Girish Sahni
SCIENCE IN INDIA | SPECIAL / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / /
Council of Scientifi c &
Industrial Research
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HE Council of Scientifi c & Industrial Research (CSIR) has been a steady partner in India’s progress in its seventy year journey as an independent nation. The CSIR today is a well-knit dynamic network of 38 laboratories with activities ranging from molecular biology to mining, medicinal plants to mechanical engineering, mathematical modelling to metrology, chemicals to coal, pharmaceuticals to petroleum, materials to minerals, glass & ceramics, leather, environmental engineering and much more.During the 75 years of its momentous journey, products, processes and technologies rolling out of the precincts of CSIR laboratories have impacted several sectors crucial for the country’s growth – from ushering in food security through forays in the agriculture sector to kick-starting the pharmaceutical industry, from initiating R&D in the aerospace sector to explorations in oceanography, from increasing farmers’ incomes through new crop packages to rejuvenating the leather industry, from providing clean drinking water to villages and remote areas to providing critical inputs for building roads – to name only a few.
Some CSIR technologies that are well known in the public domain include Amul baby food; Nutan stove; Saheli non- steroidal once-a-week oral contraceptive pill for women, now a part of the National Family Planning Program; ‘E-mal’ for drug resistant malaria; Asmon herbal therapeutic for asthma;
‘Flosolver’– India’s first parallel computer; Swaraj and Sonalika tractors, and the indelible ink that adorns the fi nger of a proud Indian voter at the time of the democratic exercise of the general or state elections.
The roots of CSIR were planted in September 1942 when optimism outweighed the impediments of national freedom. Envisioned to be a partner for the national goal of industrialisation for the country’s socio-economic development, CSIR has grown in strength and size and truly acquired a pan- India presence.
Today, it is ranked 9th in the world amongst 1207 government institutions, with an overall global ranking of 75 in the world, covering 5250 institutions. According to the Nature Innovation Index 2017, CSIR is ranked at 162 and IITs at 185 in the Top 200 institutions world-wide. Among Top 50 global institutions by normalised WIPO patent families, CSIR is at 16, and is the only Indian organisation in this top 50 list.
The CSIR today is the largest public funded R&D organisation in the world, with a network of 38 national laboratories, 39 outreach centres and fi ve units. The scientifi c staff of CSIR constitutes only about 3-4% of India’s scientifi c manpower but contributes to nearly 10% of India’s scientifi c outputs.
The contributions of CSIR have always been aligned to the national needs. Pursuing cutting edge science and advancing knowledge frontiers, these contributions range from technologies for import substitution to development of specifi c industry segments and from capacity creation in sectors of economic importance to taking strides towards global S&T leadership. CSIR has contributed signifi cantly for India’s strategic sector as well.
CSIR is also committed to deliver the desired knowledge base for the Government’s missions, such as ’Make in India’,
‘Innovate in India’, ‘Swachh Bharat’, ‘Swasth Bharat’,
‘Namami Gange’, ‘Digital India’, ‘Skill India’ and ‘Start-up India’.
Building and Nurturing Nation’s S&T Human Capital CSIR’s role in S&T human resource development is noteworthy.
It nurtures Young Researchers to mature into Young Scientists through the desired training and supports them through fellowships, namely, Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), Senior Research Fellowship (SRF), Research Associateship, etc. It also provides extra mural research funding to public-funded institutions.
Creating Nation’s Intellectual Property Portfolio
Pioneer of India’s intellectual property movement, CSIR today is strengthening its patent portfolio to carve out global niches for the country in select technology domains. CSIR is granted 90% of US patents granted to any Indian publicly funded R&D organisation.
On an average CSIR fi les about 300 Indian patents and 250 foreign patents every year. Amongst its peers in publicly funded research organisations in the world, CSIR is a leader in terms of fi ling and securing patents worldwide. CSIR has fi led 1027 patent applications in India and 1485 patent applications abroad while it was granted 448 Indian patents and 1268 foreign patents during 2014-15 to 2017-18.
Creating Scientifi c
Knowledgebase – Delivering
Technology
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The efforts of Team-CSIR are now fully devoted to high quality innovative science and R&D, which fulfi lls the aspirations of society. Our Government, led by Hon’ble Prime Minister, who is also the President of the CSIR Society, has envisioned goals and outcomes for India. We are fully committed to these, in step with other scientifi c wings of the country, with our Mantra – ‘the best of Science for best technological solutions’.
