31st Swadeshi Science Congress Inaugurated at ICAR-CIFT, Kochi

31st Swadeshi Science Congress Inaugurated at ICAR-CIFT, Kochi

    The 31st Swadeshi Science Congress being organized by Swadeshi Science Movement, Kerala in association with the ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT), Kochi commenced today. This three-day event, running from November 7 to 9, 2024, is set to explore this year’s theme, “Towards Net Zero Emission: Approaches and Strategies.” The Swadeshi Science Congress, recognized as a key platform for students, researchers, scientists, technocrats, and science communicators, aims to foster discussions and knowledge-sharing on topics vital to India’s scientific and environmental advancement.

    The Congress was inaugurated by Dr. Ch. Srinivasa Rao, Director of the ICAR-National Academy of Agricultural Research Management, Hyderabad.  In his inaugural address, Dr. Ch. Srinivasa Rao emphasized that every sector contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, underscoring the pressing need for coordinated action to reduce them. He referenced the 2015 Paris Agreement, which set a long-term goal of limiting the global temperature increase to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, ideally aiming for a limit of only 1.5°C to mitigate severe climate impacts. To meet these targets, he explained, global greenhouse gas emissions must reach net zero.

    Dr. Rao also highlighted India’s key role in the adoption of the Paris Agreement, describing how the country’s leadership helped secure international consensus. By ratifying the Agreement, India reinforces its commitment to environmental protection and climate justice.

    He further pointed to other urgent challenges, particularly waste management, with a focus on reducing plastic pollution. Dr. Rao called on every citizen to take part in climate action, stressing individual responsibility in reducing waste, preventing food loss, and supporting sustainable practices. “Climate change mitigation is a responsibility shared by all,” he concluded, underscoring the importance of collective action.

    Dr. George Ninan, Director of ICAR-CIFT, presiding over the function.  Dr. P. Raveendran, Vice Chancellor of Calicut University, was the Guests of Honour. Dr. Nikita Gopal, Head of Extension, Information & Statistics at ICAR-CIFT; Dr. Dinesh C. N., Professor at KVASU, Mannuthi; Er. Rajeev C Nair, Secretary of the Swadeshi Science Movement-Kerala (SSM-K);   and Dr. K. Muralidharan, President of the Swadeshi Science Movement-Kerala (SSM-K) also spoke.

    Dr. M. Prabhakar, Principal Scientist, ICAR-Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture, delivered a keynote address focused on the Congress theme.  Additionally, the Sv. Parameswarji Memorial Lecture were delivered by Er. P.A Vivekananda Pai, Secretary General of Vijnana Bharati, and the C. V. Raman Memorial Lecture delivered by Prof. C. Vijayan,  retired professor from IIT Madras. Over 200 papers will be presented in 14 sessions during the congress. The valedictory function, scheduled for November 9. Shri George Kurian, Hon’ble Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, Dairying, and Minority Affairs will be the Chief Guest.

Dr. C.H. Srinivasa Rao, Director of ICAR-National Academy of Agricultural Research Management, Hyderabad, speaks at the inauguration of the 31st Swadeshi Science Congress. Also present on stage (from left): Er PA Vivekananda Pai, Secretary General of Vijnana Bharati; Dr. George Nainan, Director of ICAR-CIFT; Dr. P. Ravindran, Vice Chancellor of Calicut University; Rajeev C. Nair, Secretary of the Swadeshi Science Movement, Kerala; and Dr. K. Muralidharan, President of the Swadeshi Science Movement, Kerala.

Dr. C.H. Srinivasa Rao, Director of ICAR-National Academy of Agricultural Research Management, Hyderabad, inaugurates the 31st Swadeshi Science Congress