By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR: The fourth “Chintan Shivir on CRTDHs Empowering MSMEs” in a series of Chintan Shivirs under CRTDH program of Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, Ministry of Science and Technology culminated at DSIR-CRTDH at CSIR-Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology, Bhubaneshwar.
This Chintan Shivir was organised to strengthen translational research and facilitate collaboration between industry and research institutions and in creating a conducive ecosystem to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge, ideas, and inventions and their practical application in the form of marketable products and services. The CRTDH is playing a significant role by facilitating the creation of state-of-the-art facilities & resources for strengthening the MSME sector and thereby contributing to technological advancement and economic growth of the Country.
The Chintan Shivir was inaugurated by Dr. Sujata Chaklanobis, Scientist-G & Head-CRTDH, DSIR, Dr. Ramanuj Narayan, Director, CSIR-IMMT, Bhubaneshwar and Prof. Manoj K. Dhar, Director, AcSIR. In her recorded video address, Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Secretary, DSIR & DG, CSIR emphasized on the role of DSIR and CRTDHs in promoting entrepreneurship, showcasing local research and innovation, fostering skill development across diverse sectors, and more.
Dr. Sujata Chaklanobis in her inaugural address stated that, Chintan Shivirs were part of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ initiative and are the stepping stone towards fulfilling the initiatives of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji on Startup India, Make in India, and Skill India under the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” strategy.
She emphasized that these initiative aims to enhance economic growth, create job opportunities, and exhibit India’s capabilities on the global stage. Dr. Sujata Chaklanobis highlighted the need of innovation and stated that MSMEs being the pillar of the innovation ecosystem can do wonders in making India global R & D and manufacturing hub. Dr. Ramanuj Narayan, Director, CSIR-IMMT, Bhubaneshwar acknowledged & appreciated DSIR in supporting the CRTDH facility here for R&D endeavors of MSME, startups and individual innovators.
Dr. Narayan envisioned that in years to come, the CRTDH would contribute significantly to the Indian economy, generating employment opportunities and driving innovation. Dr. Yatendra Chaudhary, project coordinator for CRTDH at CSIR-IMMT, Bhubaneshwar started the thematic session by delivering an overview of CRTDH at CSIR-IMMT, Bhubaneshwar, its broader objective, infrastructural facility available, technologies developed & transferred / licensed, MSME connect initiated, issues resolved for MSME, services offered and available opportunities for MSMEs.
As part of MSME connect, a “Samvad” was coordinated by Dr Vipin C Shukla, Scientist-F, DSIR along with project coordinator for CRTDH at CSIR-IMMT, Bhubaneshwar to further discuss the challenges faced by MSMEs/Start-ups/innovators and possible solutions. The ‘Samvad’ concluded with proposition that 5 grand challenges would be identified and it would be addressed appropriately by CRTDH at CSIR-IMMT, Bhubaneshwar.
The other DSIR officials present at the event were Dr Ranjeet Bairwa and Dr Suman Mazumdar. CRTDH team from CSIR-IMMT, Bhubaneshwar, delegates from the Chambers of Commerce, industry associations and representatives from Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), start-ups, individual innovators, Self-help groups were also present at the event.
This Chintan Shivir harnessed the collective wisdom, knowledge, and expertise of the officials and stakeholders. It enabled comprehensive discussions and critical thinking for possible opportunities for MSMEs/Start-ups/innovators at CRTDH at CSIR-IMMT, Bhubaneshwar.
The event concluded with the vote of thanks to Dignitaries, organizers, all stakeholders, press and media persons by Dr. R. Shaktivel, Chief Scientist, CSIR-IMMT, Bhubaneshwar.
