Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh on Saturday dedicated to the nation the first-of-its-kind eco-educational hub ‘Prakriti Gyan Dham’, developed by the CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute (CSIR-NBRI) at the Maharishi Parashar Bioresource Centre in Banthra, Lucknow.
The facility aims to bridge the gap between scientific research and society by bringing together botanical heritage, biodiversity conservation, environmental education and experiential learning.
Speaking at the inauguration, Singh called for taking scientific institutions beyond their laboratories and campuses and making their technologies, innovations and success stories more accessible to farmers, entrepreneurs, students, industry and the wider public.
He emphasised the need for greater use of digital and social media platforms to showcase technologies and scientific initiatives that can create livelihood opportunities. He also called for greater coordination among departments and ministries working on similar or complementary projects to maximise the social impact of scientific research.
The Eco-Educational Hub has been designed as a living repository of India’s botanical and cultural heritage. It provides visitors with an interactive environment to learn about plant diversity, conservation and the practical applications of plant science.
A key attraction of the facility is the PAaVan Path (Plants and Associated Vegetations for Appreciating Nature), an interpretive heritage trail featuring curated plant collections representing different ecological regions and vegetation types.
The Indian Heritage Garden houses trees propagated from historically significant locations across the country. These include the Bawan Imli Tamarind Tree from Fatehpur, associated with the sacrifice of 52 freedom fighters; the Mother Dussehri Mango Tree from Lucknow; the Patalpuri Banyan of Prayagraj; a mango tree planted by Mahatma Gandhi at Bhitiharwa in Champaran; and descendants of trees associated with the Dandi March route in Gujarat.
QR-enabled audio systems have also been installed in the garden, allowing visitors to access historical, cultural and botanical information about the heritage trees through their smartphones.
The Vibhav Enclave, dedicated to threatened plants of India, showcases rare and endangered species and raises awareness about biodiversity loss, habitat degradation, climate change and the conservation of plant genetic resources.
Another section, the Bhairav Enclave, features officially designated State Plants of different states and Union Territories and highlights their ecological, cultural and symbolic significance.
The Hub also houses a Bamboosteum, featuring 43 indigenous and exotic bamboo species. The facility highlights bamboo’s potential as a renewable bioresource for ecological restoration, carbon sequestration, soil conservation, traditional crafts, green infrastructure and sustainable livelihoods.
CSIR technologies transferred to industry and women entrepreneurs
The programme also highlighted CSIR-NBRI’s efforts to take scientific research from laboratories to the marketplace and communities.
An herbal formulation for male reproductive health, developed in collaboration with Himalaya, was formally launched during the event.
Four plant-based technologies – Herbal Anti-Dandruff Hair Care Oil, Frotus: Lotus-inspired Perfume, Frotus: Rudra Perfume and Herbal Nano Serum – were transferred to the Kudumbashree State Poverty Eradication Mission in Kerala. The initiative is aimed at supporting women-led entrepreneurship and livelihood generation through science-based products.
CSIR-NBRI also transferred its Design and Development of a Low-Cost Photobioreactor technology to Lucknow-based Witwake Solutions Pvt. Ltd., strengthening the link between scientific research and industrial applications.
Singh said such technology transfers should not remain limited to individual projects but should be systematically showcased so that potential users and stakeholders can identify scientific solutions that can contribute to livelihoods and economic opportunities.
He also stressed the importance of integrating efforts across government departments, ministries and scientific institutions wherever their objectives overlap.
The Minister appreciated CSIR-NBRI’s contribution to translating plant science research into technologies and products for farmers, industry and the public. He also underlined the importance of combining traditional knowledge with modern scientific technologies to address environmental and climate-related challenges.
During the programme, Singh released a documentary on India’s Heritage Gardens, highlighting the country’s botanical wealth and the historical, cultural and ecological significance associated with its plant diversity.
CSIR-NBRI Director Dr Zabeer Ahmed said the Eco-Educational Hub had been conceived as a living repository of India’s botanical diversity, providing an immersive platform for students, researchers, educators, nature enthusiasts and the general public.
The facility is expected to serve as a destination for experiential learning and public engagement by combining living plant collections, heritage trails, digital interpretation and technology-oriented initiatives, while strengthening the connection between scientific institutions, society and nature.
The programme was attended by Dr G.N. Singh, Advisor (Health) to the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister; Dr Ajit Kumar Shasany, Vice-Chancellor of Central University of Odisha; senior scientists, researchers and beneficiaries of the CSIR Floriculture Mission, among others.
