ICAR-Sugarcane Breeding Institute (ICAR-SBI) in Coimbatore, India was established in 1912 to tackle problems in sugarcane production through research and development. It has developed numerous high-yielding sugarcane varieties that are cultivated in India and other countries, contributing to increased yields and farmer profits. ICAR-SBI holds the largest collection of sugarcane germplasm in the world. It uses modern techniques like genetic transformation and tissue culture to develop stress-tolerant and high-sugar varieties. The institute has established world-class research facilities and technologies that have significantly improved sugarcane production globally.

1. 2020 | Vol.-03 | Issue-02
INSTITUTE
ICAR-SUGARCANE
BREEDING
Offering
World - Class
Research and
Development
for Improving
Sugarcane
Production
10 BEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE IN INDIA
www.insightssuccess.in

4. Editor’s Note
here is no doubt that India has been a
Tland where science and technology
has a strong hold over the society’s
development. Dating back to the ancient
times where civilization was at its peak at that
time, science and technology had a grip over
all the aspects of how the kingdoms evolved.
Through numerous archeological findings, it
has been revealed that the architecture as
well as scientific development were
exceptionally well.
Since then, there were numerous great
scientists who have contributed to the
development of society. From giving the
world the decimal digits to performing facial
surgery, ancient Indians have contributed
towards various sectors that are present
today.
To name a few, India has given the world
some of the precious works such as
Bose–Einstein statistics by Physicist
Satyendra Nath Bose, Raman scattering or
Raman effect by C.V. Raman, the father of
Indian atomic energy—Homi J. Bhabha, and
so on. Today, India is one of the few nations
where research and development has been
taking place in almost all the verticals. From
science and technology, biosciences,
medicine to applied science, engineering and
space science and astronomy, research and
development in India has been evolving.
The period post the independence had a
major role in shaping the nation what we see
today. Since indepence until today, the
educational system has changed gradually.
This lies true to the research and
development wing as well. From awarding the
THE JOURNEY
OF SCIENCE
AND RESEARCH
“Scientific knowledge is in perpetual evolution;
it finds itself changed from one day to the
next.” - Jean Piaget

5. first Ph.D. at Bombay University to numerous
capable minds presenting their thesis, the
country has indeed developed.
This development not only means an increase
in the number of institutes and universities
offering research oriented courses, it also
means change in the way the students think.
Over the years, we have witnessed a diverse
change in the documentation process and
the development in techniques.
Elevation in the methodologies has been
observed which has ultimately provided us
with a number of complex yet efficient
designs for research and development. In
addition, the quality of research provided by
the institutions has considerably increased.
Due to which, students can receive benefits
for their career growth in all the aspects.
Having said that, in our edition 10 Best
Research Institute in India, we have
presented institutions and universities which
offer world class research facilities to its
students. On the cover we have Sugarcane
Breeding Institute, ICAR.
We are proud to feature the prestigious Indian
Institute of Technology Delhi; Madras Diabetes
Research Foundation (MDRF); Nansen
Environmental Research Centre India (NERCI)
and School of Bio Sciences and Technology,
VIT University, Vellore.
We would also like to mention ICMR Advanced
Centre for Genomics of Diabetes, Chennai;
Kerala Forest Research Institute, Kerala; CSIR -
Central Food Technological Research Institute;
Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology. Apart
from this, we are happy to mention Agharkar
Research Institute and Physical Research
Laboratory (PRL).
Along with this, we have also published an
article on bitgrit’s AI Competition Receives
Over 2,000 Submissions.
Also, we have included an article by one of
our talented inhouse writers.
Happy Reading!
Shambhavi Mhetre
Shambhavi Mhetre

6. CXO
16
20 24
26 34
Cover Story08

7. 08
Sugarcane Breeding Institute
Offering World - Class Research
and Development for Improving
Sugarcane Production
16
Indian Institute of Technology Delhi
A Benchmark of Academic and
Professional Excellence
20
Madras Diabetes Research
Foundation (MDRF)
Offering Progressive Research
and Training Facilities
24
Nansen Environmental Research
Centre (India) : Catering to
Scientific Knowledge and Societal
Needs
26
CONTENTS30
Agri Tech
Agriculture Biotechnology
Revolutionizing Agriculture Process
Globally
In Frame
bitgrit’s AI Competition Receives
Over 2,000 Submissions
MARCH
2020
School of Bio Sciences and
Technology (SBST), VIT University
Providing World-Class Research
Facilities since 1984
34
Article

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We are also available on

10. INSTITUTE
ICAR-SUGARCANEICAR-SUGARCANE
BREEDING
INSTITUTE
Offering
World - Class
Research and
Development
for Improving
Sugarcane
Production
“We aim to meet the growing sugar and energy needs of the country
while providing stability in sugar production. We also ensure
livelihood security of sugarcane farmers through development of
improved sugarcane varieties and cost-effective technologies
“

12. Since ages, India has been known as the land of
agriculture. Though the country is technologically
progressing at the same rate as the microorganisms
progress in the log phase, it still has agriculture deeply
rooted in day to day life. That being said, India stands at the
number one position when it comes to the production of
sugar.
Most of the parts in India have an optimum environment
and enriched soil for the cultivation of sugarcane. Yet, due
to various factors, the quality of sugarcane produce
degrades. Hence, to tackle problems and find a solution by
analyzing the root cause, ICAR - Sugarcane Breeding
Institute, Coimbatore (ICAR - SBI) was established in the
year 1912.
At the time of inception, ICAR - SBI was managed by the
Director of Agriculture, Madras Presidency under British
India. Dr. C. A. Barber was the First Head and Dr. T. S.
Venkatraman was his Assistant. Later in the year 1950,
then Sugarcane Breeding Station (SBS) was handed over to
the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Govt. of India, and
eventually, Indian Council of Agricultural Research
(ICAR), took over the institute in 1969.
There were many eminent scientists like Dr. T.S.
Venkatraman, Dr. Janaki Ammal, Dr. N. L. Dutt, and Dr. N.
Parthasarathy who contributed to the success of ICAR -
SBI. Since 2014, Dr. Bakhi Ram, a 1986 ARS batch plant
breeder nicknamed as ‘cane man of India’ is currently
heading the ICAR-SBI as the Director.
Impactful Research
Funded by ICAR, SBI is full-fledged working on improving
the quality of the sugarcane strains. Through dedicated
research and development, ICAR SBI has been successful
in developing varieties of sugarcane. This ultimately
resulted in high yielding sugarcane variety in the past. The
introduction of the Co variety crops for cultivation has
proven successful in various parts of the world.
Co varieties evolved at this institute have been in
cultivation not only in India, but also in 28 other countries.
Co varieties have been spread to Australia, Bangladesh,
Brazil, Burma, Central Romania, Ceylon, Congo,
Dominican Republic, Egypt, Ghana, Indonesia, Jamaica,
Kenya, Louisiana, Malagasy, Mexico, Natal, Nepal,
Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Rhodesia, Spain, Sri Lanka,
Sudan, Tanzania, Thailand and Uganda. Thus serving the
farming community across the globe.
History was created at then SBS in the year 1918 when
ICAR - SBI produced its first inter-specific sugarcane
hybrid (Co 205). The hybrid evolved by crossing noble
sugarcane Saccharum officinarum with a wild species
Saccharum spontaneum. This hybrid crop showed a higher
amount of sucrose along with the higher amount of cane
yield.
Praising ICAR - SBI, Shri C. Subramaniam, Former Union
Minister of Agriculture, in 1987 made a remark that
“Agricultural sciences owes a great deal to the Sugarcane
Breeding Institute which set the pattern for other
agricultural research to undertake result-oriented work.”

