The 25th National Technology Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm on 11 May 2023, by CSIR-Structural Engineering Research Centre (CSIR-SERC) and CSIR Madras Complex (CMC).
The function was presided over by Dr. N. Anandavalli, Director, CSIR-SERC and Coordinating Director, CMC. Dr.V. Thiruppugazh, Chairman, Advisory Committee on Mitigation and Management of Floods in Chennai Metro; Former Additional Secretary (Policy and Plan), National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) was the Chief Guest of the function. Dr. Anandavalli welcomed all the participants on the eve of 25th National Technology Day and mentioned that this day is being celebrated since 1999 to mark India’s technological prowess. She briefed on the National Technology Day and said that this day is celebrated every year to commemorate India’s three significant technological achievements namely, to mark the anniversary of the POKHRAN nuclear tests of 1998, first flight of the indigenously designed HANSA lightweight aircraft and the development of the surface to air missile TRISHUL. Referring to this year’s National Technology Day theme - School to Startups-Igniting Young Minds to Innovate, she spoke on the significance of innovation and creativity in science & technology. She also briefed on the innovative and sustainable technologies developed by CSIR-SERC and CMC during the past year. She also briefed on the technological interventions by CSIR-SERC that acted as solutions for complex engineering problems.
Dr.J. Rajasankar, Chief Scientist, CSIR-SERC, introduced the Chief Guest to the audience. Dr.Thiruppugazh delivered the National Technology Day lecture on Transfer of Technology from Lab to Land for Disaster Management. Dr.Thiruppugazh in his address talked about the global trends of disasters and pointed out that disasters are increasing due to factors such as population, concentration of assets, climate change and urbanization. He pointed out that there is an increasing trend of hydro-meteorological disasters and climate change induced extreme weather events. Briefing on the major disasters in India such as Latur earthquake 1993, Orissa super cyclone, Gujarat earthquake 2001 and Indian ocean tsunami 2004, he pointed out that lack of technology, lack of sophisticated equipment, lack of early warning systems and lack of communication were the major challenges in dealing with these disasters.
He also referred to various initiatives of the government for mitigation and prevention of disasters such as The Gujarat State Disaster Management Act, 2003; Disaster Management Act, 2005 of Govt. of India, setting up of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). He also discussed on the need for technology driven approach to deal with disasters - effective use of science & technology, adopting best global technologies, procurement of best and most appropriate equipment, disaster information system, use of best technology practices, use of drones, big data techniques, etc. He mentioned that most of our responses to disasters are post-disaster interventions and discussed on the need to focus on pre-disaster mitigation and prevention He also stressed on the importance of training & capacity building, standardization & compatibility, importance of principles, focus on need-based research and availability of quality data.
Dr. G.S. Palani, Chief Scientist, CSIR-SERC briefed on the CSIR’s One Week One Lab (OWOL) campaign and mentioned that the OWOL campaign showcases the legacy, exclusive innovations and technological breakthroughs of each CSIR laboratory. The OWOL campaign by CSIR-SERC is scheduled for 5-9 June 2023. The Chief Guest released the OWOL campaign brochures of CSIR-SERC and launched the OWOL website of CSIR-SERC.
Dr. Palani also proposed vote of thanks.