Mineral Processing and Material Sciences” where he has lucidly discussed the various techniques of microscopy and ore microscopy and their applications in understanding the petrophysical characteristics of ores and minerals both in natural and processed forms in relevance to their techno-economic utilization. He said that Ore petrography is the description and study of opaque minerals and their gangue mineral associations and the textural relationships found within them. In recent years mineralogists and economic-geologists use ore petrography in both, transmitted and reflected light set ups of Model microscope. The main importance in ore petrography is given to its textural aspects for a number of purposes or applications such as, 1) to establish paragenetic sequences, 2) to determine equilibrium or non-equilibrium conditions of those mineral assemblages, 3) as an aid in mineral identification and/or mineral characterization, 4) as an important tool in petrographical fingerprint, 5) to understand the liberation characteristics of major and minor ore assemblages, 6) to incorporate the ore phases, ore textures and their association with gangue/ rock forming minerals by the use of transmitted light microscopy on same sample and further plan for proper mineral processing, etc. Prof. Jadhav has also elucidated the immense role of ore petrography as pathfinder to fingerprint the use with potentiality in academics (mineralogical, structural and economic geological) as well as in technologic (metallurgical, etc.) sectors. In recent times the use of ore petrography in the Archaeological Provenance of Metals has gained tremendous momentum. The stress has also been paid in uniqueness of ore petrography in preparation of flow chart of many metallic and non-metallic mineral processing methods. This has immense contribution to metallurgist and material scientists in understanding the role of mineral characterization of major, minor, trace, co-products, by-products, and etc. The technique of ore petrography is also considered as an informative tool in litho-geochemical analysis, he said.

Ms. Chatnapa Khomarwut of Chiang Mai Royal Agricultural Research Centre, Ministry of Agriculture & Cooperative, Thailand delivered the fourth talk on “Arabica coffee improvement for Highland area of Thailand, ARDA” where she mentioned that Thailand introduced Arabica coffee during 1849 which was found to be suitable for growing in highland area i.e., about 700 meters above mean sea level. The Royal Project, various public sectors and private organizations are promoted Arabica coffee as a substitute crop to ‘opium poppy cultivation’ in Thailand. The attempt of such promotion helped Thailand in conservation of watershed areas by reducing soil erosion, creating substantial income for the farmers and reducing in shifting cultivation as coffee is a permanent cash crop and the farmers do not need to move from one forest to another to clear new forest area for shifting cultivation. The carbon credit share contribute by coffee plantation was also calculated shows that it was very effective. She mentioned that Arabica Coffee cultivation in Thailand was threatened due to appearance of serious disease i.e., coffee leaf rust disease, caused by Hemileiavastatrix Berk& Br during 1975-76. By considering its important in coffee cultivation in Thailand His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej encouraged the Department of Agriculture (DOA) in 1982 to improve Arabica coffee cultivar for rust resistance, producing high yield, good quality suitable cultivar to cultivate in highland area of Thailand. Since 1984, DOA has studied and selected for leaf rust disease resistance in various coffee varieties. Until 2007, Catimor coffee variety was selected and officially release as the recommended coffee variety named Chiang Mai 80. In 2005-2010, DOA has received funding from the Agricultural Research and Development Agency (Public Organization) or ARDA for project “Research and Improvement of Arabica Coffee by Hybridization”. The project purpose is aimed at improvement of Arabica coffee hybrids suitable for Thailand condition (resistance to rust disease, high productivity, high quality and drought tolerant), studying technique in asexual propagation, the chemical composition affecting the cup quality of hybrid coffee, studying the interaction of coffee and the hybrid nature of hereditary disease rust and collected Arabica coffee species for development in future. The results showed that 1,662 seedlings of F1 hybrid of Arabica coffee inoculated by local coffee rust races from lab resistance to coffee leaf rust and another 98 clones of them were selected for drought tolerant. All of F1 hybrid seedlings have been transplanted to the field for confirming the level of the resistance and tolerant by yield production. The first year of coffee bean production will be held on January, 2012 she said. The chemical composition and cup quality was also analyzed. Asexual propagation technique to multiply planting materials for classification of genetically formulation in Arabica coffee by EST-SSR marker found that using primer 17 base-pair can detect DNA 32 positions and have genetic similarity of 0.52 (52%) to 1.00 (100%). From this result, they can be divided as parent type of Arabica coffee into 4 groups. In her deliberation, the historical background of introduction of a new crop i.e. Arabica Coffee in Thailand, its socio-economical-environmental role and emerging biotic stress with the attempt of its management has been discussed thoroughly.

Prof. G. D. Yadav, Vice Chancellor of Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai delivered a lecture on “Confluence of the Chemical, and Biological and Engineering Sciences for better future” where he emphasizes on the biological importance of the engineering science. He said that today the world is full of changes, challenges and opportunities. Prof. Yadav explained that chemistry provides the interpretation of the biological phenomenon in terms of molecular structure and chemical principle and processes. Nature acts as the guideline for the manufacturing DNA, RNA, Peptide bonds, and etc. Nature is the chemical factory but chemist produces compounds that are unknown in nature. Prof. Yadav explained the 21st century Engineering Challenges in terms of fuelling the world economy, creating cleaner energy sources, products for growing population, removal harmful sulfur from fuel, better living through chemistry, stretching natural resources, large scale production engineering and miniature engineering, convenient and abundant food, healing diseases and extending life, advance health informatics, powering personal computers, managing the nitrogen cycle, carbon cycle/ foot print, restore urban infrastructure. He described beyond the molecular frontier of the subject like biological science, chemical science, environmental science, electronics and physics. Prof. Yadav expressed that the cell obeys the law of chemistry. Chemistry is increasingly shifting from structure to function. He has described the engineering application in chemical, biological and materials science for generation of semisynthetic enzyme, ion channel, DNA directed chemical synthesis, construction of biohybrid thin film, Fe-Fe hydrogenase active site, Pt based anticancer drugs, and etc. Selective engineering is the understanding and controlling reactivity of molecules at all molecular sizes. The challenges of the selective engineering are synthesis and manufacture of new chemicals, designing new substances, understanding the chemistry of life, control of untreatable diseases by developing medicine and therapy, understanding complex chemistry of earth, new ways of energy generation, storage and transport, green chemistry and engineering. He also focuses on the green chemistry applied to biomass, biotechnology for biomass conversion, biofuel, and etc. He has also suggested the chemical engineering aspects to address these challenges and its role is to bring new technologies for commercialization. He said that the confluence of chemical sciences should be the disappearance of the boundary of science, use of living system to synthesized drugs, major drug product, conversion of heavy crude to lighter crude, energy engineering, and etc. Prof. Yadav explained the engineering role in the frontier area of sciences like marine biotechnology, petroleum biotechnology, nanoscience in catalysis and drugs, supramolecular chemistry, green chemistry, bioinorganic chemistry, and etc. Finally Prof. Yadav focused his speech on the following points and concluded that i) There is nothing like a pure science anymore, all boundaries is disappear, ii) It requires improvement of theoretical and analytical tools as well as new synthetic strategies, iii) We need application of chemical principle to biological phenomenon for a cleaner and greener process, iv) Chemical engineering connects all branches of science such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, computer science, materials science, green technology, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, and etc.

The students have immensely benefited from these lectures, and each lecture ended with an interactive session with the experts and audience. Dr. R. C. Boruah, CSIR- Outstanding Scientist in CSIR- NEIST, Jorhat delivered the concluding remarks and Dr. B. G. Unni, Chief Scientist & Coordinator, GJC offered vote of thanks.