Dr. Girish Sahni
DG, CSIR and Secretary, DSIR
Aerospace – Strengthening the Ecosystem
CSIR plays a pivotal role in creating an enabling ecosystem for aerospace technology deployment in the country by providing advanced technology solutions with strong science footing.
With its growing involvement in the Indian space programme, its multidisciplinary activities and global positioning, CSIR provides necessary support to all major National aerospace programmes which include aircraft, missiles, launch vehicles, satellites, defence systems and
services. CSIR’s contributions in the area include Drishti (visibility measurement system for Indian airports), Dhvani (state-of-the-art marksmanship system for the Indian army), Head-Up Display for aircraft pilots, Hansa (a trainer aircraft), CNM5 (a five seater multipurpose aircraft), technology components for Tejas, etc.
Agro-Food Technologies – Innovating for Socio-economic Transformation
CSIR has been contributing signifi cantly for socio-economic transformation in the country through food and food processing and agro-technologies. CSIR efforts are focused on important medicinal & aromatic and dye plants, fl oriculture and the development of agriculture-related machines/devices to enhance the income of farmers. CSIR has developed many new varieties of medicinal, aromatic and economic plants along with development of processes/machines for their value addition. Recently, it has launched Aroma Mission to leverage
Solar Tree
Ksheer Scanner Streptokinase
Anti-diabetes Herbal formulation - BGR-34
Divya Nayan – Portable Reading Machine for Visually Impaired and Low-literacy Populations
Head Up Display for LCA Air Force
Head Up Display for LCA Navy
the national capacity in this important domain of economic importance.
In the food sector, the focus is on innovative interventions at the farm level that cuts the colossal losses, post-harvest processing technologies for fruits and vegetables adopted by small units for rural India and managed by Self Help Groups, nutritious food products and food supplements to help address malnutrition and products for mid-day meal programme.
Healthcare – Affordability, Accessibility and Availability for All
It is signifi cant that 11 of the 14 new drugs developed in independent India are from CSIR. CSIR’s expertise and skills across domains such as chemistry, chemical biology, microbiology, biotechnology, disease biology, diagnostics and therapeutics against neglected and chronic diseases, biologics, characterised herbal formulations, and identifi cation of new drug targets to fasten drug discovery, gives it a unique positioning for pursuing the much needed inter-disciplinary
Many a First – CSIR Leading and Paving the Way
• First to develop baby milk powder from buffalo milk with excellent digestibility
• First to develop indelible ink used in election for indelible mark
• First to develop non-steroidal once a week oral contraceptive pill ‘Saheli’ for women
• First to develop indigenous tractor Swaraj – leading a helping hand in the Green revolution
• First ever fl owering of tissue-cultured bamboo with discovery of one of the smallest protein molecules – seminal plasmin
• First to extract poly-metallic nodules from the ocean bed
• First to build an all-composite small aircraft (Hansa) and 5-seater multipurpose aircraft CNM-5
• First of its kind broad spectrum refl ectance spectroscopy based confocal microscope using supercontinuum light source
• First in world bio-processing technology for leather, leading to paradigm shift in leather processing
• First hand-held battery operated micro PCR – patented in over 100 countries
• First of its kind portfolio of Streptokinase – a vital, life saver injectable drug for cardiac problems
• First of its kind DNA based Macro Chip for detection of eye infections –covering different organisms in one test within seven to eight hours, as compared to the conventional 3-7 days
CSIR Initiatives – Addressing Emerging Needs
• Leveraging Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) for meeting the needs of the country and economic value creation.
• Enhancing Industry Partnerships and Last Mile Linkages: with the objective to accelerate technology deployment and commercialisation at large scale.
• Enhancing S&T based entrepreneurship and job creation to build a structured large scale Skill Development Initiative that meets the demands of the country using the state-of-the-art infrastructure and human resources of CSIR.
• Progressive Human Resource Policies to attract and retain the best talents.
CSIR Awards – Fostering and Promoting S&T Excellence
Recognition of outstanding S&T achievements is as important as its related planning and pursuit. CSIR provides support through awards, fellowships, grants to encourage S&T pursuits in the country.
