BENGALURU: Well-known scientist C N R Rao and his wife will donate a lab to the Poornaprajna Institute of Scientific Research.
Announcing this during the Founder’s Day celebrations and Graduation Day of the institute on Friday, Prof Rao said the new lab will focus on material science research, an area of his interest. He also announced a scholarship for one PhD student.
Prof Rao has been associated with the Poornaprajna Institute of Scientific Research (PPISR) from its early days. In his speech, he mentioned that PPISR founder-chairman Vibudhesha Theertha Swamiji was excited about science. He said, “I wish our professors were as excited as the Vibudhesha Theertha Swamiji.”
Recollecting his association with the institute, he said, “One day Vibudhesha Theertha Swamiji turned up at our house, and my wife and I were taken by surprise. After a while, he shared with me his vision of starting an institute dedicated to science research.”
Commenting on the government’s lack of support to science, Prof Rao said, “The government believes science is a waste of money.”
Addressing the large group of school teachers in the audience, he said, “As long as we are alive, let’s work for science and education.”
He also distributed certificates to nine students, who finished PhD from PPISR. “PhD is not even the first step. The first step comes afterwards,” he said.
Vishwapriya Theertha Swamiji, chairperson of Admar Mutt and Education Foundation and PPISR, said, “It’s foolish to try to please humans. However, it’s possible to please God.” Asking people to serve the society in whatever way they can, he said, “Serve people, in whatever way you can. It’s the right way to pay tax to God for all the facilities that he has provided to us.”
Dr Halgeri, director of PPISR, said, “CNR Rao was closely associated with the founder chairman. He laid a strong foundation for the institute in its formative years.”
He also gave a brief overview of the research activities at the institute. A technology developed by PPISR, in collaboration with an industry, is set to be commercialised in China soon, he said.
Dr Halgeri was honoured for his contribution to the growth of the institute.
Earlier in the day, Vishwapriya Theertha Swamiji inaugurated a new hostel building and unveiled the bust of Vibudhesha Theertha Swamiji. The donors who contributed to the hostel building, and the contractor were felicitated.
Dr K Srihari, honorary secretary, Admar Mutt Education Council and Admar Mutt Education Foundation, welcomed the audience.