Despite the challenges and constraints, the team came together as one to celebrate our 48th Annual Day – from a distance, yet with sensitivity, dignity and gratitude. It was a celebration of hard work and dedication, as much as hope and determination to overcome all hurdles. This year’s celebrations were observed with a difference – with precautions against the pandemic taking utmost priority. Most of our staff joined virtually while the staff receiving the awards were present in person.

1. NewsletterHappenings
In-house version 24 December 2020, No.1886
Distant yet together: A poignant celebration of our
Annual Day
Reflection, gratitude and anticipation mark the occasion
Dr Prabhu Pingali, Chair, Governing Board, ICRISAT, in his
video message.
Dr Jacqueline Hughes, Director General, ICRISAT, speaking
to the staff about past challenges and future ventures.
Photo: S Punna, ICRISAT
With the pandemic creating havoc and disrupting
lives across the globe in many ways, 2020 has been
a turbulent year for ICRISAT and its workforce. Despite
the challenges and constraints, the team came together
as one to celebrate our 48th
Annual Day – from a
distance, yet with sensitivity, dignity and gratitude. It was
a celebration of hard work and dedication, as much as
hope and determination to overcome all hurdles. This
year’s celebrations were observed with a difference –
with precautions against the pandemic taking utmost
priority. Most of our staff joined virtually while the staff
receiving the awards were present in person.
In his message, Dr Prabhu Pingali, Chair, ICRISAT
Governing Board, was glad that ICRISAT was able,
despite the challenges, to celebrate the achievements
and the impact that ICRISAT has on the lives of the poor,
especially those in the drylands. “I’m delighted that
ICRISAT continues to be a leader in science, all the way
from genomics to social sciences. The work it is doing in
innovative plant breeding – shifting from traditional
breeding activities towards modern breeding platforms,
looking at product portfolios and breeding innovations
– is very significant,” he said.
Addressing all staff, Dr Jacqueline Hughes, Director
General, ICRISAT, commended each member of the staff,
who, in their own way, had contributed immensely to
make it possible for the research and development work
to continue uninterrupted – managing work from home,
working at odd and extended hours while supporting
their loved ones through ill health and other crises.
She also thanked all those who were working hard to
make the transition to One CGIAR a reality, “for their
support, flexibility and generosity of spirit.” “This
turbulent time has shown us that it is a time for doers,
makers and risk-takers,” said Dr Jackie, emphasizing that
this year has taught many to think out of the box and
work together so that “the end result is greater than the
sum of the parts,” she said.
On the use of modern tools and technologies she said,
“Let’s embrace the possibilities, leapfrog current
technology limitations to provide better and new
services, develop an enabled vision and move forward
with ingenious use of technologies to help us do our
work better, more effectively and more intelligently.”