“DBT-ILS excelled in S&T applications for improving tribal livelihood”
“DBT-ILS excelled in S&T applications for improving tribal livelihood”
New Delhi. Minister of science & technology, earth
sciences and health & family welfare; Dr Harsh Vardhanhas hailed the scientific
contribution of the Institute of Life Science (ILS), Bhubaneshwar, an autonomous
institute of Department of Biotechnology (DBT), on its 32nd
Foundation Day.
‘DBT-ILS has excelled in application of science and
technology for improving livelihoods of the tribal population’, said Dr Harsh
Vardhan. He also praised the scientific achievements of the institute
during COVID-19 pandemic, in his online address. “The institute has sequenced
around 500 viral genomes and established 17 virus cultures that will enable
furthering the research and development efforts of COVID-19 in the coming days.
DBT-ILS has excelled in application of science and technology for improving
livelihoods of the tribal population,” said Dr. Harsh Vardhan. He also appreciated DBT-ILS for testing over
1,50,000 samples from across Odisha.
Dr Harsh Vardhanalso laid the foundation stone for
the “Animal Challenge Study platform” at DBT-ILS and inaugurated Biorepository
for COVID-19 clinical samples at ILS. The Minister dedicated ILS-IBSD
partnership centre to the scientific community of the north east and also launchesdthe
Himalayan Bioresources Mission, on this occasion.
Animal Challenge Study platform at
DBT-ILS will undertake evaluation studies of potential drug and vaccine
candidates. Biorepository for the COVID-19 clinical samples at ILS now holds
more than 1000 samples of nasopharyngeal swabs, blood, urine and saliva etc
from 202 COVID patients. The ILS-IBSD partnership centre aims at skill and
capacity development of scientific communities of North East region, especially
in the area of advanced biotechnology. The Himalayan Bioresources Mission will
carry out advanced research focusing on agriculture, horticulture, medicinal and
aromatic plants, livestock and microbial resources, while taking up
translational research for societal development. Speaking on the occasion, Shri
Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gases, said that DBT-ILS
is one of the premier institutions in Odisha and Eastern India and expressed
satisfaction that ILS is working to create a visible impact on lives and
livelihoods of the people of Odisha. The Minister further said that Odisha’s
coastline has been in focus for Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of a
blue economy. He requested Dr Harsh Vardhan that a Centre of Excellence on
Marine Biotechnology at ILS be set up which will help unlock the true potential
of a marine-led sustainable economic growth in Odisha.
Dr. RenuSwarup, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology, mentioned about the impressive progress made by DBT-ILS particularly in the area of tribal health and nutrition using multi-omics approach which will have far reaching implications. Dr. Ajay Parida, Director, DBT-ILS gave a detailed presentation on the work carried out in the area of research and development, COVID management, societal work as well as entrepreneurship development.
INA NEWS(Initiate News Agency)