DNA Clubs:  Laboratory equipments distribution function to 57 Schools under  DBT-TERI mentoring the schools of northeast in the presence of Hon’ble Chief Minister of  Manipur

The second phase of the laboratory equipments distribution function of the “DNA Clubs: DBT-TERI mentoring the schools of northeast” for the state of Manipur was organized by the CSIR-NEIST Substation, Imphal on July 22, 2011 under the sponsorship of DBT, New Delhi through TERI, NE Regional Centre, Guwahati. Shri O Ibobi Singh, Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri L Nandakumar Singh, Hon’ble MLA, Manipur and Dr PG Rao, Director, CSIR-NEIST, Jorhat were the Chief Guest, Guest of Honour and President, respectively of the function. The programme was attended by Headmasters/Headmistresses of 57 DNA Club Schools, coordinating teachers, students and delegates from Govt. Departments. Dr BG Unni, Chief Scientist gave the welcome address and he elaborated the role of CSIR-NEIST for science promotion especially for students of northeast region. Dr HB Singh, Scientist-in-Charge, Substation, Imphal and Principal Investigator of the programme gave the brief profile and activities of the DNA Clubs. The Chief Guest and the Guest of Honour were felicitated by Dr PG Rao with mementos. The Local Advisory Committee members were also honoured. Shri L Nandakumar Singh in his speech appreciated the achievements of CSIR-NEIST and he drew the attention of CSIR-NEIST to contribute more for the welfare of the state. In the Chief Guest’s speech, Shri O Ibobi Singh, Hon’ble Chief Minister, Manipur praised the CSIR-NEIST for implementing this programme in Manipur. He mentions that the schools of Manipur will be definitely benefitted from this scheme and wants to have more such programme in future so that the scheme may reach to the remotest places of Manipur. He appealed the teachers and students for proper use of the equipments and sustainable utilization & conservation of surrounding bioresurces. Dr PG Rao in his presidential address thanked the Hon’ble Chief Minister for his support by mentioning the joint program of establishment of herbal garden inside the Kangla Fort, Imphal. He mentioned Shri L Nandakumar Singh as a local guardian of the Substation, Imphal by recognizing his constant support from time to time. He further emphasised the need of adopting the technologies developed by the CSIR & NEIST, Jorhat. Dr Alka Jain, Women Scientist gave the vote of thanks

CSIR-NEIST signed MoU with ARDA-Thailand

The CSIR-North East Institute of Science & Technology, Jorhat, signed bilateral MoU with Agricultural Research & Development Agency (ARDA), Thailand, at a special function held on 23 June, 2011, in MS Iyengar Conference Hall of its premises. An eleven member delegation from ARDA-Thailand led by its Director, Dr Napavarn Noparatnaraporn paid official visit to CSIR-NEIST during 21-24 June, 2011. The basic objective for Scientific Cooperation between the Institutes of the two countries includes (i) both ARDA and NEIST will as far as practicable, exchange research information and experienced researchers with a view to mutually promote research in Science & Technology and related activities between the two countries (ii) both the institutions will cooperate with each other to jointly organize academic seminars and symposiums to promote research (iii) both the institutions will encourage personnel to interact to strengthen the working relationships (iv) both the institutions will work together to promote projects of shared interest (v) both the institutions will reciprocally facilitate science based innovation and fact findings resulting into business development activities and so on.
At the beginning of the function, the members of Thai delegation were felicitated with traditional Assamese gamocha and flower bouquet which was followed by Welcome Address by Dr R C Boruah, Outstanding Scientist of CSIR-NEIST. Dr Boruah in his address gave a brief overview of CSIR-NEIST and its various activities and the achievements made by the Institute over its glorious 50 years of existence and also mentioned that the MoU signing will definitely add an extra significance to the on-going Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Institute. This special function for MoU signing was attended by Dr P Kapur, Director, CSIR-CSIO, Chandigarh, Dr M Hazarika, Director, Tea Research Association, Tocklai, Jorhat, Dr N K Vasu, Director, Rain Forest Research Institute, Jorhat as special invitees, members of Press and Media, senior scientists and other officials of CSIR-NEIST besides the Thai delegation and Director duo of the MoU signing Institutes. After mutual acquaintances of the members present, Dr P G Rao, Director, CSIR-NEIST, spoke on the background and the purpose for which the MoU was signed and informed the gathering that this maiden beginning will further lead to detailed specific areas of Cooperation to which the Thai counterpart also added from their side. The MoU was then formally signed by Dr P G Rao on CSIR-NEIST behalf and also by Dr Noparatnaraporn on ARDA’s behalf and the signed documents was then mutually exchanged between the Directors of two sides. After the signing, there had been a brief discussion among the members present about the strategies of cooperation and the areas to be covered under the treaty. The Directors trio of the CSIO-Chandigarh, TRA and RFRI, Jorhat profusely appreciated the signing of MoU by NEIST and ARDA and lauded the good work and leadership demonstrated by the NEIST Director, Dr P G Rao. The function concluded with vote of thanks by Sri B C Saikia, Scientist &Head, Information & Business Development division of CSIR-NEIST.

Prior to the signing, the Thai delegation visited the various departments of the laboratory and interacted with the scientists. They continued the interaction on the next day also till they departed for return journey. For more photograph please click 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,12

Interactive meet with small tea planters held at CSIR-NEIST, Jorhat

A half day long Interactive meet with small tea planters and growers from in and around Jorhat was organized by CSIR-North East institute of Science & Technology, Jorhat jointly with its sister laboratory CSIR-Central Scientific Instrumentation Organization, Chandigarh at at its premises on 23 June, 2011. The interactive meet was held with the objective to address the difficulties being faced by the small tea planters and growers in regard to the machineries being used in their factories and possible S&T interventions towards finding solutions of these difficulties. The programme began with the welcome address by CSIR-NEIST Director, Dr P G Rao who briefed about the importance of the programme and in that connection he also spoke about an another scheme CSIR 800 which deals with intervention of S&T to help the common man below poverty line for aiding them as the economic supplement.

In his inaugural speech Dr Pawan Kapur, Director, CSIR-CSIO talked elaborately about the problems faced by the small tea planters/growers like gadgets, heterogeneity of leaf, quality of tea etc. The inaugural session was followed by presentations by Dr Kapur and Mr V P S Kalsi, CSIR-CSIO. Dr Kapur in his presentation on "Instrumentation for tea processing” said that the factors like soil, climate, variety etc., are responsible for tea quality. He discussed in detail about the different processes involved in tea processing like withering, rolling, fermentation and drying. He further said that problems with small tea planters is due to smaller land holdings, low prices fetched for tea, lack of infrastructure and finance because of which many are unable to process their own tea leaf therefore send it to Bought leaf factories which leads to heterogeneity in tea. He also informed the participants that the Model Tea factory at TRA, Tocklai was developed as a joint effort of CDAC, CSIR-CEERI-Pilani and TRA, Tocklai.

In his presentation on "Gadgets for small tea growers" Mr Kalsi told about the Environmentally Controlled Manufacturing (ECM) system which provides scope for online testing of tea process parameters and also reduction of process time. Earlier he mentioned that India is the second largest producer of tea globally of which Assam alone produces about 40%. He discussed about the prototype of a new machine that CSIR-CSIO is in the process for making keeping in mind the small tea growers. He talked about the problems associated with the development.

The meet concluded with the interactive session where the participant enthusiastically asked questions about tea processing machines like availability of machine for tea leaves trimming, development of the presently talked about machine etc. The interactive meet was largely attended by more than 100 participants which was proved very successful in bringing together face-to-face with the small tea growers and the CSIR organization working for their benefit. The feedback received from the growers in various aspects of tea production will be utilized for research planning of the 12th Five Year Plan of CSIR.

Consultative Workshop on Climate Change held at CSIR-NEIST

Dr Mridul Hazarika, Director, TRA, Toklai delivering speech as Chief Guest on Consultative Workshop on Climate Change held at CSIR-NEIST, Jorhat

CSIR- North East Science & Technology at Jorhat in collaboration with Assam Science Technology and Environment Council, Guwahati organized a day long Consultative Workshop on Climate Change for developing State Level Climate Change Action Plan of Assam at CSIR-NEIST premises. This workshop was the fourth of its kind organized by ASTEC and the first one in Upper Assam jointly organized by NEIST. The workshop was largely attended by eminent personalities from various institutes in and around Jorhat like representatives from Small Tea Growers association, RFRI, CMER & TI, TRA, Toklai, AAU, Prince of Wales, educational institutes of Majuli, representative of senior citizens of Jorhat, Assistant conservator of forest, member from Golaghat Bar Association besides the CSIR-NEIST scientific fraternity, both old and new. Dr Mridul Hazarika, Director, TRA, Toklai graced the inaugural function as the Chief Guest while Dr PG Rao, Director, CSIR-NEIST presided over the function. The inaugural function of the workshop started with technical briefing of the entire programme by Dr Jatin Kalita, the Scientist of CSIR-NEIST and Convenor. The welcome address was delivered by Dr BP Barua, Scientist, CSIR-NEIST and Coordinator of the programme which was followed by lighting the inaugural lamp by the dignitaries in dais and others. Delivering the inaugural speech, Dr Mridul Hazarika, Director, TRA mentioned that Climate change has been taking place over the years and global and regional climate change models are to be constructed as there is 0.01% of extinction of species per year, he mentioned. Regularly 50,000 – 60,000 plant species are being utilized for various purposes. How to mitigate the major climatic changes encountered by global community is a vital issue. As green plants acts as sink for carbon, the maintenance of biodiversity could be the vital solution. As per 90 years old TRA data there has been an increase of 2οC temperature and reduction of 200m rainfall in Assam, he informed. He suggested that the topics of climate change needs to be incorporated in the early education system of schools for ensuring better understanding of the issues at grass root level. Dr PG Rao, Director, NEIST in his key note address mentioned that the necessary technologies and solutions to combat climate change should offer sustainable benefits to the common people for food, shelter and in healthcare. New approaches and technologies have to be evolved for quality drinking water, healthcare problems etc, he mentioned. The inaugural programme ended with vote of thanks by Dr SP Saikia, Scientist, NEIST. The workshop was thematically divided into six areas like “Sustainable Habitat for quality of life”, “Water Security and sustainability”, “Sustainable agriculture & livelihood security”, “Mitigating natural disaster and crisis management”, “Adaptation to climate change (focus on energy sufficiency and efficiency)” and “Protection and sustainable management of Forest and Wild Life”. Each areas were discussed by individual groups with experts in the relevant area and was led by one theme leader. The groups had discussion and brain storming session to identify the problems in the state, review of the existing policy, development and intervention, research gap, capacity building and specific observation in local situation etc. and made made recommendations in four declared aspects. The concluding session was held in the evening under the chairmanship of Dr RC Boruah, Scientist H, NEIST and attended by dignitaries like Mr Jayanta Sharma, senior representative, ASTEC and Dr BP Barua, Coordinator. In this session all the six theme leaders presented the outcome of the group discussion and it was decided to compile the important findings to form the ‘Action Plan in Assam’. After the concluding speech on this successful workshop by Dr RC Boruah, the workshop ended with a vote of thanks. The various recommendations will be forwarded to ASTEC for further necessary action for finalizing and also for onward transmission to the Govt. of Assam for favour of incorporating in the Action Plan.

