Press Reports

CSIR-CCMB celebrated its fifth Founder’s day event commemorating the 93rd birth anniversary of its Founder director, Dr. Pushpa Mittra Bhargava on Monday. Dr. Bhargava was a major architect of modern biology and biotechnology in India and a firm believer of the amalgamation of art and science in life. He was a proponent of good scientific temper who never stepped back from speaking up against any claim that is not backed with scientific evidence. He was a giant in the world of biological research in India on whose shoulders stand hundreds of researchers who more than gladly follow his principles.

The event was organised with ample physical distancing in an open location keeping in view the limitations of the current pandemic situati on. CCMB once again stands as an example of how a large scale event can be organised in a safe and sensible manner.

Dr. Rakesh Mishra, the director of CCMB, expressed his support towards ethical research and following the example set by Dr. P M Bhargava.

The paramount Founder’s day talk was delivered by the eminent environmentalist, Dr. Ashish Kothari who joined online from Pune. He spoke voraciously about the importance of living in harmony with nature by giving examples of self governing communities who are humble and respect their place on earth.

Talks were also given by Dr. Siyaram Pandey and Dr. Shradha Goenka, both alumni of CSIR-CCMB. Dr. Pandey is a full time professor at the University of Windsor, Canada from where he gave his talk online. He spoke about his research on the effect of indigenous plant extracts on neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Dr. Goenka is the founder and managing director of Biotech desk private limited, and holds directorship of three other companies. She spoke about the alternative career routes for students in academia. She emphasised on development and validation of Indian reagents and kits to be taken forward in the call of Atma Nirbhar Bharat and Make in India The current students of CCMB were also among those who gave the talks.

“Dr P M Bhargava is always a source of inspiration and pride for Indian biologists. His vision is still relevant in delivering the fruit of science to the society” said Dr Rakesh K Mishra, Director CCMB on this occasion.