Dr Jitendra delivers ‘Platinum Jubilee’ address at Kolkata’s premier Glass-Ceramics Institute
STATE TIMES NEWS
KOLKATA: The CSIR-Central Glass & Ceramic Research Institute (CGCRI), Kolkata, concluded its year-long Platinum Jubilee celebrations, commemorating 75 years of pioneering contributions in glass and ceramic science.
At the closing ceremony held at the M.N. Saha Auditorium, Union Minister of Science and Technology and Earth Sciences Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between scientific institutions and industry to accelerate India’s technological growth.
Dr. Singh called for Indian research institutes to move beyond government dependency and actively engage with industry to foster innovation and economic impact. He cited successful examples like lavender cultivation in Jammu & Kashmir and COVID-19 vaccine development, where industry partnerships transformed research into livelihood opportunities and market-ready products. Stressing integration, he noted that emerging sectors such as semiconductors, green hydrogen, and quantum technologies require joint efforts between institutions, departments, and industry.
He praised CGCRI for its rich legacy since its inception in 1950 as one of CSIR’s earliest laboratories. The institute has significantly contributed to India’s development by supporting traditional industries and advancing high-tech innovations such as optical glass, radiation-shielding materials, insulating bricks from waste, and bio-ceramics for healthcare.
CGCRI’s work aligns with national missions including Atmanirbhar Bharat, Make in India, and Jal Jeevan Mission, and it maintains active collaborations with partners across Europe, the USA, and Asia.
The ceremony featured a welcome address, lamp lighting, and special remarks from academic leaders including Prof. Indranil Manna (BIT Mesra) and Prof. Suman Chakraborty (IIT Kharagpur), during which MoUs were signed to strengthen collaborative research. Prof. Ashutosh Sharma (IIT Kanpur), Chairman of CGCRI’s Research Council, also addressed the gathering. Dr. Singh unveiled a commemorative plaque titled “Rededicating to the Nation”, visited core research facilities, and released the Pan-CSIR Safety Manual. A video message from former CSIR Director General Dr. Shekhar C. Mande was also screened.
Looking forward, the Minister noted CGCRI’s potential in shaping India’s future through technologies like advanced ceramics, solid oxide electrolyser cells for green hydrogen, quantum materials, and 3D printing.
He urged the institute to nurture young researchers, support startups and artisans, and contribute to India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.
“CGCRI’s legacy proves that science and innovation can shape a nation’s destiny,” Dr. Singh said, calling it a key driver of India’s progress through the Amrit Kaal and beyond.
