NEW DELHI: Science and technology minister Jitendra Singh on Saturday dedicated to the nation the first-of-its-kind CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute (CSIR-NBRI) ‘eco-educational hub’ ‘Prakriti Gyan Dham’ at Maharishi Parashar Bioresource Centre (MPBC) in Lucknow.Calling for taking the work of scientific institutions closer to society, Jitendra Singh said the outreach of scientific institutions should go beyond laboratories and institutional campuses, with greater use of digital and social media platforms to showcase successful technologies and initiatives so that farmers, entrepreneurs, students, industry and other stakeholders are able to access scientific solutions and opportunities for livelihood generation. He also called for greater integration of similar and complementary projects across departments and ministries, enabling institutions to work together and maximise the societal impact of scientific research and innovation.The Eco-Educational Hub represents a convergence of scientific research, environmental education, biodiversity conservation, botanical heritage and cultural interpretation. Developed as a first-of-its-kind eco-educational facility, it has been conceived as a living repository of India’s rich botanical and cultural legacy, offering an immersive environment for students, researchers, educators, nature enthusiasts and the general public.A defining feature of the Hub is PAaVan Path (Plants and Associated Vegetations for Appreciating Nature), an interpretative heritage trail that forms the central experiential component of the campus. The trail takes visitors through curated plant collections representing diverse ecological regions and associated vegetation.At the heart of the Hub is the Indian Heritage Garden, which brings together heritage trees propagated from historically significant locations across the country. The garden includes the Bawan Imli Tamarind Tree from Fatehpur, associated with the sacrifice of 52 freedom fighters; Mother Dussehri Mango Tree from Lucknow; Patalpuri Banyan of Prayagraj; Mango Tree planted by Mahatma Gandhi at Bhitiharwa, Champaran; and descendants of trees associated with the historic Dandi March route in Gujarat. The garden also uses QR-enabled audio systems to provide visitors with historical, cultural and botanical information about the heritage trees through their smartphones, converting the landscape into an interactive learning space. Another major attraction is the Bamboosteum, which houses 43 indigenous and exotic bamboo species.Another major attraction is the Bamboosteum, which houses 43 indigenous and exotic bamboo species. The facility demonstrates the importance of bamboo as a renewable bioresource with applications in ecological restoration, carbon sequestration, soil conservation, sustainable livelihoods, traditional craftsmanship and green infrastructure. The hub’s science-to-society orientation was also reflected in the technologies and products launched and transferred during the programme. An herbal formulation for male reproductive health, developed in collaboration with Himalaya, was formally launched.The event was attended by G N Singh, adviser (health) to the UP CM; Ajit Kumar Shasany, vice-chancellor, Central University of Odisha; Zabeer Ahmed, director, CSIR-NBRI and CSIR-IIIM Jammu.
