41st ICAR-NBPGR FOUNDATION DAY CELEBRATIONS on August 2, 2017

ICAR - NBPGR celebrated its 41^st Foundation day on August 2, 2017 with enthusiasm, fun and frolic. Dr. T. Mohapatra, Secretary, DARE and DG, ICAR was the Chief Guest. Other dignitaries from ICAR Headquarters, Dr. JS Sandhu former DDG (Crop Science), Dr. AK Singh, DDG (Horticulture), Dr. D.K. Yadav, ADG (Seeds) and other ADGs also attended the function. Directors from other ICAR institutes and Dr. KV Prabhu, Joint Director (Research) and HODs of other IARI Divisions also graced the occasion. Like every year, more than fifty senior retired colleagues were felicitated for their contributions and dedication in bringing up the Bureau.

The programme started with the planting of sapling of Parkia roxburghii (Tree bean), a multipurpose tree collected from Assam region. Shri Pallava Bagla, noted Science Editor, NDTV; Correspondent Science & Columnist, PTI delivered the 4th Dr. Harbhajan Singh Memorial Lecture on “Challenges of Communicating Science to the Public: A Journalist’s Perspective”. The programme also witnessed the launch of an Online Plant Germplasm Registration System (GRIS) by the honourable DG, Dr. T. Mohapatra. This was followed by the release of a book on “Cryopreservation of Plant Species- Practical Approaches from Handling to Cryobanking”. Best Worker Awards (7) and Appreciation Certificates (7) to staff members were also distributed by the Chief Guest. Scientists from Bureau family, Drs. Ravi Khetarpal, RK Tyagi, JC Rana and SK Malik were complimented for their new assignments. The event concluded with a colourful cultural programme that was rejoiced by all.