CSIR has put in place frameworks by way of prizes and awards that recognise S&T excellence and important and outstanding contributions in the diverse S&T fi elds. Some of these include: Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (SSB) Prize; CSIR Young Scientist Awards; CSIR Award for S&T Innovations for Rural Development (CAIRD); CSIR Diamond Jubilee Technology Award (CDJTA); CSIR Technology Awards; and Prof. G. N. Ramachandran Gold Medal for Excellence in Biological Sciences & Technology.
To instill scientifi c temper in young minds, CSIR has also institutionalised the CSIR Innovation Award for School Children (CISAC) for recognising original creative technological designs by children.
Wax Plant dedicated to the Nation CSIR Technology comes into Operation at Numaligarh Refi nery Limited (NRL)
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and trans-disciplinary R&D activities.
Notable achievements of the CSIR are: Streptokinase – Natural Streptokinase, India’s fi rst indigenous clot buster for heart attacks, followed by recombinant, third and fourth generation patented versions; Risorine (a new drug formulation against TB that enhances the bio-availability of Rifampicin, eliminating the need for high doses of the drug), Prostalyn (herbal formulation for treating prostate cancer), Once-a-week family planning pill ‘Centchroman’, ‘Arteether’ (anti-malarial drug), ‘Memory Sure’ (memory-enhancing drug), ‘Asmon’
(asthma drug), a number of traditional knowledge based Anti- arthritis herbal formulations, Anti-fungal herbal formulation, etc. CSIR has recently launched the phytopharmaceutical mission which would position India globally, utilizing the wealth of phyto and traditional knowledge wisdom.
Microbial Technology and Modern Biotechnology
In the domain of microbial technology, CSIR’s efforts are focused on basic and applied R&D in genetic engineering and optimizing the microbial processes. CSIR develops and maintains gene pool resources and genetic stocks of microbial cultures and other cell lines. It also designs and develops process equipment and bioreactors.
Its signifi cant contributions include Superoxide Dismutase (used in cosmetics, food and pharmaceutical industries for developing anti-ageing creams, extending shelf life of fruits
& vegetables and during cryo-surgery and preservation of organelles); metal gluconates; energy effi cient alcohol technology; alkaline protease; alpha amylase; microbial whole cell biocatalysts, etc.
Chemicals and Chemical Technology – Making of the World Leaders
CSIR has been instrumental in providing innovative solutions to problems faced by Indian Industry, and in the process, has addressed numerous societal challenges in the areas of drugs
& pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, oils, lipids, catalysis, functional materials, etc.
The seminal contributions of CSIR in chemistry have led to the global leadership positioning of the nation in generic drugs, leather, specialty chemicals, etc. Some recent notable achievements are: Novel processes for ATBS, hydrazine
hydrate (used in agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals and for water treatment) and misoprostol (drug used for medical abortion);
UF membranes for water purifi cation; sulphate of potash;
biogas, etc.
CSIR has launched a mission on chemical intermediates and APIs which endeavours to fi nd and address the demand and supply gap of chemicals and processes pertinent to the Indian chemical industry and develop cost-effective environment friendly technologies.
Also, CSIR has launched a mission on catalysis for sustainable development recognising that while most of the conventional catalysts are tuned for fossil feedstock, the challenge is to develop effi cient catalysts for converting renewables at benign and near ambient conditions. Addressing this challenge, the mission adopts a multi-pronged approach utilising thermochemical/electrochemical/photochemical/photo electrocatalytic methods in the process development.
Petroleum – Global Orientation
In the petroleum sector, CSIR has helped break the stranglehold of the near cartel situation in technology. Its contributions have been wide ranging– fromoilfi eld chemicals and additives for drilling and transportation to the state-of-the-art refi nery processes. Achievements of CSIR in the sub-domains of catalysis and new materials are also noteworthy.
Leather and Leather Technologies – National Capacity Building, Global Positioning
CSIR has placed India at the forefront globally in leather and leather technologies creating new industry and promoting jobs across the country and is now poised for diversifi cation to sustain its leadership position.The Indian leather product sector is entering the centre stage of the industry and preparing itself for turning a new leaf in the changing economic order. Global repositioning of Indian leather products has become essential.
Glass and Ceramics
CSIR has in place a unique knowledgebase which includes technologies for glass forming machines and glass linked equipment, various types of optical glasses, laser glasses, radiation shielding glasses, infra-red transmitting filters, synthetic quartz single crystal, high temperature protective enamels, high alumina ceramic seals and spacers. It has strong partnership with the strategic sector as well.