13. ICAR - SBI is a Repository of World Sugarcane
Germplasm and National Service. The institute is holding
and maintaining 7,687 accessions of sugarcane germplasm
which makes it the largest collection in the world. Over
98% of sugarcane varieties grown in India at present are
either developed at this institute or from the fluffs (seeds)
supplied from this institute.
Use of Modern Biology
ICAR - SBI has used the biolistic method, genetic
transformation of sugarcane for the production of a resistant
sugarcane gene (Bar). The institute has also developed
transgenic events of borer tolerance and water stress
tolerance.
Sugarcane can be used as a potential platform for molecular
farming. The institute has developed a technology that
expresses and directs the recombinant protein to the
vacuoles of the stem parenchyma cells, which is the sugar
storage site. This has led to easy extraction and low protein
juice content making downstream processing easier.
Apart from this, new ubiquitin promoter for higher
transgenic expression in sugarcane has been produced by
the researchers at ICAR - SBI. A novel constitutive
ubiquitin promoter named Port ubi2.3 has been isolated
from Porteresia coarctata, a perennial halophytic grass.
The tissue culture technique in sugarcane, standardized by
ICAR - SBI in 1983, has led to the development of
micropropagation techniques. This technique has proven
useful for the rapid multiplication of new sugarcane
varieties and for rejuvenation of the old promising clones.
Seed production in sugarcane is also an integral part of
ICAR - SBI. It has given training to several sugarcane seed
producing agencies and is implemented as a very successful
method of seed production in sugarcane.
Technologies Developed at ICAR - SBI
Ÿ The high sugared early maturing sugarcane variety Co
0238 (Karan 4), which occupied 66.1% (23.04 lakh ha)
of sugarcane area of North India during 2018-19,
combines two negatively correlated economic characters
i.e. cane yield and sugar content has an impact of Co
0238 in U.P., Bihar, Haryana, Punjab and Uttarakhand
the average cane yield increased by 19 t/ha i.e. from
60.0 t/ha in 2013-14 to 79 t/ha in 2017-18 whereas the
sugar recovery increased by 1.49 units from 9.21 % to
10.70 %. Farmers in these states obtained additional
profit of Rs. 45,405 per ha by growing Co 0238. During
the period 2014-15 to 2017-18, this variety generated
an additional return of Rs. 28,795 crores to the farmers
and sugar mills in above subtropical states from sugar
and by-products. Co 0238 has greatly contributed
towards achieving the highest ever sugar production
(32.3 million tonnes) in the country during 2017-18, that
in turn led to a Governments’ Policy decision on
permitting direct conversion of sugarcane juice into
ethanol. Co 0238 thus brought in a Sweet Revolution and
has benefited the farmers and sugar industry in the
country. The sugar industry nicknamed Co 0238 as
‘second wonder cane variety of subtropical India’.
Ÿ Co 86032 is regarded as wonder cane variety of

14. Ÿ tropical India. Evolved from the cross Co 62198 x CoC
671, Co 86032 was released by the CVRC in 2000 for
cultivation in Peninsular Zone. It is single major variety
of Tamil Nadu, Northern Karnataka, Gujarat,
Maharashtra and Telangana for two decades. Co 86032
has contributed farmers in getting 17.50 t/ha to 25.00
t/ha higher cane yield than the old varieties and
increased sugar recovery of mills by 0.40 to 1.50%. The
additional profit earned by sugar factories in Tamil Nadu
due to cultivation of Co 86032 amounted to Rs. 500
million and Rs. 270 million by jaggery farmers, totaling
to about Rs.770 million.
Ÿ ICAR - SBI has developed a simple and farmer-friendly
electronic Soil Moisture Indicator (SMI) device.
Ÿ The institute in collaboration with the ICAR-Central
Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Regional Centre,
Coimbatore has developed a sugarcane settling
transplanting machine.
Ÿ Preservation techniques for storing sugarcane juice and
converting fresh juice to powder for efficient storage and
transport are being standardized.
Ÿ The institute has developed a Sett Treatment Device for
the efficient delivery of fungicides to manage red rot and
smut diseases.
Ÿ Molecular diagnostic techniques such as uniplex-,
duplex- and multiplex RT-PCR were developed for RNA
viruses in the Institute.
Ÿ Plant Pathology lab has been accredited with the
Department of Biotechnology, New Delhi under the
National Certification program of Tissue Culture raised
plants (NCS-TCP) for virus indexing of tissue culture
raised sugarcane plants.
• Virus indexing service is being offered to tissue culture
production labs and this service is being utilized by the
labs in different states.
Robust Facilities
ICAR - SBI has world-class facilities to facilitate the
research and development process. It has developed and
popularised Settling Transplanting Technology in the
sugarcane growing region.
Research and Development Workers meetings are being
organized every year in Tamil Nadu, South Karnataka and
North Karnataka. Wherein the new varieties and varieties in
the pipeline are discussed with cane development personnel
of the sugar factories and state government officials.
Apart from this, frontline demonstrations on recent
technologies and varieties are being conducted in farmers’
fields. For the benefit of farmers based on their demand,
one-day training programs on ‘sugarcane agriculture’ are
conducted in the institute.
Bakhi Ram
Director
Our vision is to make India the
world leader in sugarcane and
sugar production through the
evolution of superior, stress-tolerant
sugarcane varieties and cost-
effective sustainable and input use
efcient crop management
technologies for sugarcane
“
Research
InstituteinIndia
Best
1
“

