Steadfastly follow Atmanirbhar Bharat for strategic independence: NITI Aayog's VK Saraswat

IANS May 14, 2025 222 views

VK Saraswat, a prominent member of NITI Aayog, highlighted the significance of Atmanirbhar Bharat in achieving strategic independence. Speaking at CSIR-NIIST's National Technology Day event, Saraswat emphasized the need for resilient supply chains and domestic innovation. He praised the scientific community's contributions to India's self-reliance, citing recent advancements like Operation Sindoor. The event also featured technology transfers, showcasing CSIR-NIIST's commitment to impactful innovation.

"We will achieve strategic autonomy if we follow the path of Atmanirbharta." - VK Saraswat
Thiruvananthapuram, May 14: NITI Aayog member V. K.

Key Points

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VK Saraswat emphasizes technological sovereignty

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Urges strategic independence via Atmanirbhar Bharat

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Celebrates National Technology Day at CSIR-NIIST event

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Highlights India's scientific achievements and contributions

Saraswat on Wednesday underscored the imperative of achieving strategic independence in critical sectors to safeguard national sovereignty and drive technological leadership and innovation-led growth. He defined Atmanirbhar Bharat as the pursuit of independence from external controls.

"We will achieve strategic autonomy, resilient supply chains, domestic innovation capacity, and technological sovereignty if we steadfastly follow the path of Atmanirbharta," said Saraswat.

He said this while speaking at the CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST), here, which was celebrating National Technology Day with a special event on IP Monetisation and Technology Transfer in connection with the institute's Golden Jubilee celebrations.

He lauded the Indian scientific community's pivotal role in advancing self-reliance, citing its recent contributions to Operation Sindoor as a testament to India's growing capabilities.

"Alongside the armed forces, the nation's scientists have been instrumental in bringing global recognition and pride to India. There is a need to shift India's Intellectual Property landscape from 'portfolio to performance'," said Saraswat.

Director of CSIR-NIIST, Anandharamakrishnan, highlighted the importance of the technologies developed by CSIR-NIIST, emphasising their relevance in addressing pressing societal and industrial needs, including applications in strategic sectors.

"Ten game-changing technologies for nation building from CSIR-NIIST were also presented, with a commitment to deliver by 2027. CSIR-NIIST remains dedicated to creating solutions that matter - scientifically strong, industrially relevant, and socially impactful," said the director.

At the event, there was the formal transfer of five technologies developed by CSIR-NIIST.

These technologies were handed over by Anandharamakrishnan as each transfer represented a step toward real-world application and social impact.

Technologies related to fruit roll-ups, jackfruit-based products, millet-based instant mixes, natural syrups, and banana grits were transferred to H. Dineshan, IAS, Executive Director of the Kudumbashree State Mission, Kerala.

Another transfer that was effected was the engineered microbiome technology, JAIVAM, designed for rapid aerobic composting of organic waste.

This conclave reflected the institute's legacy of innovation and its resolve to deliver science that transforms lives.

Reader Comments

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Rahul K.
Atmanirbhar Bharat is not just a slogan but a necessity in today's geopolitical climate. With China's dominance in tech and manufacturing, we must build our own capabilities. Proud of our scientists! 🇮🇳 The fruit processing tech transfers show how research can directly benefit farmers.
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Priya M.
While I support self-reliance, we must ensure these technologies reach small entrepreneurs and not just big corporations. Kudumbashree getting tech transfers is a good step - more such initiatives needed across India. The millet-based products could revolutionize our food industry!
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Arjun S.
JAIVAM composting tech is exactly what our cities need! Our municipal waste management is in shambles. Hope this gets implemented pan-India quickly. More such practical solutions please - that's real Atmanirbharta. 👏
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Sunita T.
Concerned about the timeline - 'commitment to deliver by 2027' seems too far. With our population and needs, we need faster execution. Also, how will these technologies be made affordable for common people? That's the real test of success.
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Vikram J.
As someone from Kerala, proud to see NIIST doing such great work! The jackfruit products tech is brilliant - we waste so much of this 'God's own fruit'. Hope this creates jobs in our state. More power to our scientists! 💪

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VK Saraswat Atmanirbhar Bharat NITI Aayog CSIR-NIIST Strategic Independence Technology Transfer