The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh, dedicated the first‑of‑its‑kind Eco‑Educational Hub ‘Prakriti Gyan Dham’ developed by CSIR‑NBRI at the Maharishi Parashar Bioresource Centre, Banthra, Lucknow.
Key Developments
- Launch of the Eco‑Educational Hub with interactive trails, heritage gardens and a Bamboosteum housing 43 bamboo species.
- Demonstration of technology transfer through four plant‑based products to Kerala’s Kudumbashree Mission for women‑led entrepreneurship.
- Transfer of a low‑cost Photobioreactor design to Witwake Solutions Pvt. Ltd., Lucknow.
- Launch of an herbal formulation for male reproductive health in partnership with Himalaya.
- Release of a documentary on India’s heritage gardens, highlighting botanical and cultural heritage.
Important Features of the Hub
The Hub integrates research, conservation and public education through several themed zones:
- PAaVan Path – an interpretive heritage trail (PAaVan Path) that guides visitors across curated plant collections representing different ecological regions.
- Indian Heritage Garden – hosts heritage trees such as the Bawan Imli Tamarind (linked to 52 freedom fighters) and the mango tree planted by Mahatma Gandhi.
- Vibhav Enclave – displays threatened Indian plant species to raise awareness on biodiversity loss.
- Bhairav Enclave – showcases state‑designated plants of each Indian state and union territory.
- Bamboosteum – demonstrates bamboo’s role as a renewable bio‑resource for livelihood and green infrastructure.
Exam Relevance
For GS‑3 (Science & Technology), the Hub exemplifies how scientific institutions can translate research into societal benefits, a key theme in questions on technology diffusion and innovation ecosystems. The emphasis on digital outreach, QR‑enabled audio guides, and interdisciplinary collaboration aligns with the syllabus on science communication and public‑private partnerships. The heritage trees also intersect with GS‑1 (History) and GS‑2 (Polity) by linking botanical specimens to India’s freedom struggle and cultural memory.
Way Forward
Dr Singh urged scientific bodies to expand digital and social‑media outreach so that farmers, entrepreneurs and students can readily access innovations. He called for integrated projects across ministries to avoid duplication and to maximise impact. Replicating the Hub model in other regions could create a network of experiential learning centres, strengthen rural livelihoods, and deepen public appreciation of India’s botanical wealth.