15. ICAR - SBI also organizes a Kisan Mela of one to three
days duration in the institute/center. The positive
participation of cane growers from all over the country is
observed in this fair. The institute also holds various
awareness campaigns, field days and on-farm training
programs in the village. This helps the farmers know about
the latest varieties and technologies.
Opportunities for students and researchers
ICAR-Sugarcane Breeding Institute, Coimbatore offers a
PG course in Sugarcane Technology (M.Sc) in coordination
with Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) under
Open and Distance Learning mode. This enables personnel
working in sugar mills in the country to qualify themselves
with a higher degree.
In addition, the institute offers facilities to under-graduate
and graduate students to undertake short term projects (3-6
months). It provides exposure training of 3-4 weeks for
students who want to undergo specialized training programs
in the institute.
Awards and Recognition
Ÿ Sardar Patel Outstanding Institute Award 2013 by
ICAR.
Ÿ Rajbhasha Karyanwan Me Shrestha Karya Nishpadan
Hetu Vishistha Purashkar in 2018 - TOLIC, Ministry of
Home Affairs, GoI, Coimbatore
Ÿ Rajbhasha Shield (2017-18) - TOLIC, Ministry of Home
Affairs, Govt. of India, Karnal.
Ÿ Best Hindi Book Award - TOLIC, Karnal (2017- 18)
Ÿ Excellent Performer Award from the AICRP
(Sugarcane) - Conducting AICRP trials in the year
2018-19
Ÿ Cashless ICAR Institute Award (2017) - ICAR, New
Delhi
The institute is also recognized as a collaborative research
institute by Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, Anna
University and Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirapalli for
the PhD degree. A number of scientists from ICAR - SBI
have been recognized as guides/supervisors by these
universities.
Future Roadmap
ICAR - SBI will be focusing on evolving sugarcane
varieties that will be tolerant of water stress and salinity
(which the country is going to face in the near future). It is
also planning on making a reduction in seed requirement by
popularizing settling transplanting technology and/or
propagation through true seed. Success of the true seed
programme will change the mode of transportation of
sugarcane seed through truck to pocket as 30 g seed will be
sufficient to plant one hectare area against 6-8 t/ha.
The sugar industry is also emerging as a substantial source
for meeting a part of the ever-increasing energy needs of the
country through the co-generation of electricity and ethanol.
The effort will be to integrate conventional and newer
technologies in a mutually complementing way. This will
also lead to technological innovations that will drive
sustained growth in the sector.

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18. bitgrit’s AI Competition
Receives Over
2,000 Submissions
bitgrit Inc.’s Forex Algorithm Challenge – an online
competition that asked data scientists from around
the world to submit AI solutions for a foreign
exchange position system – recently came to a close on
December 31 with a total of 2,255 participants and 2,387
submissions. Many of these participants were students at
Indian universities, especially Indian Institute of
Technology (IIT) campuses.
This AI competition was sponsored by one of Japan’s top
three telecom firms as part of their research and
development efforts, and the winners in first, second, and
third places will receive prizes from a $10,000 USD prize
pool. This competition was hosted on bitgrit’s online
platform, which recently launched in August last year.
Participants were from all corners of the globe, and
included both experienced data scientists and newcomers
looking to break into the competitive industry. As for how
bitgrit reached over 2,000 participants and submissions for
this contest, the key was hosting local events such as
hackathons, Meetups, and workshops. Their campus
ambassador program was also essential to building
relationships and partnering with organizations around the
world. One of bitgrit’s missions is to unite academia and
industry in the data science field, and this AI competition
proved to be an ideal platform to do so.
One of the biggest events focused on bitgrit’s Forex
Algorithm Challenge was hosted in partnership with Indian
Institute of Technology (IIT) for their 2019 Inter IIT Tech
Meet, an annual event bringing the brightest minds in IITs
together to discuss and compete on tech-centered prompts.
bitgrit hosted a Data Science Challenge as part of the Inter
IIT Tech Meet, for which the first round was the Forex
Algorithm Challenge. 220 students participated in 65 teams
and contributed their unique solutions to the forex
challenge, which included several top
submissions overall.
At this event, several IIT student shared the opinion that the
Data Science Challenge would help them not only better
understand their subject of study using real datasets from
competitive fields of business, but that the experience was
something they could add to their job resumes and help
them find promising career opportunities in the future.
Another one of the Indian universities that bitgrit partnered
with was VIT Vellore, one of the top ranked technical
institutes in India. In a joint effort, the two organizations
hosted an event called HackOff 2.0, which started on
December 14 and saw over 350 technical studies students
participate.
The event had two parts, the first being a 24-hour hackathon
and the second being workshops focused on a variety of
topics including data science and blockchain. The forex
challenge was the main focus for the hackathon, and it saw
an even greater jump in strong submissions thanks to this
event.
Regarding the forex challenge, director of bitgrit Ashish
Malhotra said, “We are delighted to have reached this
significant milestone, and will continue to pour our efforts
into our competition platform to better serve our AI
engineer and data scientist users.” He continued, “We have
Bright minds from several IITs gather at IIT Roorkee
for bitgrit’s Data Science Challenge
www.insightssuccess.in16 | March 2020

19. exciting plans in the future to implement advanced
technologies like blockchain into the platform to better
serve the data science community, promote collaboration,
and make AI more accessible, which will lead to achieving
our goal of democratizing AI.”
The current economic conditions are also ideal for bitgrit to
step in and provide these real-world datasets and
competitions where students can participate. According to a
2020 Emerging Jobs Report by Linkedin, AI Specialists and
Data Scientists boast careers with some of the highest
growth potential, taking the first and third positions on the
list respectively. However, while the demand for human
resources in these important fields is ever-growing,
hiring remains a challenge due to the high geographical
concentration of technical jobs and the difficulty of judging
high-level data skills. This AI competition shows the
viability of bitgrit’s model to connect top talent not just in
Silicon Valley, but around the world to companies that
requiredata solutions.
And bitgrit’s competitions don’t only congregate some of
the best minds in data science in the world, but also drive
data scientists to put forth their best work. By making the
platform based on competitions, data scientists are
motivated by their peers and the immediate feedback on
their submissions to develop their best algorithms and
achieve success. The $10,000 prize pool also provides a
windfall to anyone who contributes one of the top three
submissions.
And the benefits don’t end at the data scientists who
participate – companies also benefit from receiving better
AI solutions due to the competitive structure of the
platform. Even bitgrit itself has gained an edge thanks to
this model – through the Forex Algorithm Challenge, the
startup was able to gain an edge over their biggest domestic
competitor in the number of submissions for a single
competition, even though that competitor has been running
AI competitions for over six years.
The success story of bitgrit’s forex challenge is one
constructed of many parts, but the most significant was its
dedication to local events. And bitgrit hasn’t stopped
hosting events in India with the close of this competition,
either – they recently hosted a workshop at NIT Jalandhar
on January 12, and there’s more on the horizon.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kelly Martin is a Marketing
Manager at a Japanese IT startup
called bitgrit. Born and raised
inCalifornia, she moved to Japan
seven years ago after graduating
from UC Berkeley in 2011. She is
currently based in the concrete
jungle that is Tokyo where she
promotes democratic AI provided
by bitgrit’s competition platform.
bitgrit Director Ashish Malhotra at the 2019 Inter
IIT Tech Meet
March 2020 | 17www.insightssuccess.in
In Frame