Dr Shailesh Nayak Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, GOI visited CSIR-NEIST

Dr Shailesh Nayak, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Govt of India paid an official visit to CSIR-NEIST during 2 – 3 June 2011. During his stay at CSIR-NEIST Dr Nayak visited all the divisions of the institute and interacted with the scientists of the laboratory. Prior to that he had a discussion with the Director and Senior Scientists. At a meeting specially arranged in the MS Iyengar Hall of CSIR-NEIST in the evening of 2 June 2011 for the visiting guest, Dr PG Rao, Director, NEIST briefly presented through power point the “Journey from RRL – NEIST” i.e. the contribution of CSIR-NEIST to the region since its inception followed by which Dr Sourav Baruah, Scientist presented an overview of the seismic scenario of the region through power point entitled “Focus on Geoscience: Brief overview – Seismic Hazard Risk Evaluation in NE India”. Dr Nayak highly appreciated the extensive activities of CSIR-NEIST in Earth Sciences. NEIST has been working significantly for the society which is the need of the hour, he mentioned.  In an interaction with the young scientists Dr Nayak encouraged and advised them to work on “Early Prediction of earth quakes”. He advised to share the data generated by NEIST with other regional, national and even international bodies. Keeping in consonance with the World Environment Day to be held on 5 June 2011, Dr Nayak also planted a Neem sapling in the Golden Jubilee Garden of CSIR-NEIST on 3 June 2011 as a commemorative gesture and delivered the 12th CSIR-NEIST Golden Jubilee Lecture series on “Societal Benefits of Earth System Science” at NEIST auditorium. The function was chaired by Dr PG Rao, Director, CSIR-NEIST which was largely attended by invited guests and dignitaries from national, regional research institutes, universities in and around Jorhat, scientists, research scholars, school teachers, students and others besides the scientific fraternity of CSIR-NEIST, both old and new. Dr PG Rao, Director, CSIR-NEIST welcomed the audience while Dr Sourav Baruah, Scientist, CSIR-NEIST introduced the honored guest to the audience. In his vivid and illuminating talk Dr Nayak mentioned about the Earth System Science Processes and its interactions and in that connection he also mentioned about the importance of the Earth Science and stressed on the scientific understanding of the earth system so as to be able to improve prediction of climate, weather and natural hazards. It is necessary to improve weather forecast and provide advisory assistance to agriculture, aviation, shipping, sports etc, he mentioned. He discussed the numerical weather prediction system with weather and air quality forecasting. The linkage, with Dopler Weather Radar and High Computing System is absolutely essential for accurate short term weather forecasting, he opined. Among other things, he also mentioned a few interesting area like Eco-morphological zone of coral reef, harmful algal blooms and ornamental fishery. In coastal ocean monitoring and prediction system he highlighted modeling for Tsunami, Vulnerability mapping like sea level rise. To improve the Climate Change Science, the climate services are to be provided to the earth, nations, society and to the individual, he mentioned. The programme ended with a vote of thanks by Dr Prabhat Kotoky, Scientist G,CSIR-NEIST.For more photograph please click 1, 2

State Level Science Exhibition cum Technology Demonstration Workshop held at Jorhat

during 24-27th May 2011

The CSIR-North East Institute of Science & Technology, Jorhat, in collaboration with Assam Science Technology & Environment Council (ASTEC), Guwahati, organized a four-day “State level Science Exhibition cum Technology Demonstration Workshop” under the theme ‘Ideas To Action : Let Us Grow With Innovation’ during 24-27 May, 2011 at Court Field, Jorhat. Among the other associates included the Assam Academic Centre, Jorhat, and Assam Science Society, Jorhat Branch. The objective of the exhibition was to create an exposure platform on science and technology for the upcoming students and entrepreneurs as well as common people in general through technology demonstration, discussion and interactive sessions. The programme was formally inaugurated on 24 May, 2011 with an inaugural function held under the Presidentship of Dr S K Choudhury, Director, ASTEC. Sri R C Jain, Deputy Commissioner, Jorhat, graced the function as the Chief Guest and inaugurated the programme by lighting the lamp. Sri Jain in his inaugural speech expressed happiness and thanked the organizers for choosing Jorhat as the venue for holding such a vital scientific event for the benefit of students and entrepreneurs and hoped that such events may be organized in future also, and the district administration will continue to provide every possible help. Commenting on the importance of the event, he mentioned that there is an urgent need to make the students and public aware about the scientific innovations that are taking place day by day and also to the entrepreneurs so that the entrepreneurs can give a commercial dimension to these innovations as a result of which only the general public can get benefitted, he opined. Citing the example of mobile phone, he mentioned that about a decade ago, it was just an innovative idea of some individual scientist or technocrat. After the entrepreneur became aware about this innovative idea in a similar event like this, the particular entrepreneurs started commercially manufacture it and ultimately the benefit has gone to the public so much so that today it has become so essential that we just cannot do without it although people a decade back did not consider it to be so essential. Earlier, Dr P C Neog, the programme Coordinator gave a brief overview of the various programmes to be held during the period. Besides Dr R C Boruah, Scientist H/Outstanding Scientist, CSIR-NEIST and Dr P C Neog, Programme Coordinator, and Sri Ramesh C Jain, Deputy Commissioner, Jorhat. Notable among others who attended were Dr D J Bora, Principal, Jorhat Medical College & Hospital, Dr B K Dutta, Director, JIST-Jorhat and Sri Biman Baruah, Scientific officer of ASTEC, Guwahati. The meeting was largely attended by invited guests, prominent citizens, students, teachers, participants and others besides CSIR-NEIST fraternity. Dr R C Boruah in his speech said that the basic objective of the programme was to showcase the developed technologies to the masses at large through the 4-day programme. Dr Boruah gave a brief overview of the activities of CSIR-NEIST in the area of rural development and its contribution to the socio-economic growth of the rural society. Sri Biman Boruah in his speech extended warm greetings to all the participants and encouraged them to take full advantage of the opportunity. In this connection, Sri Baruah also mentioned briefly about the activities of the ASTEC and also informed the audience about the background and objective behind creating Aryabhatta Science Centres spreading over the state for the benefit of the budding scientists. Dr S K Dutta mentioned about the importance of Entrepreneurship Development and its training/workshop organized by various agencies in the district. Dr S K Choudhury in his presidential speech spoke about the importance of entrepreneurship awareness programme in today’s world.  He also said that the future innovators such as the students should be motivated right from their school level. To mark the occasion a book entitled “Ideas To Action: Let Us Grow With Innovation” jointly produced by ASTEC, Guwahati and Assam Academic Centre, Jorhat was released by Dr D J Bora, Principal, Jorhat Medical College & Hospital. Eminent Institutions like Rain Forest Research Institute, Tocklai Experimental Station- Tea Research Association, ONGCL, Jorhat Institute of Science & Technology, Central Muga Eri Research & Training Institute, Assam Energy Development Agency, Regional Science Centre, Khanapara, Assam Tourism-Jorhat, Society for NE Handmade Paper development- Baghchung (Jorhat) and Akshay Urja shop, Jorhat actively participated in the exhibition and exhibited their technologies. From the student community, budding scientists from Aryabhatta Science Centres from different blocks of various district like Sivasagar, Golaghat and Majuli exhibited their innovative science models. Also few existing innovators exhibited their projects/models. The four-day programme included important aspects such as interactive sessions among the entrepreneurs, resource persons and students, face-to-face with scientists, extempore speech competition, art competition and slogan competition among the student community. One of the significant activities was the distribution of free solar lantern to meritorious girl students soon after the inaugural function by the ASTEC authority. After the hectic four-day schedule the programme came to an end with a valedictory function held under the presidentship of Dr P G Rao, Director, CSIR-NEIST in which Dr (Mrs) Sanjukta Parashar, SP, Jorhat graced the function as Chief Guest. The function was attended by Dr R C Goswami, Retd. Professor, Darrang College, Tezpur as the Guest of Honour, Dr Bijoy Sharma, Principal, J B College, Jorhat, Mr Jaideep Barua, Sr. Scientific Officer, ASTEC, Dr B P Sharma, President, Assam Academic Centre and Dr J C S Kotoky, Scientist G (CSIR-NEIST) & President, Assam Science Society, Jorhat Branch besides CSIR-NEIST fraternity, participants and the general public. Dr Parashar, SP, Jorhat, in her address encouraged the students to inculcate scientific attitude and to solve problems in their everyday lives with a scientific approach. Dr P C Neog, Programme Coordinator, gave an overview of the four-day workshop held. Dr R C Goswami, in his speech explained some of the basic concepts of Science for the benefit of the students and urged upon them to take up fundamental science in their career. In his presidential speech, Dr P G Rao, Director, CSIR-NEIST said that the basic objective of the programme was to create awareness to the students as well as the entrepreneurs on the latest developments in science and technology. To mark the occasion, a colourful brochure of the workshop was released by Dr R C Goswami, Guest of Honour. Mr Jaideep Barua while commenting on the theme of the workshop said that the working models exhibited by the students and the exhibitors were the main attraction. Dr JCS Kotoky, spoke on various activities of the Assam Science Society for students. Dr B P Sharma, mentioned about the decreasing status of students taking up basic science and urged the teachers as well as the parents to motivate them towards science. Dr Bijoy Sharma in his speech also stressed on the importance of basic science for the students. He also distributed certificates to the participants of the exhibition. In the function, Dr Parashar, SP, Jorhat gave away the prizes to the winners of various competitions held. The function came to a close with a vote of thanks offered by Dr Jatin Kalita, Scientist, CSIR-NEIST. It is worthwhile to mention here that this joint endeavor was in pursuance with the declaration of the decade 2011-2021 as the decade of Innovation by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Dr Manmohan Singh in the 97th Indian Science Congress held at Thiruvananthapuram earlier this year. The programme was supported by Science & Technology Department, Govt. of Assam and also organized under the aegis of Golden Jubilee celebration of CSIR-NEIST, Jorhat.For more photograph please click 1,2,3,4,5,

