Pune: CSIR–National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL) organized the National Science Day Celebrations – 2026 with its flagship student and research scholars’ event Tarang 2026 at the CSIR-NCL Auditorium.
The event brought together scientists, students, research scholars and staff to celebrate scientific progress and encourage greater engagement with research and innovation.
Tarang 2026 was presided over by N. Kalaiselvi, Director General of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research and Secretary of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, who attended the programme as the Chief Guest.
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Scilogy Introduces Vision for Tarang 2026
The programme began with an introduction to Scilogy and Tarang 2026 by Kiran Asokan, Research Scholar at CSIR-NCL. He outlined the objectives of Scilogy, the official student club of CSIR-NCL, which seeks to bridge gaps in research training by encouraging participation beyond laboratory work.
Asokan explained that Scilogy promotes engagement through workshops, panel discussions, podcasts, newsletters and scientific communication initiatives. He also announced that beginning next year, Tarang 2026 will evolve into a larger three-day event featuring a two-day scientific conference followed by student-centric activities designed to strengthen academic collaboration and research exposure.
National Science Day Significance Highlighted
Welcoming the gathering, Ashish Lele, Director of CSIR-NCL, highlighted the scientific importance of National Science Day, which commemorates the discovery of the Raman Effect by C. V. Raman. He also recalled Sir C. V. Raman’s historic visit to NCL in 1950 and reflected on the laboratory’s rich scientific heritage.
During Tarang 2026, Dr. Lele felicitated Dr. Kalaiselvi, who inaugurated the event and addressed scientists, students and research scholars attending the National Science Day celebrations.
Dr. N. Kalaiselvi Emphasizes Scientific Impact and Innovation
Addressing participants at Tarang 2026, Dr. Kalaiselvi expressed her excitement about visiting CSIR-NCL and drew inspiration from the Raman Effect as a metaphor for scientific life. She encouraged students and researchers to actively engage with the laboratory’s ecosystem, legacy and capabilities to create meaningful scientific impact.
Describing NCL as a laboratory with a distinct scientific vibration shaped by its illustrious past and dynamic present, she stated that every individual on campus carries the responsibility of strengthening India’s and the world’s science, technology and innovation landscape.
NCL’s Technology Legacy and Industry Collaboration
During her address at Tarang 2026, Dr. Kalaiselvi highlighted the strong legacy of CSIR-NCL in technology development and licensing. She noted that technologies developed at the laboratory have earned widespread trust from industry and society.
She cited the paracetamol manufacturing process developed at NCL as a landmark scientific achievement that has secured the laboratory a permanent place in India’s scientific history.
The process is recognized for its continuous-flow, fully automated and zero-liquid-discharge characteristics, along with its capacity for large-scale production.
Dr. Kalaiselvi also acknowledged the laboratory’s work on dimethyl ether and expressed interest in expanding the research towards propylene and sustainable aviation fuel. She assured institutional support through funding to advance these scientific initiatives.
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Encouraging Industry-Relevant Research and Entrepreneurship
Speaking at Tarang 2026, Dr. Kalaiselvi emphasized that successful technologies must address real industrial needs and integrate seamlessly with existing infrastructure. She commended CSIR-NCL’s leadership for nurturing an industry-relevant research culture.
She also lauded the achievements of Venture Center, highlighting its national standing and role in incubating numerous startups and MSMEs. Encouraging scholars to translate research into enterprises, she urged the academic community to position CSIR as a hub not only for research but also for entrepreneurship and societal solutions.
Linking the work of CSIR-NCL to the national vision of Viksit Bharat, Dr. Kalaiselvi stressed the growing importance of emerging sectors such as green hydrogen and fuel cell technologies. She called on the NCL community to expand student participation, increase external funding and generate visible success stories that demonstrate the real-world impact of science and technology.
Programme Conclusion
The Tarang 2026 celebrations concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Varun Natu, Scientist at CSIR-NCL. The event was attended by scientists, staff, students and research scholars from the laboratory community.