22. During the independence period, Sir Jogendra
Singh, the Viceroy’s Executive Council saw that
there was a massive requirement for post-war
industrial development. He knew that there was an
urgent need for the creation of higher technical
institutions in India post-independence. Headed by
Nalini Ranjan Sarkar, a team of 22 members was formed
who were set on a mission to establish a few
revolutionary institutions in India - Indian Institute of
Technology (IITs).
The first IIT was set up in Kharagpur in 1950. With time,
4 more IITs were established of which Indian Institute
of Technology Delhi (IITD) is at the forefront since its
inception. Nevertheless, with the changing time, the
Indian education system is adapting. From the chalk and
board format to e-classrooms, the education system has
been making a major shift. Over time, the importance of
learning through experimentation is being understood.
Speaking of which research and development have been
playing a crucial role in the development of the world
from a number of decades. With time, there have been
changes in the way research institutes function and
Indian Institute of Technology Delhi has adapted
accordingly
A Sanctuary which Nurtures Excellence
Established in 1961, IITD is a public technical and
research institute situated in Hauz Kauz, Delhi. Over the
years, IITD has played a significant role in providing the
brightest minds to the humankind. Due to its
achievements, the government of India has given it a
status of Institution of Eminence (IoE). Apart from the
basic engineering courses at the bachelors and masters
level, the institute offers numerous courses for PG
Diploma, M.Sc., M.B.A., Ph.D., and so on.
IITD has its main campus in Hauz Kauz with two
satellite campuses in Sonipat and Jhajjar. It is spread
over 325 acres of the area and is divided into four zones.
These four zones are namely divided into Student
Residential Zone; Faculty and Staff Residential Zone;
Student Recreational Area with the Student Activity
www.insightssuccess.in20 | March 2020

23. Center (SAC), football stadium, cricket ground,
basketball courts, hockey field, lawn tennis courts and
swimming pool and Academic Zone with department
offices, lecture theatres, libraries and workshops.
Furthermore, the student residential zone at IITD campus
has been divided into two main sections—boys hostel
area and girls hostel area. This zone encompasses 13
hostels for boys and 2 hostels for girls. Along with this,
the institute has made separate accommodations
provisions for married students.
Speaking about the interdisciplinary centres in the
academic zone, it has 11 diversified multi-disciplinary
centres. These centres are a combination of both, the
engineering and science department. To date, students
have been successfully guided to deliver outstanding
research projects.
The Visionary Front Runner
The current Director of IITD is Dr. V. Ramgopal Rao.
Prior to joining IITD as the Director, Dr. Rao played a
significant role in various renowned institutions and
research centres. To name a few, he was the P. K. Kelkar
Chair Professor for Nanotechnology in the Department
of Electrical Engineering. Apart from this, he was also
the Chief Investigator for the Centre of Excellence in
Nanoelectronics project at IIT Bombay.
Research
InstituteinIndia
Best
1
INDIAN INSTITUTE OF
TECHNOLOGY DELHI
A Benchmark of Academic and Professional Excellence
Dr. V. Ramgopal Rao, Director
Institute at a Glance
March 2020 | 21www.insightssuccess.in

24. Due to his vast knowledge in the area of nano-scale
devices and nanoelectronics, he was able to publish over
450 research publications. He has 43 patents and patent
applications of which, 15 are issued US patents under his
name. Already having excelled in his research area, he is
also the co-founder of two deep technology startups at
IIT Bombay named Nanosnif and Soilsens. Currently,
these two startups are run by Ph.D. students of IIT.
Excelling through Knowledge
IIT Delhi is ranked at the number one position in the
category—Educational Institute in India by Outlook
th
India. It has also bagged the 47 rank in the Engineering
& Technology category for QS Subject for 2020. Since
its inception, the students and the alumni have marked
their name in their respective fields.
Moving ahead, as there is a shift in the industry trends,
currently, students from IITD have started moving
towards the startup’s culture. Seeing the overwhelming
response, IITD has started various initiatives wherein
students are guided to build their own business. These
initiatives help the students develop various skillsets
required by the fast-paced industry.
Mentioning about the support, Dr. Rao says that IITD
provides an excellent ecosystem to its students for
developing entrepreneurial skills. Adding to this, he says
that the Indian origin people with unicorn start-up are
mostly from IITD.
IITD has come up with a program where the students
work beyond the classroom. They are allowed to take up
various internship opportunities with the rural
community, hospitals, or the farmers. These students
generally identify a problem. Further, IITD provides
them with support for their further research.
Another great initiative taken up by IITD is FIRE -
Faculty Innovation and Research-driven
Entrepreneurship. Through this initiative, the faculty
members are promoted to come up with innovative ideas.
The members are provided with a grant up to 50 lakhs
and three years of leave with one year fully paid leave.
Working towards a Cause
Today, the pollution level is affecting numerous lives on
the planet. Keeping this in mind, IITD has been working
towards bringing a change. Recently, an exhibition had
been set up at IITD wherein numerous projects on the
issue of air pollution were showcased by the students of
IIT.
To give an example, a startup is working on collecting
the carbon from the atmosphere that is emitted by
vehicles and further converted it into inks for printers.
The entire IITD campus is a Zero Waste Initiative as all
the waste including water is recycled and put back into
the system.
Towards Newer Horizons
When it comes to engineering and science sector, IITD is
already a well-known name. Moving a step ahead, IITD
is planning to offer a course in B.Des. and economics in
the coming years. In the far future, it will start providing
distance courses so that maximum students are
benefitted. It is also planning to start a science park in a
few years.
We envision to contribute
to India and the World
through excellence in
scientific and technical
education and research; to
serve as a valuable
resource for industry and
society; and remain a
source of pride for all
Indians
“
“
www.insightssuccess.in22 | March 2020

