Stating that there was a huge potential for life sciences-related research in Defence Research and Development Organisation, R. Appavuraj, Director of Proof and Experimental Establishment (PXE) of DRDO in Odisha, welcomed young scientists to explore the opportunities provided by the DRDO.
Inaugurating the 9th national conference of National Academy of Biological Sciences at Madurai Kamaraj University here on Thursday, Mr. Appavuraj said that while many were of the view that DRDO focused mainly on military equipment, it carried out research in various fields. “It has institutions such as Defence Food Research Laboratory and Snow and Avalanche Study Establishment, where many scientists from life sciences work,” he said, adding that many agricultural scientists, particularly from Tamil Nadu, were involved in research work at the DRDO.
Lauding the conference organisers for choosing a relevant theme of ‘New biological researches: opportunities and challenges for sustainable development,’ Mr. Appavuraj recollected his work with former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. “Dr. Kalam gave utmost importance to environment-related issues. Once, on our Chandipur campus, he changed the site we had earmarked for construction of a guest house as it involved felling of trees,” he said.
Speaking at the inauguration, S. Natarajan, Vice-Chancellor, Gandhigram Rural Institute, highlighted the importance of finding solutions to mitigate the adverse impact of climate change. “It is estimated that rice and wheat production may dwindle to 30 per cent by 2030 and climate change will also bring down our gross domestic product by 1.8 per cent to 3.4 per cent,” he said. “Hill and coastal ecosystems will be the worst affected and young scientists have a major role in coming up with solutions to face these impacts,” he said.
‘Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Memorial NABS – Life Time Achievement Award’ was conferred on K. Ramasamy, Vice-Chancellor of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, and ‘Prof. S. Kannaiyan Memorial Award’ was conferred on R.R Hanchinal, Chairman, Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority, on the occasion.
K. Muthuchelian, Chairperson, School of Energy, Environment and Natural Resources at the MKU and organising secretary of the two-day conference, said that nearly 400 delegates from diverse fields would be presenting their research papers at the conference. ‘Bioinformatics, bar coding and benefit sharing in biodiversity,’ a book authored by Mr. Muthuchelian was released.
G. Valli, VC of Mother Teresa Women’s University; S. Sudalaimuthu, VC of Karpagam Academy of Higher Education; V.A. Parthasarathy, president of NABS; D.J. Bagyaraj, vice-president; T. Marimuthu, secretary; Kirti Singh, Chairperson, World Noni Research Foundation; and K. Shiva Shankar, president, Environment Protection Institute, offered felicitations.