CSIR-NEIST observed NATIONAL TECHNOLOGY DAY on 11.5.2011

The CSIR-North East Institute of Science & Technology (NEIST) at Jorhat celebrated National Technology Day at its premises on 11 May, 2011 with a well charted out programme. Every year the 11th of May is celebrated as National Technology Day to mark the tremendous Indian technological potential. The Technology Day celebration function was held at NEIST auditorium under the presidentship of Dr P G Rao, Director, CSIR-NEIST, Jorhat. Welcoming the gathering Dr Rao highlighted the significance of the day and also spoke about technology developed by CSIR-NEIST over the years. He further said that CSIR-NEIST along with the large scale has also paid special emphasis and developed small and simple technologies which have benefitted people directly. He said that CSIR-NEIST is also working in the field of low cost drugs for affordable healthcare especially herbal drugs. He informed the gathering that CSIR-NEIST has received the license by Drugs Licensing Authority, Guwahati to manufacture drugs (recently developed herbal drugs Anti-arthritis and Fungi destruct) for free distribution to people to receive feedback.    

Dr J Mahanta, Director, Regional Medical Research Centre (RMRC), NE Region, ICMR, Dibrugarh graced the function as the Chief Guest and gave an illuminating Technology Day lecture on “Challenges for technology in medical diagnostics & personalized drug therapy”. He said that time span between development of different technologies and breakthroughs have reduced nowadays. Further, he said that the requirement for technology development has arisen to create disease free world, to sustain high quality of life and longevity. He discussed about technologies used and challenges in Molecular diagnostics. He also talked about advances in pharmacological science like Tailored drug therapy and genetic profiling. He said that nowadays predictive biomarker for various diseases have made it easy to diagnose and identify the possibility of infection early on. He explained about personalized drug therapy and advances in instruments used in medical research. Towards the end he talked about nanobiotechnology in medicine. He said that it may play a tremendous role in diagnosis and therapeutics for conquering many diseases. He concluded by saying that the technologies should be developed to conquer challenges faced in medical diagnostics like etiology of unknown diseases, to develop personalized medication etc. Befitting the occasion, Mr B C Saikia, Scientist, CSIR-NEIST highlighted the patent status of the institute during the financial year 2010-2011 which showed improvement over the previous year. After which, NEIST News, a bimonthly newsletter of the institute was formerly released by the Chief Guest, who highly appreciated the publication. The function concluded with vote of thanks by Mr Dipankar Neog, Scientist, CSIR-NEIST.

The day was also observed as ‘Open Day’ and the laboratory was kept open for the visit during morning hours. About 500 students accompanied by teachers and others came and interacted with the scientists. For more photograph please click 1,2 3,4

9th and 10th Golden Jubilee Lectures delivered on CSIR-NEIST Foundation Day on 18.3.2011

CSIR, NEIST Jorhat celebrated its Foundation Day as part of the Golden Jubilee Celebration on 18th March 2011. To mark the auspicious occasion the 9th and 10th Golden Jubilee Lectures were delivered by the Guest speakers, Dr. Naibedya Chattopadhyay, and Dr. Sanghamitra Bandyopadhyay. The function was presided by Dr. P. G. Rao, Director of CSIR-NEIST, Jorhat and was largely attended by invited dignitaries from various institutes, scientists, research students besides the scientific fraternity of CSIR-NEIST. Dr. Rao while delivering the welcome address said the two scientists specialized in human health related areas are invited to deliver the lectures to give more emphasis on the future project works on health in the 12th Five Year Plan, and hope that it will enriched their knowledge on the related subjects. He said the topics of the lectures were most appropriate for the occasion and very much relevant to the institute. Dr. B. G. Unni, Scientist G & Area-Coordinator (Biotechnology/Biological Sciences) introduced the Guest speakers and read out their biodata.Dr.BG Unni who is also the Coordinator of The technical programme committee of the GJC spoke  in brief about the programme so far undertaken by the Laboratory as a part of the golden jubilee celebration.

Dr. Chattopadhyay, Scientist F and Head in Endocrinology Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow delivered 9th Golden Jubilee Lecture on “Constituents of medicinal plants positively impact bone metabolism more than those derived from the dietary sources: Evidence from in vitro in vivo and pharmacokinetic studies”. He said that the bone is the depot for calcium in the body, and bone remodeling occurs constantly at 1–2 million discrete sites in the adult skeleton. The bone is constantly remodeled in order to maintain a constant levels of Ca2+ and PO43- and as a result of mechanical stress the particular bone site endures. The functional portion of bone responsible for the remodeling are the osteoblasts, responsible for creating collagen to strengthen bone, osteocytes, responsible for controlling the mineral balance, and osteoclasts which destroy bone mineral tissue. He said the most common bone disease, ‘Osteoporosis’, is a disorder which causes bone resorption to become much greater to bone formation. In this condition the osteoclasts become more numerous, while the number of osteoblasts greatly declines, and thus the marrow cavities seem to get larger as trabeculae have unfilled cavities. The mass of a skeletal site is strongly affected by Marrow Volume Fraction (MVF), or amount of marrow compared to the total skeletal mass, and Osteoporosis changes the MVF, and thus changes the bone mass. He said accelerated loss of bone after menopause is accompanied by reduced ability to form new bone, giving rise to menopausal osteoporosis. An estimated 350 million Indians suffer from osteoporosis. As a result, there is a growing interest in assessing the role of plants and plantderived compounds i n the prevention of menopausal osteoporosis. Many bioacti ve compounds, so-called phytoestrogens, have been discovered from plants. These include flavonoids and phenolic acids, which show antioxidant properties and may act as estrogen receptor act ivators (agonis ts ) with benefi cial out comes in menopausal osteoporosis but are devoid of the harmful side effects of estrogen in menopausal women.
Dr. Chattopadhyay said that currently his team have identified some bone conserving plant extract used for treatemnt of Osteoporosis and the examples are soya, red clove, green tea and extract of Ginkgo biloba, Egb 761. He also demonstrated the development of a standard extracts derived from natural source- stem bark of Butea monosperma) and stem bark of Ulmus wallichiana which are more effective at preventing postmenopausal bone osteoporosis