26. Achronic metabolic non-communicable disease
(NCD), diabetes is a widespread lifestyle disorder.
It is well known that there are two types of
diabetes viz type 1 and type 2. However, around 95% of
adults with diabetes have type 2 diabetes (T2DM).
According to recent research, around 28% of the population
in metropolitan cities like Delhi and Chennai are affected
by diabetes.
The cost of treatment for diabetes is huge and isn’t
affordable by all socio-economic groups. To bring therapy
within everyone’s reach, Madras Diabetes Research
Foundation (MDRF) is dedicatedly working on the
research and development. Founded by Dr. V. Mohan and
his wife late Dr. Rema Mohan., MDRF is one of India’s
and perhaps Asia’s largest research institutes entirely
devoted to diabetes and its complications.
The Spine of the Institute
The founder, Dr. V. Mohan is one of the internationally
recognized diabetologists. He has a vast knowledge with
over 40 years of experience in the field of diabetes. His
interest in diabetology grew as he saw his father (Prof. M.
Viswanathan) bring a significant change to society. Prof. M.
Vishwanathan is widely considered as the ‘Father of
Diabetology’ in India for his exceptional contribution.
Dr. V. Mohan soon joined his father in the field of
diabetology. After spending 20 years with his father, Dr.
Mohan and his wife, Dr. Rema Mohan, established Dr.
Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre in the year 1991.
Later in order to take diabetes research to a higher level,
they established the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation.
Taking Ahead the Legacy
Established in 1996, MDRF has now grown to provide
distinct research facilities. It started off in a single room at
the hospital - Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre.
However, due to the overwhelming response and space
constraints, it had to move to a bigger space. The institute
was soon allotted six and a half acres of land in the
Women’s Biotech Park at Siruseri. Around 32000 square
feet is dedicated to the research and development section.
The building encompasses numerous departments such as
epidemiology, biostatistics, clinical biochemistry, tissue
culture labs, genomics, proteomics, cell and molecular
biology and vascular biology. Apart from this, there is also
a dedicated biorepository established at the Siruseri MDRF
complex. In addition to these two facilities there, one
facility of MDRF located in Gopalapuram is specifically
allotted for various clinical trials. Another facility is specific
for community-oriented prevention of diabetes and
gestational diabetes mellitus.
MADRAS DIABETES RESEARCH
FOUNDATION (MDRF)
OFFERING PROGRESSIVE RESEARCH AND TRAINING FACILITIES
www.insightssuccess.in24 | March 2020

27. Distinct Programs
There are various programs offered by MDRF. Numerous
Ph.D. and summer internship programs are provided to
students. At any given time, around 15 to 20 Ph.D. students
get trained. Many of the students are from the universities
in and around Tamil Nadu pursuing their Postgraduate
degree in a diverse field related to diabetes. Here, students
learn various research methods. They are trained to select a
project depending on their interest and then work on it.
Many a time, students use the internship and short-term
training programs to help them decide if they would like to
pursue a Ph.D. Adding to this, Dr. V. Mohan says, “While
most of our training programs are geared at Ph.D. students,
at certain instances, special and shorter programs are
offered to undergraduate and even to medical and high
school students.”
Applaudable Achievements
Over the years, MDRF has pioneered in the field of diabetes
while making technological advancement. This includes the
use of electronic medical records to analyse large databases;
the use of a simple diabetes risk score called as ‘MDRF
Indian Diabetes Risk Score’ (IDRS) which helps in cost-
effective screening of diabetes; use of artificial intelligence
in screening for diabetic retinopathy; testing and validation
of low-cost retinal camera made in India which helps to
take diabetic retinopathy to screen patients in tier-2 and tier
3 cities of India.
Along with this, the institute, as well as the director, have
received a number of awards. Dr. V. Mohan has received
over 180 awards including the prestigious Padma Shri
award by the Govt. of India in 2012 for his extensive
contribution in the field of diabetes. He has also received
the Dr. B.C. Roy National Award by the Medical Council of
India; the Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Centenary Award from the
Indian Council of Medical Research, the highest award for
Biomedical research in India.
Dr. V. Mohan was conferred the Dr. Harold Rifkin
Distinguished International Service in the Cause of
Diabetes Award by the American Diabetes Association
becoming the first Indian to receive this award. He was
recently elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS),
Edinburgh.one of the highest awards for the scientists.
In addition, several of the alumni have gone to various
countries like the US, UK, Germany and other countries.
Many of them have become faculty at a prestigious institute
or university as they are involved in several research
studies.
Future Endeavours
With the aim to improve the lives of people with diabetes
by translating research into community action, MDRF is
planning on reaching out to the entire world. Furthermore,
MDRF would be working towards making itself a global
diabetes research centre by offering world-class research
and training facilities. It envisions to convert itself into a
university for diabetes in the coming years.
We aim to provide a
world-class training
environment for basic
and clinical scientists in
the field of diabetes and
its complications
“
“
Dr. V. Mohan
Founder
Research
InstituteinIndia
Best
1
March 2020 | 25www.insightssuccess.in