Solar Tree
Simultaneous production of pure benzene and US Grade Gasoline
Technology implemented at Jamnagar Refi nery, Reliance Industries Ltd.
(RIL)
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Electronics & Instrumentation
CSIR has been an active player in assisting electronics, instrumentation and process control industry in technology development, absorption, upgradation and diversifi cation.
Hand-held Ksheer Scanner for testing milk adulteration is one such example.
CSIR supports the Health Sector by its low-cost innovations in the areas of medical diagnostics/devices based on micro sensors, novel prosthetic aids and robotic aids for surgery. Further, in the agro sector, crop health monitoring, agro-produce gradation, nondestructive quality assessments and post-harvest monitoring and control to reduce losses are some important areas where signifi cant interventions have been brought in. In addition, CSIR has provided strong support for electronics related to pollution control devices and developing photo-voltaics in the energy sector.
In order to further leverage the translational research effort in the domain, CSIR has launched a mission on Intelligent Systems addressed at technology development for unmet needs, leveraging artifi cial intelligence based techniques in consonance with advanced electronics.
Infrastructure Engineering – Building and Strengthening National Capacity
CSIR has contributed significantly in the domain of infrastructure engineering. It has been catalysing and enabling the infrastructure planning particularly of the roads, buildings and bridges by providing up-to-date knowledgebase and human resources through strategic alliances. It lays special emphasis on the development of alternate construction materials utilising waste and economising on energy.
Earth Sciences, Ecology and Environment – Minding and Mindful of Nature
CSIR has been a major contributor in evolving national policies for environmental management and building up competencies for judicious resource management. It carries out application- oriented research on Earth resources and natural hazards assessment. CSIR efforts have helped in understanding the processes that influence extreme climatic events besides identifying land and offshore regions for resources. CSIR scientists also investigate disasters and suggest ways to minimise the damage thereof.
Desired knowledgebase has been delivered to mitigate
the environmental pollution be it for air, water and ground pollution, with a focus on green technology and green products, enabling thus a clean ecosystem.
Development of Rural Areas – Keeping the Social Promise As a socially conscious organisation, CSIR has been providing the knowledgebase needed for socio-economic development inthe country. It has developed S&T interventions for problems in rural areas and those of people at the base of the economic pyramid. These S&T interventions are for improving the quality of life and augmenting the income levels of people, particularly in rural areas. Technologies developed for affordable housing and cold mix technology for rural roads are worth mentioning.
CSIR – The Path Ahead
CSIR is repositioning itself towards technology and intellectual property development, translation and commercialisation with a major focus on enhancing industrial competitiveness and entrepreneurship. CSIR today is focused in a major way on “Technology Innovation and Translational Research and Commercialisation” to achieve the national goals.
CSIR is also focusing on solving the problems faced by the common people, through desired scientifi c and technological interventions. On the societal front, other mandates include large-scale skill development and employment generation.
Thematic approach to harness multi-disciplinary talent and infrastructure for solving specifi c challenges in identifi ed sectors is a focused new initiative being pursued by the CSIR. Thematic Directorates have been formed and cover specifi c sectors:
(i) Aerospace, Electronics, and Instrumentation &
Strategic Sectors;
(ii) Civil Infrastructure & Engineering;
(iii) Ecology, Environment, Earth & Ocean Sciences and Water;
(iv) Mining, Minerals, Metals and Materials;
(v) Chemicals (including leather) and Petrochemicals;
(vi) Energy (conventional and non-conventional) and Energy devices;
(vii) Agri, Nutrition & Biotech; and (viii) Healthcare.
The Theme Directorates are envisaged to provide for greater alignment to and for enhancing industrial/stakeholder focus of CSIR R&D activities. The roadmap and activities of each theme would focus on substantial contributions towards each of the parameters – public good, private good, strategic good and societal good.
Sustenance of the Indian Tannery Sector and mitigation of environmental pollution
Dr. Girish Sahni is Director General of the Council of Scientifi c & Industrial Research (CSIR) and Secretary, Department of Scientifi c
& Industrial Research (DSIR), Anusandhan Bhawan, Rafi Marg, New Delhi-110001.
Dr. Sahni has led teams responsible for producing technology for Indian’s fi rst indigenous clot- buster drug-natural streptokinase - and recently developed fourth generation anti-thrombotic clot buster.
Email: dgcsir@csir.res.in