Dr. (Ms) Bandyopadhyay, Scientist C in Developmental Toxicology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicological Research, Lucknow delivered the 10th Golden Jubilee Lecture from the same dais on the topic “Metals, neutoinflamation and therapeutics in Alzheimer’s diseaseharmacokinetic studies”. She said that the two major findings in the Alzheimer's brain, a degenerative disease are amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. Amyloid plaques are found outside the neurons, neurofibrillary plaques are found inside the neurons. Neurons are the nerve cells within the brain. Plaques and tangles are found in the brains of people without Alzheimer's. It is the gross amounts of them that are significant in Alzheimer's disease. She said metals such as aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) because trace amounts of these metals are present in the drinking water, there is a possibility for low-dose chronic exposure. Since the presence of Al and Cu in drinking water has been shown to adversely affect the progression of AD, these two metals may aggravate some of the events associated with the disease process. The effects of Al and Cu in initiating or propagating an inflammatory response within the aging brain have also been demonstrated. Since inflammatory events are reported to be upregulated in the AD brain, this may be one of the mechanisms by which the metals potentiate neurodegeneration. She siad that the neuropathological hallmarks of AD include extracellular β-amyloid (amyloid precursor protein (APP) deposits, intracellular neurofibrillary tangles (NFT)), dystrophic neuritis and amyloid angiopathy. The mismetabolism of APP and the defective clearance of β amyloid generate a cascade of events including hyperphosphorylated tau (τ) mediated breakdown of microtubular assembly and resultant synaptic failure which results in AD.

The Guest speakers were facilitated and given mementoes by Dr. P. G. Rao, Director of CSIR-NEIST as a mark of appreciation for their presence and eluminating lectures. In concluding remarks, Dr. Rao also mentioned that scientists of CSIR-NEIST are actively working on drugs development from medicianl plants of the North-Eastern region. He hope that the visiting scientists would interact with the scientists of CSIR-NEIST and formulate future plan of action. Dr. Nileema Saikia, Scientist in Biotechnology Division delivered the vote of thanks to the speakers for sparing their valuable time to deliver lectures and the NEIST staff for their presence in the meeting. For more photograph please click 1,2

निस्‍ट (आर आर एल) में नगर राजभाषा कार्यान्‍वयन समिति की बैठक संपन्‍न

National Science Day lecture held at CSIR- NEIST, Jorhat on 28 Febrauary 2011

The National Science Day lecture as part of the Golden Jubilee celebration of NEIST (CSIR), Jorhat was held on 28th February 2011. The Guest speaker Prof. S.C. Roy, the Editor-in-Chief of a reputed Indian journal Science and Culture,Kolkata delivered a lecture on the title “Pop Goes the Drop”. The function was presided by Dr P G Rao, Director of NEIST-Jorhat was largely attended by invited dignitaries, distinguished scientists, students, teachers, science fans and others besides the scientific fraternity of NEIST, both old and new. Welcoming the audience, Dr R C Boruah, Scientist H in his speech spoke about the importance of the day and mentioned that NEIST has been working for cleaner environment and sustainable energy and celebrating the day for interaction of common people to science.
Dr. D. Prajapati, Scientist G gave a brief description of biodata of Prof. Roy who was previously Professor in Department of Physics at Bose Institute, Kolkata. It is worth mentioning here, that Prof. Roy had done extensive pioneering work in developing the most precise state-of-the-art estimation of elastic scattering cross sections of gamma rays. While at Yale University, USA he was involved in radiation detector and was instrumental in developing a new kind of neutron detector ‘superheated drop detector’ which was now included in the graduate student text book on radiation detector by G. F. Knoll (Radiation Detection and Measurements, 3rd edition, John Wiley and Sons, 2000). Prof. Roy work in the area of superheated emulsion developed sophisticated instrument used in modern times in radiation therapy detection, and he spoke on the present status of radiation detection with superheated emulsions. He said that superheated emulsion detector is known to detect neutrons, gamma-rays and other charged particles. Superheated emulsion detector, consists of drops of superheated liquid, is known to detect neutrons, gamm-rays and other charged particles. The detector consists of drops of superheated liquid of low boiling point, suspended in aquasonic gel or polymer medium. The minimum energy required for nucleation to occur is called the critical energy. The critical energy decreases with increase in the operating temperature of the liquid.
Mr. Samarjit Kar, an eminent Science Jounalist and Ex-Correspondent of Amrit Bazar Patrika also spoke on current issues in science in the area of micro- Geological Sciences and the effects of ozone layer depletion and its implication on biodiversity in the North- Eastern region of India. He urged the younger generation of scientists and scientific staff to address these emerging areas in science. In concluding remarks, Dr PG Rao advised the scientists of the NEIST to re-dedicate themselves for fruitful findings in respective fields of research. Earlier, Dr. Amrit Goswami, Scientist F read out the biodata of Mr. Kar and function was concluded with the vote of thanks by Dr Amrit Goswami, Scientist. The day was declared as ‘Open Day’ for the visit of students and the public. Nearly 500 students from various nearby schools along with teachers visited the laboratory and interacted with the scientists and scientific staff. For more photograph please click 1,2

6th Golden Jubilee Lecture held on 14th February 2011 at 3.30pm in the NEIST Auditorium.

As a part of the Golden Jubilee celebration programmes, the CSIR-NEIST organized the 7th Golden Jubilee Lecture series on 15 February, 2011 at its auditorium. Prof V G Gaikar, FNAE, FASc, Head, Chemical Engineering Department, ICT (formerly UDCT), Mumbai delivered the lecture on “Novel extraction processes of active ingredients from natural products: Process intensification and development of purification technology”. The lecture was attended by distinguished gathering of NEIST scientific community and others.  Notable among those present were Prof Prof Samir Bhattacharyya, INSA Fellow, Prof (Mrs) Bhattacharyya, Visva-Bharati University, West Bengal and Prof Bandana Chatterjee, University of Texas Health Science Centre, San Antonio, USA besides Dr P G Rao, Director . Prof Gaikar in his lecture spoke about the importance of products obtained from natural resources which are used as phyto-medicines and the various process techniques used for extracting the active ingredients. The increased interest in plant derived drugs in recent years is due to their undisputed efficacy, novel methods of biochemical action, drug semi-synthesis etc. and the technical requirements of this industry are dictated by goals such as environment friendly processes as well as energy optimization, Prof Gaikar said. He further said that the extraction process is dependent on the nature of compounds and raw material and a great deal of efforts is required in separation and purification technology in order to achieve the best yield and highest purity. In addition to the conventional solvent extraction methods, Prof Gaikar stressed on the newer extraction techniques like the supercritical fluid extraction, microwave assisted and ultrasound assisted extraction. The newer techniques he said are expected to reduce the time of extraction, improve extraction efficiency but needs to be supported by collection of data of relevance to scale-up the processes to larger scale operations. Prof Gaikar also said that adsorptive separations offer greater degrees of freedom in performing difficult separations, because they exploit the differences in molecular structures, steric hindrance to functional groups and electrochemical surface interactions among feed components vis-à-vis the adsorbent.  Concluding his lecture, Prof Gaikar, said that identification of better solvent is an important step for extraction process. Dr P G Rao, Director, CSIR-NEIST, remarked that the lecture was very much relevant to NEIST and especially mentioned about the microwave assisted method for extraction of essential oil from the herb samples. As a token of love and appreciation a memento was presented to Prof Gaikar and the function concluded with vote of thanks by Dr (Mrs) Swapnali Hazarika, Scientist. It may be mentioned that earlier Dr B G Unni, Scientist G, gave the opening remarks and Dr N N Dutta, Scientist G & Head, Chemical Engineering Division, NEIST introduced the speaker to the gathering.For more photograph please click 1