28. Biotechnology is a the exploration and development of various biological
processes to achieve mainly industrial and various other purposes
cultivation of the plants, and improvements through breeding programs.
The processes also employs artificial selection and hybridization which emphases
its functionality. At present, the modern usage also includes genetic engineering as
well as cell and tissue culture technologies.
In earlier days biotechnology process was initiated by farmers who developed
improved species of plants and animals by cross-fertilizing or cross-breeding. In recent
years, biotechnology has expanded its core functionality widely which now focuses on
sophistication, scope, and applicability.
A well-known and author and writer is vague and can be unsubstantial, for example,
Clayton Christensen share his views as, "There are other dimensions of biotechnology. If
you think of biotechnology like the Internet, it's not a category - it's an infrastructure that
can be deployed to sustain or disrupt. In healthcare, the most complex problems at the high
end have to be dealt with in a problem-solving mode by the best, most experienced
physicians you can find.”
Biotechnology is immensely contributing towards agriculture which enhances its
functionality to the next level. Agriculture aspects have extremely changed with
biotechnology functions and increase readability of the process.
What is Agriculture Biotechnology?
Agricultural Biotechnology is also known as Agritech. It is an area of agricultural
science involving the use of scientific tools and techniques. There are several
techniques used in agriculture biotechnology such as Genetic Engineering,
Agri Tech
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29. Protoplast Fusion: Protoplast fusion is
also known as Somatic fusion. It is a
type of genetic modification in plants by
which two distinct species of plants.
In this method, it includes joining
of cells or cell components to
transfer traits between species.
Transgenics: Transgenics is the method
which involves the insertion of one piece
of DNA into another organism's DNA. It
works in order to introduce a new gene
into the original organism. This addition of
genes into an organism's genetic material
creates a new variety with desired
qualities.
Impact of Agriculture Biotechnology on
Economy and Social Life
The technology used in agricultural
productivity improved its usability and
functionality with some major factors
such as combine harvesters,
chemical fertilizers, and the green
revolution. Like every technology,
agricultural biotechnology will
also have its major impact on
economic and social.
In agriculture, crops using biotechnologies
have improved its quality and also been
used safely with benefits. The technology
influences the whole process by the
reduction of pesticide use. At present
agricultural biotechnology, one of the
factors that influence the health and
welfare of the farmers and other citizens in
the developing world.
Influence of Agriculture Biotechnology
in the Future
The aim of agricultural biotechnology
is to present the functionality of the
applications used in agriculture
biotechnology. The applications
are eagerly awaited to increase
Molecular Markers, Molecular Diagnostics, Vaccines,
and tissue culture. And it also modifies the living
organisms like Plants, Animals, and Microorganisms.
In recent times, Crop biotechnology has been developed
its functionality in agriculture and is also one of the main
aspects of agriculture biotechnology. Its desired qualities
are exported from a particular species of Crop to an
entirely different species.
How is Agriculture Biotechnology Used?
Genetic Engineering: The term is derived from
scientific research provides information about how to
move genes from one organism to another. This is known
as genetic engineering (GE) or genetic modification
(GM). Genetic engineering includes the transfer of
useful characteristics by inserting DNA of Plants, animal
or microorganism from another organism to another.
Molecular Diagnostics: Molecular diagnostics
significantly detect genes or gene products that are very
precise and specific. Molecular diagnostics is the method
used in agriculture to more accurately diagnose
crop/livestock diseases.
Tissue Culture: Tissue culture is the process of
regeneration of plants from the disease-free plant. This
technique allows reproduction of disease-free planting
material for crops.
Unified Methods Used for Corp Modification
Traditional Breeding: Traditional breeding method has
been used for centuries to improve crop quality and
quantity. The crossbreeding describes the combination of
two compatible species to create a new variety with the
desired traits. The crossbreeding can be only utilized
within the same or closely related species.
Polyploidy: Polyploidy is the method describes which
can be induced to modify the number of chromosomes in
a crop in order to influence its fertility or size. Through
naturally or with the use of chemicals, the number of
chromosomes can change. The process results in the
fertility changes in modification within the crop.
March 2020 | 27www.insightssuccess.in

30. the productivity of crops, primarily by reducing the costs
of production by decreasing the needs for inputs of
pesticides. The process is mostly used in crops grown in
temperate zones. The application of agricultural
biotechnology can improve the quality of life by
developing new strains of plants that give higher crops.
The crops can be grown in a wider range of
environments which give better rotations to conserve
natural resources. It also provides more nutritious
harvested products that keep much longer in storage and
transport, and continue low-cost food supplies to
consumers.
According to Crop Science, the company with credible
authority on the progress and future implications of
Agricultural biotechnology states that, “Farming is
evolving in the 21st century with the development and
use of biotechnology crops. Scientists and agronomists
work in the lab and greenhouse to come up with genes
that improve crop yield and make corn, soybean, cotton
and canola plants more resistant to insects and more
tolerant to herbicides, drought, and stress.”
The biotechnology and its process is the evidence of the
contributions towards rural development around the
world. It serves as the source of inspiration for emerging
nations to complement existing practices with
agricultural biotechnology.
www.insightssuccess.in28 | March 2020

32. onsoon, ocean variability, climate change, sea
Mlevel variations, and marine ecosystem are all
interrelated to each other, and have a wider
impact on the ecosystem. These are the significant factors
that facilitate the economic and human well-being in terms
of food, water, energy, and security.
Human and economic welfare cannot be achieved without
the protection and conservation of the Earth’s ecosystem.
Therefore, for protection, conservation, and sustainable
development, it is crucial to promote an understanding
among the society about the ecological issues or the
significant aspects associated with the ecosystem.
Advanced research and technology has made a significant
contribution to environmental, climate and earth sciences. It
has given a better understanding of climate change, its
impact on monsoon and Indian ocean ecosystem by using
satellite data and models; influence of these on the coastal
zone and the resulting social problems.
Nansen Environmental Research Centre India (NERCI),
is a centre that monitors ocean-atmosphere conditions,
while providing flexibility in terms of emerging
technologies. It caters to the scientific and societal needs,
and serves as a framework for more regional and coastal
monitoring.
Undertakings Transforming India’s Strategic Identity
The Nansen Environmental Research Centre India (NERCI)
(http://www.nerci.in) is an Indo-Norwegian joint venture
established in the year 1999 in the State of Kerala. It serves
as a non-profit research centre under Article -8.
NERCI receives funding from Norwegian, Indian and
international public and private sources and agencies
through grants in aids and projects. It currently has eight
research projects under execution. These include five on-
going international research projects with funding from
Research Council of Norway (RCN), (POGO)-Nippon
foundation, the European Commission Horizon 2020-
Ministry of Earth Sciences, DST-UK and DBT-UK-Japan
programme.
One international project funded by Australian Consulate,
was completed in 2019. Three national projects funded by
Department of Science and Technology have also been
completed. Additionally, another three national projects
funded by Department of Science and Technology and
Ministry of Earth Sciences are under operation.
The ongoing INTPART project is funded by Research
Council of Norway, and ARCONOR (Arctic cooperation
between Norway, Russia, India, China and US) in satellite
Earth Observation and Education.
“The difficult is what takes a little time; the
impossible is what takes a longer.”
- Nobel laureate Fridtjof Nansen
NANSEN ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
CENTRE (INDIA)
CATERING TO SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE AND SOCIETAL NEEDS
www.insightssuccess.in30 | March 2020

