ICAR Sugarcane Breeding Institute Marks National Science Day

National Science Day was celebrated at the ICAR-Sugarcane Breeding Institute, Coimbatore, on February 27 as an Open Day under the theme Women In Science Catalyzing Towards Viksit Bharat.
The event showcased the institute’s research, technologies and innovations, drawing enthusiastic participation from students and teachers across the district.
Visitors were taken on guided tours to the Institute Museum, science exhibition, tissue culture laboratory and the sugarcane-based farming system unit.
Demonstrations of institute-developed products, drone applications and jaggery processing offered hands-on exposure to agricultural science.
Students interacted with scientists, watched institutional films and sampled fresh sugarcane juice, making it an immersive learning experience.
The afternoon session featured the National Science Day Lecture at the Centenary Seminar Hall. Dr P Govindaraj, Director, ICAR-Sugarcane Breeding Institute, in his presidential address, recalled the contributions of legendary scientist Dr E K Janaki Ammal, who had served at the institute.
He emphasised the pivotal role of science and technology in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Dr Parvathi Vaidyanathan, Consultant Psychotherapist and Clinical Director at the Child Development Centre, Sri Ramakrishna Hospital, Coimbatore, was the chief guest.
Delivering an interactive lecture titled Different Brains Shared Excellence, she spoke about balancing personal and professional life and highlighted the importance of mental well-being in achieving
excellence. Dr T Rajula Shanthy, Principal Scientist and Head of Extension, coordinated the event and said more than 1,050 visitors, including students and teachers from various schools and colleges in Coimbatore district, attended the programme.
She noted that the curiosity and probing questions from students provided fresh impetus for research.
Dr A Ramesh Sundar, Principal Scientist and Head, Division of Crop Protection, welcomed the gathering, while Dr K Kannan, Principal Scientist and Head, Division of Crop Production, proposed the vote of thanks.