CSIR-NEIST Organized CPYLS Program during 15-16 Dec.,2010

The CSIR-North East Institute of Science & Technology, Jorhat organized a two-day programme on youth for leadership in science for talented school students of North Eastern states at its premises during 15-16 December, 2010. The Inaugural function was held at its auditorium under the presidentship of Dr R C Boruah, Scientist-in-charge, NEIST, which was largely attended by distinguished guests, invitees, participating students along with their escorts, guardians and members of press and media, besides NEIST fraternity. Dr K K Deka, Vice Chancellor, Dibrugarh University and Dr M Lakshmi Kantam, Scientist, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad, attended the function as Chief Guest and Guest-of-honour respectively. Dr R C Boruah, Scientist-in-charge while delivering the welcome address spoke briefly about the programme and urged upon the students to build scientific temperament for taking leadership in science both at the national and international level. Dr L Nath, Scientist F & the Programme coordinator gave a brief introduction about the programme, its objectives and said that the programme is conducted annually for the benefit of students from CBSE, ICSE and different state boards. He also said that the programme is actually conducted in two phases of which the second is conducted for few selected students out of the participating students of phase I. Dr K K Deka VC, Dibrugarh University, while delivering the inaugural address lauded the CSIR initiative and particularly NEIST for organizing such an educational programme for the talented school students of this region. He further congratulated the students for the enthusiasm shown by their presence and encouraged them to take full potential of it. Dr Kantam, Scientist, IICT-Hyderabad in her speech also encouraged the students to do good science and to contribute their bit in nation development. Later the programme was conducted in several sessions comprising of scientific lecture by NEIST scientist, visit to the different laboratories of NEIST, students meet scientists, practical training where students performed several projects under the guidance of NEIST scientists and semi-extempore speech competition conducted among the students. After the hectic two-day activities, the valedictory function was held at NEIST auditorium under the presidentship of Dr P G Rao, Director, CSIR-NEIST where Mr Arun Kumar, IAS, Secretary, Indian Oil Development Board (IODB), Govt. of India, attended the function as the Chief Guest. Dr Rao in his welcome address gave a brief introduction of the Chief Guest to the gathering. He also expressed his hope that the students must have got a better understanding of science through the programme. Mr Arun, Kumar, IAS, Secretary, IODB, Govt. of India while addressing the students encouraged them to cultivate inquisitive attitude in their life towards science. He also expressed his appreciation for the students for their active participation and congratulated the prize winners and all the participants of the semi-extempore speech competition held. Earlier Dr L Nath, Programme Coordinator, gave a brief report of the two-day programme and the prize winners of the semi-extempore speech competition were suitably awarded as Dr J C S Kataky, Scientist G & Coordinator of the competition announced their names. Later the students, the escorting teachers and guardians gave their feedback about the programme where they expressed their experience, views and observations about the programme. The function concluded with vote of thanks by Mr B C Saikia, Scientist. For more photograph please click 1,2

Second Golden Jubilee Lecture Series held at NEIST Jorhat on 21.9.2010

Prof. Alcides Lopes Leao, Professor, Sao Paulo State University, Brazil delivered Second Goldeb Jubilee Lectue entitled, "Agriwaste for new materials and energy" in the NEIST Auditorium at 11.00 hrs. The function was presided by Dr. R C Boruah, Sci. H and Director Incharge and Dr. B G Unni, Sci G presented brief biodata of Prof. Alcides Lopes Leao. Dr. D Kalita, Sci proposed vote of thanks. For more photograph please click 1 . For detailpower point presentation please click here.

NEIST celebrated National Technology Day on 11.5.2010

The North East Institute of Science & Technology (NEIST) at Jorhat celebrated National Technology Day at its premises on 11 May, 2010 with a well charted out programme. Every year the 11th of May is celebrated as National Technology Day to mark the tremendous Indian technological potential. The Technology Day celebration function was held at NEIST auditorium under the chairmanship of Dr P G Rao, Director, NEIST, Jorhat. Welcoming the gathering Dr Rao highlighted the significance of the day as also spoke about the role of CSIR and also NEIST in the technological advancement of the country. He said that technologies selected under CSIR 800 will be a major focus under the XIIth Five Year Plan. Dr Rao also said the contribution made by NEIST over the past couple of years is also commendable as the institute has developed more than 110 technologies of which more than 60% has been transferred, many of them to several parties. Mr Dipak Chakravarty, Director (Technical) of Numaligarh Refinery Limited, Numaligarh, Golaghat graced the function as the Chief Guest and gave the Technology Day lecture on “Petroleum technologies and advancement”. He talked about the advancement in the crude oil refining technologies highlighting that earlier i.e., before 1900s only the kerosene fraction of the crude oil was utilized and the remaining was wasted whereas today all the different fractions of the crude oil are being utilized for fuel and other purposes. Further, he talked about the present day primary, secondary and products treatment technologies being used in the refineries. Talking about the future, he said technologies like coal to liquid and gas to liquid technologies are going to be the future refinery technologies which will help to reduce the fuel burden to some extent. He also talked about various available technologies and methods of improving energy and process efficiency in the refineries which would benefit both the economy as well as the environment. During the last twenty years NRL has reduced its energy consumption by about 30%. It is worth mentioning that Numaligarh Refinery Limited is not only among the top few refineries known for the quality production but has also shown tremendous respect and activities in the field of safety and energy conservation and received many prestigious awards. Mr Chakravarty appreciated and commended the efforts of CSIR in these research fields and also appreciating past research associations with CSIR laboratories like NEERI-Nagpur, NPL-New Delhi, CECRI-Karaikudi, IIP-Dehradun and NEIST-Jorhat and also looked forward to fruitful future R&D collaboration with NEIST-Jorhat. He concluded his speech by saying that environmental concerns should be also integrated with the efficient production. The function concluded with vote of thanks by Dr Dipanwita Banik, Scientist, NEIST.

The day was also observed as ‘Open Day’ and the laboratory was kept open for the visit of students, teachers and others in the afternoon who came in large numbers and interacted with the scientists on their own. Please click here for more photographs 1,2,3,4,5,6

Visit of Consul General of US to NEIST Jorhat on 16th April, 2010

The Consul General of U.S., Kolkata, Ms. Beth A. Payne made a brief visit to North-East Institute of Science & Technology (CSIR), Jorhat on 16th April 2010 and addressed the scientists, research students and staff of the laboratory on the scope of United States-India Eductional Foundation (USIEF).She was accompanied by Dr.Sunrit Mullick,Cultural Affairs Specialist, American Consul General office. Dr. P. G. Rao, Director of NEIST delivered the welcome address and introduced the Chief Guest, Ms. Beth A. Payne. He also introduced some of the scientists of NEIST and their areas of contribution and mentioned some of the agro-technologies developed by using the natural resources of North East India. Ms. Payne in the opening remark said that this is her first visit to Upper Assam (North East India) and was proud to associate the U.S. government with the Golden Jubilee year of NEIST. She was overwhelmed with some of the technologies developed by scientists of the laboratory in the areas of agro-technology, biological and oil field chemicals, drug intermediates, petroleum science, pulp and paper products, geo-technical investigations, and foundation design engineering. She said that the Indo-US treaty has made special emphasis in cooperation in the field of research in science and technology, including health and innovation. In this direction the Indian and U.S. governments on July 20, 2009 issued a joint statement of their intentions to accelerate the growth of bilateral relationships to enhance global prosperity and stability in the 21st century. The two governments would work through a coherent structure of bilateral working groups to address a wide range of issues with the goal of producing concrete results. She said that the U.S. and Indian governments have increased the funding of the United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) and making more Fulbright-Nehru grants available to attract researchers in the field of designing new technology, and to make progress in innovations. The priority of these grants will be for projects and opportunities for scholars and researchers who are focusing on sustainable development and climate change. She also urged the researchers, scholars and students who are interested to avail the United States-India Eductional Foundation (USIEF) to visit the website www.USIEF.org and apply for one of these prestigious exchange fellowships. Ms. Payne also said she expected more collaboration with NEIST and universities in U.S. in the near future. And most of the technologies undertaken and completed by NEIST are relevant for collaborative approach in the form of research projects. She also mentioned how to make collaboration through Fulbright and Hubert Humphrey Fellowship with NEIST due to the unique nature of the laboratory that is serving the North Eastern part of the country. Some of the areas where NEIST can contribute are in bio-remediation, climate change, renewable resource of energy, etc.
Dr. B. G. Unni, Scientist G & Secretary Fulbright Alumni Association North East Chapter who coordinated the programme offered the vote of thanks to all those invited to the function. Later the Consul General of U.S. attended a press conference and discussed  the aims and objectives of the U.S.- India collaborations in the field of Science and Technology including  health and innovations ,with the media persons present.Consul General Kolkata has also visited the Exihibition hall with Director Dr.P.G.Rao and Dr.B.G.Unni. Please click for photograph here