33. INTPART, is the backbone for improved bilateral
cooperation between India and Norway and has
strengthened India’s cooperation within research and higher
education. The research areas include sea ice, environment,
climate change, and operational conditions in the arctic
ocean, focusing on the northern sea route.
The Voyage to NERCI
The journey dates back to 1999. Multiple Memorandum of
Understanding (MoUs) were signed between India and
Norway at several instances in collaboration with a number
of educational and research institutions. The collaborations
focused on funding, supervision of PhD candidates, and
scientific exchange visits to Norway.
During these periods, different thematic workshops were
also organised with Indo-Norwegian (European)
participation. The association that started with Dr. Shubha
Sathyendranath and Prof. Trevor Platt, FRS of Plymouth
Marine Laboratory (PML) during the winter school in 2010,
led NERCI to take active role in SAFARI 1 international
symposium in 2010.
The research thesis at NERCI demonstrated that, the wind
stress and surface divergence impact the phytoplankton
growth in the Arabian Sea during November to January.
During the SouthWest monsoon no similar relation is found
(Jayaram et al., 2010).
During the years, 2012-2015, European Commission
funded FP7 project, ‘INDO-MARECLIM (Indo-European
Research Facilities for studies on Marine Ecosystem and
Climate in India)’. It was the first India-EU joint research
initiative which brings the memories of late Prof. N.R.
Menon, the Scientific Coordinator, who dedicatedly served
the centre and the project.
These years are considered as a major revolution for
NERCI, as it spearheaded as a coordinator for the project,
INDO-MARECLIM. This project resulted in the
establishment of the research infrastructure at NERCI.
The milestones showcase a brief effort made to establish
NERCI as a NERSC-NERCI bilateral scientific and
educational cooperation.
The Renaissance Man
Prof. Ola M. Johannessen, the Founding Director, is the
key personality to lead the Indo-Norwegian bilateral
cooperation in marine research at Nansen Centre (Norway)
in the UNDP/FAO Pelagic Fishery Project (IND 69/593) in
Kerala, during the years 1971-1975.
Research published by Prof. Johannessen and his team in
1987, suggested for the first time that, coastal upwelling
alongwith the south-west coast of India (Kerala) is
associated with a large scale summer monsoon conditions.
It validated that, the upwelling drives the anti-cyclonic
Arabian Sea monsoon gyre. This phenomenon proved by
NERCI later received a considerable scientific importance
and recognition.
In in February 1997, Prof. Johannessen successfully
established a new research centre in India at Cochin, under
a joint partnership. Striving to take India in the scientific
research field to great heights, he has served as the
Chairman of the Board at NERCI till 2017.
Later, Mr. Lasse H. Pettersson, the leading Scientist and
Director of International Cooperation, NERSC, Norway
took over as the Chairman of NERCI Board with the active
support from other board members Dr.Sebastian H.
It is our mission to
disseminate the scientific
information gathered for
the benefit of society and
for the conservation of
ecosystems
“ “
Research
InstituteinIndia
Best
1
March 2020 | 31www.insightssuccess.in

34. Mernild, Dr.Annette Samuelsen, Dr. Nandini Menon,
Dr.P.V.Joseph and Dr.K.Ajith Joseph.
Reminiscing Success
It is notable that, NERCI has received funding for several
projects from departments of the Govt. of Kerala and Govt.
of India. The ratio of international to national project
coordination at NERCI to date is 1:2.
For the past two decades, NERCI has been contributing to
science, particularly in the fields of marine, atmospheric
and climate research. Till date, 69 peer reviewed
publications have been published in both national and
international scientific journals by the profound scientists at
NERCI.
Six PhD students have been awarded doctoral degrees by
partner Universities of NERCI.
These students were further supported by fellowship grants
from Nansen Scientific Society, and Norway. Moreover, the
students were provided scientific supervision and
contributions from Nansen Centre, Bergen, Norway, and
partner institutions.
Interestingly, around twenty alumni of NERCI are well
placed in coveted positions primarily in India as well as
abroad. About fifty Master thesis have been guided by
NERCI scientists during the last two decades.
The projects undertaken at NERCI are handled by both the
Indian and European scientists, including Norwegian
scientific community as well. The projects have contributed
its research in the fields of climate change, marine
ecosystem, Asian monsoon and Arctic teleconnection. The
projects have promoted bilateral and international exchange
and visits.
The efforts taken by NERCI in the research field are
unimaginable. It is recognized by the Kerala University of
Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS) as a ‘Centre of
research in the faculty of Ocean Science, Ocean
Engineering, Climate variability’. NERCI is a recognized
SIRO by Dept. of Scientific and Industrial Research, Govt.
of India.
Dr. K. Ajith Joseph, Dr. Nandini Menon, and the research
staff of Nansen Centre India, has been selected for the
honour in recognition of their prominent contributions in
their chosen area. They were bestowed the prestigious,
‘Nansen Polar Bear Award’, presented by Director,
Sebastian Mernild, NERSC, Norway for the year 2019. Dr.
K. Ajith Joseph, is the Principal Scientist & CEO, and Dr.
Nandini Menon, is the Deputy Director of NERI, who are
have become India’s pride and inspiration.
Exposures and Opportunities
In regards to the students and researchers, NERCI server
now hosts a wide range of information like in situ
observations on primary productivity and auxiliary
parameters in the entire Indian Ocean. Moreover, it
facilitates IIOE – 1 data on primary production and related
parameters as metadata that could be further used by future
research scientists.
The research infrastructure includes, Satlantic Radiometer
(Hydro profiler) to validate visible and Infra red
electromagnetic signals for satellite observations of ocean
colour data to study bio-optical properties of water bodies.
Also, the scientific research equipments like, UV
Spectrophotometer- Shimadzu UV, Visible
Spectrophotometer, are used to record spectrum of chemical
substances that can absorb UV and visible light such as
CDOM, DOC, Pheopigment, Chlorophyll.
NERCI provides customized training programmes and
workshops. Researchers and prospect scientists are trained
at NERCI in the field of Remote Sensing and GIS, Water
Quality Monitoring, Data Analysis and Numerical
Modelling, and Ocean Observations.
An Impending Plan of Action
NERCI looks forward to execute challenging scientific
tasks that could meet societal needs, and increase the
national and international project funding.
It is planning to expand the international network of
cooperation, joint publications and joint doctoral
programme. Prior to this, it deems, the co-funding by
Ministry of Earth Sciences assuring participation from
Indian partners, in the European Commission’s Horizon
2020 and upcoming Horizon Europe framework program is
cardinal. NERCI believes, it shall boost the scientific
activities in cooperation with other institutions in India and
abroad.
The recently signed contract with MoES on the Horizon
2020 project COMFORT is an important achievement in
this direction. COMFORT is the abbreviation of, Our
Common Future Ocean In The Earth System – Quantifying
Coupled Cycles of Carbon, Oxygen, And Nutrients For
Determining And Achieving Safe Operating Spaces With
Respect To Tipping Points,
The Indian component of this project will be coordinated by
NERCI along with Central Marine Fisheries Research
Institute (CMFRI) for the next 4 years. It would probably
contribute to identify climate-induced ocean tipping points
and attribute itself to processes. It shall provide respective
mitigation targets and options, as well as projected
mitigation pathways.
Get an in-depth insights about NERCI’s joint venture and
its on-going national and international projects, click here.
www.insightssuccess.in32 | March 2020

