What happened

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences and Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, and Vice-President, CSIR, Dr Jitendra Singh dedicated CSIR–NBRI’s Eco-Educational Hub “Prakriti Gyan Dham” at the Maharishi Parashar Bioresource Centre (MPBC), Banthra, Lucknow.

Dr Jitendra Singh emphasised that scientific institutions should take their work closer to society by showcasing technologies, success stories and societal applications. He also urged broader use of digital and social media so that farmers, entrepreneurs, students, industry and other stakeholders can access scientific solutions and opportunities for livelihood generation.

During the programme, the hub’s scientific and educational components were showcased, and CSIR–NBRI launched and transferred technologies and products linked to health, entrepreneurship and industrial application.

Background and earlier position

CSIR–NBRI’s hub model is built around experiential public engagement with biodiversity, botanical collections, and heritage interpretation, anchored at MPBC, Banthra, Lucknow. The hub is described as a convergence of scientific research, environmental education, biodiversity conservation, botanical heritage and cultural interpretation, designed for students, researchers, educators, nature enthusiasts and the general public.