National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), Goa, is organising public lectures as part of the celebrations of the 84th Foundation Day of its parental body Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), at the NIO Auditorium, Dona Paula Goa, at 03.30 PM on 3rd October 2025.
The chief guest of the program Prof. Madhu Dikshit, Distinguished Scientist Chair, Ministry of Ayush, and Former Director, CSIR-CDRI, Lucknow, will speak on the topic ‘From Ancient Wisdom to Modern Science: The Journey of Drug Discovery in India’.
The talk will elaborate on India’s drug discovery journey harmonising ancient wisdom with modern science. It will throw light on the ancient foundations, rooted in Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani, and texts like the Charaka Samhita which documents over 8,000 herbal formulations, including Curcuma longa, Withaniasomnifera and Rauwolfiaserpentina, and thus establishing a rich natural product legacy.
Prof. Dikshit’s talk will also touch upon the FDA-approved drugs that trace their origins to Indian plants, showcasing a synergy of heritage and science to address global health needs.
The programme will see the presence of Prof. Manoj Dhar, Director, Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, and Dr. Ramanuj Narayan, Director, CSIR-Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology, Bhubaneswar, as Guests of Honour. Prof. Dhar, will deliver a talk on ‘Creating an Ecosystem to Produce Next Gen Science Leaders’.
He will highlight the work of AcSIR encompassing 79 associated research institutes, which have uniquely positioned not only as centre of knowledge creation but as vital engine of innovation, economic growth, and social transformation. He will also talk about the recent efforts AcSIR has made to integrate research, teaching, industry collaboration, entrepreneurship, and institutional culture to nurture creativity, problem-solving, and sustainable growth.
Dr. Narayan will talk on the topic ‘Molecular Engineering of Polymeric Materials for Protective & Functional Coatings’. The talk will throw light on how organic coatings or paints are becoming increasingly important for providing corrosion protection along with aesthetics and functional characteristics to the substrates while contributing to sustainability and cost-effectiveness.
He will also speak on the tools like nano technology principles and building block, click chemistry, reactive polymers, cross link density, renewables, sol gel chemistry, trail of new carbon etc. and or their combination that are being used invariably to develop eco-friendly coatings with functional and multifunctional characteristics in addition to protection and aesthetic appeal.
Prof. Sunil Kumar Singh, NIO Director, will also be present at the event.