CSIR/NEIST celebrated its 49th Foundation Day on 18.3.2010

In a function organized at its premise the North-East Institute of Science & Technology (NEIST), Jorhat celebrated its 49th Foundation day and stepped into its golden jubilee year. Dr Mridul Hazarika, Director of Tocklai Tea Research Association graced the occasion as the Chief Guest while Prof B K Das, of Department of Chemistry, Gauhati University attended the function as the Guest of Honour. Welcoming the gathering Dr PG Rao, Director, NEIST-Jorhat said that in addition to continuing high level of R&D, the institute is also involved in improving socio-economic condition of the people through S&T inputs. He said we should rededicate ourselves to achieve more in S&T to benefit the society. Addressing the gathering the Chief Guest Dr Hazarika in his brief illuminating speech said that with the change in the millennium, subjects like biotechnology and environment have become very significant. He added that biotechnology has the potential to feed the hungry, reduce environmental damages and make productive items from waste etc. Regarding environment he said that demands created by increased population have made negative impact which may be responsible for climate change. He further added that we should think about how much pressure the environment can take and concluded by saying we can make a change only if each one of us is concerned about these issues. In his presentation Prof B K Das talked on the topic ‘Chemical & fuels from renewables’ in which he highlighted the fact that the country produces huge amount of biomass most of which is wasted. These wastes can be important source for making chemicals and fuels. He talked about production of chemicals like lactic acid, succinic acid and terephthalic acid from renewable. In the end he remarked that ‘efforts need to be made locally to develop processes to convert locally available renewable biomass to chemicals & fuels’ and in this regard the NEIST can play a major role, he opined. Like every year, the Chief Guest released two of the institute’s publications viz. Annual Report 2008-09 and Highlights 2009-10. In the celebration the NEIST staff who showed exemplary research performances during this financial year were awarded with certificate of appreciation. Also on the occasion people who retired from the council’s service during the last financial year were felicitated and presented with mementoes by the Director in recognition to their services for the growth and development of the institute. The function concluded with vote of thanks by Ms Ilika Zhimo, Scientist.

Earlier the day was also observed as ‘Open Day’ and the laboratory was kept open for the visit of students, teachers and others in the morning hours who came in large numbers and interacted with the scientists on their own. For more photographs please click here, 1,2,3,4,5 6, 7, 8,

CSIR, NEIST celebrated International Women’s Day on 8.3.2010

Under the theme, “Equal right & equal opportunities”, The North East Institute of Science & Technology, Jorhat celebrated the International Women’s Day on 8th March, 2010 at its auditorium. The day was organized with a well charted programme which comprised of day-long activities involving active participation of several women self-help groups coming from in and around Jorhat town which was first in its case this year. At a short inaugural session held in morning hours, Dr Mina Borthakur, Scientist, NEIST & programme convenor welcomed the gathering to the celebration and spoke briefly about the significance of the day.  Sjta Chandra Probha Hazarika, Former Principal, PGT College & Principal KBM College of Teacher’s Education, Jorhat graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Delivering her speech as the Chief Guest, Ms Hazarika expressed her happiness to be in the midst of such an august gathering on this auspicious occasion. Moving on she spoke about the different dynamic roles women play in our society and commented that “Behind every successful man, lies a woman”. She also lamented about the atrocities done on women particularly in several dowry cases and in their day-to-day domestic lives. She also mentioned that the struggle for women emancipation from the clutches of male chauvinistic society will prove futile unless women themselves do some self analysis and introspections. Because no one can deny the role played by some women in committing heinous crimes against women like bride burning, dowry death, flesh trade, etc.  Women have a greater role in building a moral value-based society, she added. Concluding her speech she said that the mindset of the people has to be changed and this can only be achieved unless people change their notion about boy child and girl child. Delivering his presidential remarks, Dr P G Rao, Director, NEIST extended his felicitation to the women fraternity and expressed appreciation to the organizers for bringing such a meaningful theme to mark the day. He also threw some light about the different CSIR initiatives for uplifting the rural women for self employment through its rural technologies such as low cost technologies, drinking water facilities and in healthcare sector as well. He also strongly supported the point raised by the Chief Guest and said that there is a greater responsibility of the society to speed up the change in mindset of the people and for which initiation has to be taken from the grass-root level. The programme concluded with vote of thanks by Dr Puja Khare, Scientist, NEIST. It may also be mentioned here that earlier Mrs A Sengupta, Scientist, NEIST read out the detailed description of the day’s programme to the gathering which comprised of 2 Nos. of technical sessions. The technical sessions covered 6 lectures on the topics, ‘Common diseases & its prevention’ by Dr P K Baruah, NEIST clinic, ‘Water is life’ by Mr A K Sarma, Technical officer, NEIST, ‘Mushroom cultivation technology’ by Dr A K Bordoloi, Technical officer, NEIST, ‘Vermicompost’ by Mr B Bora, Technical officer, NEIST, ‘Utilization of agrowaste’ by Dr T Goswami, Scientist, NEIST and ‘Small scale technology, Biofertilizer’ by Dr (Mrs) N Saikia, Scientist, NEIST. Apart from NEIST family, 60 participants from 9 self help groups around Jorhat town, other invited guests participated in the programme. For more photographs please click here1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10, 11,12 ,13,14,15

Health Camp Held at Bangphor LP School,  Jagiroad on 7.3.2010

A health camp was organised by NEIST on 7th March, 2010 at Bangphor Lower Primary School in the vicinity of Jagiroad Paper Mill site. The health camp was organised as a part of the Network Project (NWP- 0017) entitled “Environmental Contaminants: New Screening Technologies and Effect on Human Health”. The Health Camp team from NEIST included Dr. P. K. Baruah and Dr. T. Bora, medical technician from Clinical Centre, Dr. B. G. Unni, Scientist G and Nodal Scientist of the project from NEIST, S. B. Wann, Scientist and Project staffs; along with three other medical doctors from Jorhat- Dr. C. B. Duarah, Dr. J. N. Bordoloi and Dr. P. Bordoloi, and Dr. J. Nath of Jagiroad Public Health Centre along with three nurses and other medical staff participated in the one day Health Camp programme. In the Health Camp free medical checkup and medicines were provided to the sick patients. In addition, routine examination of urine and blood were also conducted for biochemical analysis and checked for presence of any heavy metals. More than 200 people living in the proximity of the Paper and pulp mill received free medical check up and treatment along with free medicines as prescribed by the medical doctors. The results of these blood tests and urine tests are in progress and will help to conclude on the causes of paralysis and neurological problems and few skin diseases as observed from the people who attended the health camp.
This health camp was held after numerous health surveys were conducted in the area considering the health of individuals. Based on health surveys conducted in the, Bangphor area reported many sick symptoms among the residents. The Health programme was also covered by North East News and other media for wide publicity. For more photographs please click here 1,2

NEIST ORGANIZED AWARENESS PROGRAMMES ON ECO- WATER AND SANITATION LITERACY AND ESTABLISHED WATER TESTING FACILITIAS IN ARUNACHAL PRADESH

The NEIST organized six awareness programmes during 21-23 Dec. 2009 and 4-7 January, 2010, in East Kameng District of Arunachal Pradesh, on Eco- water and Sanitation  literacy, under a project catalyzed and supported by Rastriya Vigyan Evam Prodyogiki Sanchar Parishad, Department of Science and Technology Govt. of India. Programmes were organized in district sub-division Seijosa and district head quarter Seppa of East  Kameng District of Arunachal Pradesh. In these programmes along with the district administration, PHE department, common people and student communities were specifically targeted. Talks were delivered  on general awareness on various water borne diseases, importance of safe drinking water, general and water related sanitation, prevention of water borne diseases, environmental sanitation, protection of water resources and low cost home treatment techniques and methods for safe drinking water. To make the programmes more effective and useful to the common man a specifically prepared book let “ Water is Life” containing most of the important facts related to human health and water, low cost water treatment methods, and various water borne diseases   & sanitation literacy, was distributed, posters and banners were also used to make the porgrammes attractive. All the progammes were well- attended and responses from teachers, students and district administration was very encouraging. In both the Sub-Divisions people highly appreciated our societal work, as never before such programmes were organized in these remote part of the country. It was also reported that in both the subdivisions of East Kameng District there are no water treatment plant available for public distribution of water and water borne diseases are very prevalent in these areas.