36. oday, the healthcare industry is progressing at a
Tfaster pace than ever, with bioscience and
technology occupying the forefront position.
Undeniably, biotechnology and its branches have given a
boost to the entire healthcare space. Due to the
advancement in the biotech industry, currently, around 350
million patients are being benefitted.
This has also generated a high demand for skilled and
highly qualified professionals, and the School of
Biosciences and Technology (SBST), VIT University,
Vellore is catering to the industry needs . VIT focuses on
providing excellent fundamental research as well as the
development of innovative technologies for the future. It
offers quality research training experience for its students.
Through a dense local and international network, the
institute maintains a link to world-class research.
A Dedicated Leader
VIT was established in 1984 under the tutelage of its
Founder-Chancellor, Dr. G. Viswanathan. The foundation
of the institute was started as a self-financing institution -
Vellore Engineering College. Over the years, the
engineering college evolved into a university with two
campuses, one in Vellore and the other in Chennai. In the
year 2001, the engineering college was conferred university
status by the Union Ministry of Human Resources
Development.
Having started with an intake of a mere 180 students in
1984, VIT currently receives hundreds of thousands
(Lakhs) of applications seeking admission every year, and
over 32,000 students are enrolled in 53 undergraduate and
graduate programs. The university is headed by Dr. G.
Viswanathan, a former parliamentarian and minister in the
Tamil Nadu Government. In recognition of his service to
India in offering world-class education, he was conferred an
honorary doctorate by the West Virginia University, USA.
Dr. Viswanathan is a source of inspiration to modern-day
youth. He wanted to play a bigger role in provincial politics
so that he can make a direct contribution to bettering the
lives of the people. Apart from providing the best
educational facilities to the deserving candidates, he has
adopted several villages in an effort to improve the quality
of lives of the rural people. His vision of transforming
Vellore into a greener and cooler town by planting one
million saplings has begun to yield fruit. Dr. Viswanathan’s
farsightedness extends beyond horizons.
Overview of SBST
With well-equipped and high-end instrumentation facility,
SBST offers 40 research laboratories and 12 teaching
laboratories. Through these highly equipped labs, training is
imparted to undergraduate, the post-graduate and the
research students. The central instrumentation facility at the
SBST houses advanced instrumentation facilities like
Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Transmission
Electron Microscope (TEM), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD),
High-Performance Liquid and Chromatography (HPLC).
Apart from this, it is also equipped with Fourier-Transform
Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Ultrasonicator,
Chemiluminescence Image Processing, Particle Size
Analyzer, Inverted Microscope and Electroporator. It’s UV
Spectroscopy Multicellular, Lyophilizer, Ultracentrifuge,
Fluorescence Spectrophotometer, and Real-time PCR are
some distinctive instruments besides all the basic
instruments.
One of the vital features in the academic activity of SBST is
its strong link with many national and international research
SCHOOL OF BIO SCIENCES AND
TECHNOLOGY (SBST), VIT UNIVERSITY
PROVIDING WORLD-CLASS RESEARCH FACILITIES SINCE 1984
www.insightssuccess.in34 | March 2020

37. networks across the globe. VIT students regularly
participate in the study abroad programs (SAP) and
exchange programs. The aim of these programs is to keep
the students and the research personnel abreast with the
rapidly and continuously evolving disciplines in biosciences
and bioengineering.
Worldwide Recognition
VIT has been assessed by top-ranking agencies such as QS
World University Ranking, Times Higher Education (THE)
World University Ranking, QS and THE Asia Ranking. It
has also been recognized by QS and THE BRICS Ranking,
THE Young university ranking of the world universities and
a few others. It is the first institute of India to receive QS 4-
Star rating in the overall category and QS 5-Star rating in
teaching, employability, facilities, innovation and
inclusiveness.
Apart from this, VIT’s innovative research has led to the
granting of 4 patents and publication of 61 patents.
• Awarded the status of Institute of eminence (IoE) by the
Government of India.
• Ranked second amongst the cleanest higher educational
institutions in the country under the category Residential
university-AICTE by MHRD, Government of India.
• Positioned at no.1 for the ARIIA (Atal Ranking of
Institutions for Innovation Achievements) 2019 awards,
among the private institutes.
After completing their respective degrees from VIT, the
students have joined various prestigious institutions and
MNCs. One such mentionable alumnus of VIT is Ms.
Shubhangi Swaroop who pursued engineering degree in
biotechnology in the year 2016. She has carved a niche in
history by becoming the Indian Navy’s first woman pilot.
Other notable alumni are Mr. Rachit Raj, an alumnus
(2008-2012) of VIT, who has bagged the third position in
the prestigious All-India UPSC examination held in the year
2013, Ms. Lithika Bhanu who had graduated as a
Biotechnology engineer in the year 2010, is the founder and
director of Terra Greens Organic, Mr. Arjun Krishna who
had completed his BTech degree in Biotechnology (2012) is
the co-founder of Naturlich Globe Beverages.
Future Endeavors
One of the major strategies of SBST would be to bench-
mark the courses being offered by the school with those of
top-ranking universities. Along with this, the institute is
planning to have an entrepreneurship development cell to
strengthen students with entrepreneur skills and
additionally, focusing on 100 per cent placement.
Further, VIT plans to initiate transdisciplinary research at
the SBST through the conduct of workshops and seminars.
The initiative will be started with a view to make the
inmates aware and inspire them for adopting this highly
potential mode of research.
At SBST, we have played a
major role in promoting
science by creating a
platform for students to
interact with their peers from
other disciplines, thereby
giving them opportunities to
get groomed as excellent
researchers.
“
“
Dr. G. Viswanathan
Founder-Chancellor
Research
InstituteinIndia
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March 2020 | 35www.insightssuccess.in