Pune: CSIR National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), Pune celebrated the 84th Foundation Day of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) with a special lecture delivered by Dr Shivkumar Kalyanaraman, Chief Executive Officer of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF).
In his CSIR Foundation Day lecture, Dr Shivkumar Kalyanaraman addressed the theme “ANRF Vision: Catalyzing India’s Rise as a Research and Innovation Powerhouse.”
He outlined ANRF’s vision as a statutory and autonomous body chaired by the Prime Minister of India and accountable to Parliament.
Dr Kalyanaraman emphasized that ANRF aims to act as a catalyst in strengthening India’s research and innovation ecosystem through strategic collaborations among government, academia, industry, startups, and philanthropic organizations.
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Dr Shivkumar Kalyanaraman Highlights ANRF’s Strategic Role
During his lecture, Dr Shivkumar Kalyanaraman elaborated on ANRF’s comprehensive strategy to support research across the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) spectrum, ranging from fundamental science to applied and translational research. He also underlined the significance of flexible grant mechanisms, private sector involvement, and co-investment in advancing India’s innovation goals.
Dr Kalyanaraman introduced key initiatives such as SARAL, a platform leveraging artificial intelligence and social media to democratize research, and the Anusandhan Master Platform, designed to promote collaboration and resource sharing across institutions.
He further stressed the importance of mission-mode programs to address India’s unique challenges, encouraging interdisciplinary research, the adoption of digital twins, and integration of AI with science and engineering.
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Concluding his address, Dr Kalyanaraman called upon academia, industry, laboratories, and philanthropic foundations to collectively accelerate India’s journey toward becoming a global innovation hub.
The event began with a welcome note by Dr Durba Sengupta, Senior Principal Scientist at CSIR-NCL, followed by an overview of CSIR’s historical contributions by Dr Varun Natu, Scientist, CSIR-NCL. Dr Sarika Bhattacharyya, Chief Scientist, introduced the Chief Guest. The program concluded with an engaging interactive session and a vote of thanks.