Along with the awareness programmes the NEIST also established two microbial water testing laboratory at Seijosa Govt Higher Secondary School and Seppa Govt Higher Secondary school for the benefit of the people of the district, as there are no water testing laboratory facility available in the district. For chemical and physical parameters studies of water, Testing Kit was also provided to the respective schools. To carry out the chemical and microbial testing of water necessary training were given to the teachers on the spot and also in NEIST laboratory earlier. From NEIST, these awareness programmes were conducted by Dr. B. K. Gogoi, A.K. Sarmah, Dr. RL Bezbaruah, M Khongsai and Salam Pradip Sing of Biotechnology Division, For more photographs please click here 1,2,3,4,5,

International Seminar on Molecular Modeling and Drug Design held on 17.12.2009

International seminar on Molecular Modeling and Drug Design was held at NEIST, Jorhat on 17.12.2009. The Seminar was inaugurated by Dr. P G Rao, Director, NEIST, Jorhat at 9.00am. Dr. R. Raghu, Dr. D. Devleena Sivkumar and Dr. Ravi from Schrodinger, USA were pesent as invited speakers. About sixty delegates from various departments of NEIST, NEHU, Shillong, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, Dibrugarh University, IASST, Guwahatiattended the seminar.Dr. R. Raghu spoke on Computer aided drug design, common errors on protein crystal structure, development in modeling of GPCRs ad ensemble docking in lead identification. Dr. Davleena Shivakumar presented on prediction of cytochrome P450 mediatedoxidation using induced fit docking, library enumeration and core hoping in lead optimization and demonstrated on structure vased virtual screening on HMG CoA reductase. In the post lunch session Dr. Ravi spoke on recent advancements in chemoinformatics method, novel methods for generating structure-based pharmacophores using enegetic analysis and demonstrated on ligand based virtual screening. It was followed by a live panel discussion between various speakers and the delegates from various R&D organization and also from departments of NEIST. For more photographs please click here 1,2 3,4,5,6,7,

NEIST-Jorhat organized a Health camp and free Medical check up at Ledo on 24th November,2009 at Open coal mine site. Ledo, Tinsukia, Assam

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                             A health camp and free medical check up was organized on 24th November,2009 at the Open coal mine site, Ledo and the venue for the health camp was Sarvajanin pradhamic  vidhyalya ,Ledo. This is a part of the Network project Entitled “Environmental Contaminants : New screening technologies and effect on Human health”. Dr Dr.P.K.Baruah, Dr.T.Bora , Mr.S.B.Wann , project assistants and other medical personnel from NEIST Clinical Centre along with Dr. C.B.Dowerah and Dr. Ratul Dutta from Jorhat Town, Dr.P.Paul, PHC Ledo, Dr.S.K.Dubey, Margaritta Civil Hospital, and medical staff of PHC center Ledo participated in the camp. Large number of patients were treated and free medicines were provided to them. The health camp was coordinated by Dr.B.G.Unni, Scientist G & Area Coordinator (Biological sciences) and Nodal Scientist of the network project sponsored by CSIR Under 11th Five year plan period. Under the same programme another health camp and free medical check up was organized in Feb, 2009 at the Gorajan Tea Estate near oil drilling site Borholla.For more photographs please click 1,2 ,3

Workshop on gas phase mass spectrometry was held on 13 November 2009 at NEIST, Johat

A one-day seminar cum workshop titled ‘Gas Phase Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)’ was held at North East Institute of Science & Technology, Jorhat on 13th November, 2009.. The workshop was sponsored by Thermo Fisher Scientific Pvt.Ltd., Mumbai, a brand service provider company. Inaugural function of the workshop was presided over by Dr R C Baruah, Director In-charge, NEIST in which Dr M Hazarika, Director, TRA, Tocklai attended as the Chief Guest. A total of 64 participants from different institutes and universities of North-East Region namely Guwahati University, Tezpur University, Assam Agriculture University, Central Muga Eri Research & Training Institute, Jorhat, National Research Institute on Mithun, Nagaland, Numaligarh Refinery Ltd., Numaligarh, etc. participated in the workshop besides the NEIST scientific community.  Mr A K Hazarika, Scientist & Head, Analytical Chemistry Division of NEIST & Seminar Coordinator while delivering the welcome address for the seminar said that GC-MS is the most powerful tool in Analytical Chemistry work and the objective of the seminar was to enhance the techniques more deeply and congratulated the participating candidates for the enthusiasm shown by their presence. Mr Ajay Kar, Regional Sales Head, Thermo Fisher Scientific Pvt.ltd., further elaborated the purpose behind the seminar and said that the seminar can be a platform to have better exchange of ideas and views. Understanding the nature of problems in day to day analysis can actually help in improving the status of the tool, He said. He also spoke about the company which provides recent and latest analytical tools to the developing industries. Delivering his address, Dr M Hazarika, Director, TRA expressed his happiness to be associated with the Workshop and said that GC-MS analysis should keep pace with the changing and latest developments. The technique was initially introduced in the early 20th century to unravel the unknown facts and the developments in chemical science have gone a long way in different areas of research, he said. He further encouraged the participating candidates to inculcate the nature of quest for more knowledge so as to keep themselves abreast with the changing environment and in choosing the right equipment for their research work. He also applauded the organizing committee for bringing out such a seminar which was first in its case and wished the program a grand success. Later Dr R C Baruah, Director In-charge, NEIST spoke in brief about the need and importance of Mass spectra in identifying the structure of any unknown compound and said that there is no research without GC-MS. The function concluded with vote of thanks by Mr Manas Bera, Area Service Manager, Thermo Fisher Scientific. The Technical Session of the Workshop covered fundamentals of GC-MS, its applications, introduction of India’s first Indigenous GC-MS and Hands on experiment on GCMS. It may also be mentioned that Dr Swapan Kr Dutta, Joint Director, Directorate of Forensic Science, Assam gave the technical lecture tiltled, ‘GCMS applications’. The Workshop is expected to raise the awareness among the end users about the perfect choice and rightful selection of these costly and important analytical tools vis-à-vis the service provider of such tools.

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NEIST observed 67th Foundation Day of CSIR

The North East Institute of Science & Technology (NEIST) at Jorhat celebrated CSIR Foundation Day at its premise on 12 October, 2009 with a well charted out programme. Though every year CSIR Foundation Day is held on 26 September but this year due to Puja Holidays it was celebrated on 12 October instead. It is worth mentioning here that CSIR (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research) is the Premier research organization of the country with over 37 state-of-the-art institutes under its control carrying out various scientific and industrial research and NEIST being one of them. The Foundation Day celebration function was held at NEIST auditorium under the presidentship of Dr P G Rao, Director, NEIST, Jorhat. Prof G D Sharma, Pro-vice Chancellor, Assam University, Silchar attended the function as Chief Guest. The function started with welcome address by Dr P C Neog, Scientist, NEIST who said that CSIR, a centre of excellence in research is one of the world’s largest public funded organizations with strong global academic and research linkages. In the function the retired colleagues were felicitated with mementoes and CSIR Sanman Patras and the staff who recently completed 25 years of service in the council were also presented with token gifts. The winners of various competitions held on the occasion like on-the-spot speech and essay competition were were also suitably awarded. On this auspicious occasion some publications of CSIR-NEIST were also released by the Chief Guest and the Director, NEIST. The publications included Hindi version of the NEIST News, a bimonthly newsletter of the institute and a brochure highlighting the activities and achievements of the institute published for the first time in the laboratory. Other publication included English and Assamese version of a brochure entitled ‘Hazards-Minimizing Risk, Maximizing Awareness’. Students who excelled in both studies (securing over 90% in all three science subjects) and sports were also honoured and awarded cash prizes. Addressing the gathering the Chief Guest, Dr Sharma said that he was emotionally moved by the fact that the institute has brought integrity by honouring the past, the present and the future in form of retired staffmembers, present staff members and the students. He stressed that we are preparing ourselves to compete and become a part of the global scientific community. He said that the North East India is a unique, significant and holds a strategic position in our nation with security as the topmost priority. Talking about CSIR-NEIST, he said that the institute has become visible in the last 5 years and has played a major role in the socio-economic development of the hilly states of NE. he further said that the scientific community needs to develop professionalism by which he meant the ability or the capacity to continuously work without supervision and to complete the task assigned or taken up by oneself. To complete the task required clarity of the task and integrity, he said. He also said that though India is having the second largest pool of the scientist but when compared to the nation’s population it is insignificant. Instead of 1 scientist per 100 people which is the requirement of the day, at present we have 1 scientist per 1000 people. He said that NEIST is the only organization which has been identified by Department of Science & Technology, New Delhi to undertake 60 undergraduate colleges under its wing to oversee their development with the aim to develop scientific human resources. Concluding his address he said that 54% of Indian population is young all we need is to create such environment and thinking so that they will tend to innovate and develop need based technology for the society’s benefit which can be achieved by pooling our resources and multi-institutional collaboration. Dr Rao in his address thanked Prof Sharma for giving direction to the institute and showing the path for future. He said the CSIR is a premier organization which had made significant contribution in various field like baby food, drug development, transport, aircraft development etc., but has remained behind the screen for so long because other organizations got wider publicity than itself. He concluded by saying that we should pool our strengths, focus research and take mega projects. The function was attended by eminent scientists, invited dignitaries, students and teachers of nearby schools, colleges and universities, general public, members of NEIST fraternity, members of press and media. The function concluded by vote of thanks by Dr L Nath, Scientist, NEIST.

For more photographs please click 1, 2