Jammu, Feb 28: The CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM), Jammu on Wednesday celebrated National Science Day in memory of the birth anniversary of Nobel Laureate Sir C. V. Raman.
The event, graced by eminent scientists, academicians, innovators, startups, researchers, and students, aimed to foster scientific inquiry and innovation. More than 350 students from various academic institutions in the region participated, igniting curiosity and emphasizing the pivotal role of science in societal development.
In a special video message, Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy, and Space, and Vice President CSIR, commended the Director, CSIR-IIIM, and his team for organizing a dynamic open day. Dr Singh highlighted the current conducive environment for science and innovation, citing the significant increase in startups and India’s advancements in space technology and vaccine development.
Dr Zabeer Ahmed, Director, CSIR-IIIM, reiterated the importance of fostering a scientific mindset and reflected on the institute’s rich legacy and cutting-edge research endeavours. He emphasized Dr CV Raman’s revolutionary discovery of the Raman Effect, illustrating the transformative power of scientific inquiry. Dr Ahmed encouraged embracing a scientific outlook to drive innovation and societal progress.
Students from various institutions explored CSIR-IIIM’s laboratories, engaging directly with scientists and research scholars. Through informative posters, research scholars showcased ongoing projects, offering valuable insights into the institute’s research endeavours.
A highlight of the event was Dr Naveed Qazi’s lecture on “Modern Drug Discovery: A Rational Approach,” providing a comprehensive overview of drug discovery processes and recent advancements, including the role of artificial intelligence.
The program, organized under Dr Zabeer Ahmed’s patronage and supervision, with assistance from Er Abdul Rahim, Head, RMBD&IST, and other Division Heads, exemplified CSIR-IIIM’s commitment to fostering scientific inquiry and innovation in Jammu and beyond.