Jitendra Singh Joins 150-Yr Celebration of Historic IACS Kolkata
Union Minister inaugurates solar-cell facility and RETINA incubation centre at iconic science institution
GG News Bureau
Kolkata, 26th May: Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh on Tuesday joined the 150-year celebrations of the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science in Kolkata, describing the institution as a symbol of India’s scientific awakening and innovation journey.
The minister visited the historic institution where Nobel laureate C. V. Raman carried out research leading to the discovery of the Raman Effect, which earned India its first Nobel Prize in science.
During the event, Jitendra Singh inaugurated an indigenously developed Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD) system for fabrication of India’s first amorphous silicon solar cell. He also launched the institute’s new incubation centre “RETINA” — Research Entrepreneurship for Translation, Innovation and Navigation.
The minister also visited the institution’s archives and exhibition galleries showcasing its scientific achievements and ongoing research projects.
Paying tribute to founder Mahendralal Sircar and eminent scientists including Jagadish Chandra Bose, Meghnad Saha and S N Bose, the minister said the journey of IACS reflects India’s scientific evolution from the colonial era to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Addressing scientists, students and researchers at the Mahendra Lal Sircar Hall, Jitendra Singh said IACS was the first research institution in Asia established by Indians for scientific research and education.
He noted that the institution continues to contribute to frontier areas such as quantum materials, nanotechnology, artificial intelligence, cancer biology, battery materials and environmental technologies.
Referring to the newly inaugurated solar-cell fabrication facility, the minister said indigenous technology development reflects the spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat and India’s push for scientific self-reliance.
On the RETINA incubation centre, he said India’s scientific institutions are increasingly integrating research with entrepreneurship, startup culture and societal applications.
The programme was attended by IACS Director Prof. Kalobaran Maiti, senior scientists, faculty members, researchers and members of the scientific community.
Jitendra Singh also appreciated the institute’s outreach initiatives aimed at promoting scientific temperament among students, women and rural communities.
