The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) – National Metallurgical Laboratory today celebrated the 85th CSIR Foundation Day at NML Auditorium. Chief Guest of the programme, Shri Anupam Misra, Chairman & Managing Director, Hindustan Copper Ltd.; Dr. Indranil Chattoraj, Former Director, CSIR-NML; Dr. Sandip Ghosh Chowdhury, Director, CSIR-NML; Dr. J.K. Sahu, Chairman of the programme and Shri Jay Shankar Sharan, Controller of Administration, CSIR-NML were present there in the dias.
The function started with lighting of the ceremonial lamp, followed by National Song of India: Vande Mataram. Dr. Sandip Ghosh Chowdhury, Director, CSIR-NML welcomed dignitaries, NML Retirees, scientists and invitees present.
*Dr. Sandip Ghosh Chowdhury* , Director, CSIR-NML said, we gather to celebrate a national institution, a scientific legacy, and an idea that has shaped India's journey towards technological self-reliance. Today, we celebrate 85 years of CSIR. Eighty-five years ago, when the foundations of modern scientific India were being laid, the vision was clear: India must build the capacity to create knowledge, develop technology, and use science as an instrument of national transformation. At the heart of that vision stood a remarkable scientist and institution builder—Dr. Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar, the founding Director of CSIR. Dr. Bhatnagar understood something that remains profoundly relevant today: science cannot remain confined to laboratories; it must ultimately touch the lives of people and strengthen the nation.
Dr. Chowdhury added NML was created with a national purpose—to build India's capabilities in metals, minerals, and materials, sectors fundamental to industrial and economic development. Over the decades, generations of NML scientists and engineers have worked at the intersection of science and application, laboratory and industry, knowledge and technology.
As we remember Dr. Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar today, we should remember not only the scientist, but also the institution builder and nation builder. His generation was building the scientific infrastructure of a newly emerging India. Our generation has the responsibility to build India's scientific leadership for the decades ahead.
The Guest of Honour *Dr. Indranil Chattoraj* , emphasized the journey of foundation of CSIR India and valuable contribution made by Dr. S.S. Bhatnagar. He highlighted the vital role of CSIR and NML in achieving India’s vision of Atma Nirbhar Bharat 2047 through indigenous scientific innovation and technological self-reliance. Dr. Chattoraj emphasized developing critical minerals, advanced materials, sustainable manufacturing, recycling, and industrial-scale technologies. He stressed the importance of interdisciplinary research, industry collaboration, and transforming laboratory innovations into practical applications. The address called upon scientists, industries, policymakers, and institutions to work collectively towards technological sovereignty, economic competitiveness, and sustainable national development.
The Chief Guest *Shri Anupam Misra* , CMD, Hindustan Copper Ltd., delivered the Foundation Day lecture. He emphasizes workplace safety, employee welfare, accountability, and a culture of scientific excellence. He also highlighted the importance of bridging research with industrial applications through collaboration. Shri. Misra introduces two important principles for HR management: 24–48 Principle: Leaders working in comfortable office environments must understand the challenges faced by employees working in difficult field conditions. 2–3/20–25 Principle: Leaders serving for a few years should frame policies considering employees who may continue working for another 20–25 years.
He also focused on continuous learning, knowledge sharing, long term planning, strong leadership, innovation and practical implementation for institutional growth and to support Viksit Bharat 2047.
On the 85th CSIR Foundation day, Essay, Quiz and Drawing competitions for the wards of employee were organized. Chief Guest, Shri Anupam Misra gave away the awards for Quiz, Essay and Drawing Competitions, meritorious students awards for CSIR-NML wards. CSIR-NML Employees who have completed 25 years in CSIR and employees who have superannuated during 30th September, 2025 to 31st August, 2026 were felicitated on the occasion.
Shri Jay Shankar Sharan, Controller of Administration, CSIR-NML proposed the vote of thanks.
Meritorious student awards
One time lump sum cash award of Rs. 6,000/-for securing 90% marks or above in each of minimum three science subjects in the Senior Secondary Examination (12th class) held in 2025.
Mr. Soham Verma; Ms. Manya Gupta; Ms. Taniya Sana Runda; Mr. Adarsh Kumar Upadhyay; Mr. Siddhant Dash scored more than 90%; Ms. Taniya Sana Runda scored 100% marks in Computer Science.
*Awardees of following COMPETITION*
Quiz Competition:
Winner : Ms. Vatika Sah and Mr. Abanindra Jena
Runner-up: Dr. A.K. Sahu and Mr. Nadim Parvez
Essay Competition in different category:
First : Mr. Akash Pandey; Mr. Arindam Sen; Ms. Anokhi; Ms. Navya Srivastava
Second: Ms. Shruti Priya; Mr. Nishant Kumar Tiwari; Ms. Priyanshi Sau; Ms. Rima Kumari Mudi
Third: Ms. Prachi Kumari; Mr. Durgesh Kumar; Mr. Saksham Sharma
Drawing Competition in different category:
Ms. Chetal Balla; Mr. Viraansh; Ms. Jeswitha; Ms. Snighdha Bagui; Mr. Kashyap Karthikeya; Mr. Munish; Ms. Anokhi; Ms. Pranavi Guguloth; Ms. Saranya Behera; Ms. Sarbani Behera; Ms. Priyanshi Sau; Ms. Sindhuja Sahoo
