Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and Nalanda University Sign MoU to Advance Science-Led Sustainable Development, Technology Outreach and Rural Transformation
In a significant step towards integrating science, sustainability and societal development with global higher education, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and Nalanda University (NU) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly promote technology deployment, sustainability, rural development, skill enhancement and scientific outreach. The partnership aims to leverage CSIR's indigenous technologies and Nalanda University's international academic ecosystem to create scalable models of community-centric development while enhancing the global visibility of Indian scientific innovations.
The MoU was exchanged in the presence of Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Director General, CSIR & Secretary, DSIR; Prof. Sachin Chaturvedi, Vice-Chancellor, Nalanda University, and Shri Rudrendra Tandon, Secretary (East), Ministry of External Affairs; and along with senior officials, scientists and faculty members from both institutions.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Sachin Chaturvedi, Vice-Chancellor, Nalanda University, emphasized the importance of scientific social responsibility, observing that while developing technologies is important, identifying those most relevant to society is an equally significant challenge. He said the collaboration with CSIR would advance sustainable development in and around the Nalanda region through deployment of technologies in areas such as model village development, solid waste management, water quality improvement and environmental sustainability, while strengthening the University's engagement with local communities.
Shri Rudrendra Tandon, Secretary (East), Ministry of External Affairs, said that the Hon'ble Prime Minister envisions Nalanda University as a world-class international institution with a vibrant global network of academic and research partnerships. He noted that collaboration with CSIR, India's premier scientific research organisation, would significantly contribute towards realizing this vision. Describing it as one of Nalanda University's most meaningful partnerships, he expressed confidence that the University's students, researchers and surrounding communities would greatly benefit from CSIR's scientific expertise and innovation ecosystem.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Director General, CSIR & Secretary, DSIR, described the occasion as a landmark in the journey of both institutions and appreciated the collective efforts that culminated in the signing of the MoU. She observed that Nalanda University, with its diverse international student community, provides a unique platform for showcasing India's scientific excellence and expanding the global outreach of CSIR technologies.
Highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary approaches, Dr. Kalaiselvi underscored the critical role of social sciences in ensuring the successful adoption of scientific innovations for societal benefit. She highlighted several CSIR mission-mode technologies and initiatives—including solid waste management, soil reclamation, water quality improvement and societal missions—that can be readily implemented at Nalanda University and in surrounding villages. The DG, CSIR proposed taking up at least three focused societal missions during the initial phase of the collaboration to demonstrate measurable impact in the region.
The MoU envisages establishment of a CSIR Technology Gallery at the Nalanda University campus to showcase indigenous technologies developed by CSIR laboratories for students, researchers and international visitors. It also provides a framework for collaboration in sustainable technology deployment, capacity building, rural outreach and knowledge exchange, creating a replicable model of science-led interventions for societal benefit.
The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the Head, Technology Management Directorate (TMD), CSIR.
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