National Conclave on BioE³ Highlights India’s Path

 From KKS on 31st August 2026 at 6:12 PM Regarding ‘GREEN FORGE’ inaugurated at BRIC-NABI

Path Towards Industry-Ready Biomanufacturing

‘GREEN FORGE’ inaugurated at BRIC-NABI; focus on scaling innovations, strengthening industry partnerships and building India’s domestic biomanufacturing capabilities

MoUs with Various Industries to Drive Partnerships and Scale Up BioE³ Biomanufacturing Innovations

SAS Nagar, Mohali): 31st August, 2026: (K.Kalyani Singh//Punjab Screen India Desk):: 

The National Conclave on “BioE³ (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment): Enabling Scales for Industry-Ready Biomanufacturing” was held today at the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council–National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute (BRIC-NABI), Mohali, marking two years of the transformative BioE³ Policy. The Conclave brought together policymakers, scientists, academic institutions, industry leaders, startups and other stakeholders to deliberate on strengthening India’s biotechnology ecosystem and accelerating the translation and scale-up of scientific innovations into industry-ready biomanufacturing solutions. The programme focused on the role of biotechnology in advancing the vision of Viksit Bharat, with discussions spanning agriculture, healthcare, sustainability, carbon capture and utilisation, bio-based products and emerging technologies.

The Conclave was graced by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Science and Technology and Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India, as the Chief Guest. Prof. Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Director General, Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC), and Chairman, Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), also graced the occasion. The event was held in the esteemed presence of Prof. Ashwani Pareek, Executive Director, BRIC-NABI, Mohali, Dr. Sangita M. Kasture, Head, Biomanufacturing Directorate, DBT, along with Dr. Dhananjay K. Tiwari, Managing Director, BIRAC. 

A major highlight of the Conclave was the inauguration of “GREEN FORGE – Shaping the Crops of Tomorrow”, showcasing the potential of controlled-environment technologies, biotechnology and advanced research approaches for developing next-generation agricultural solutions.

Addressing the gathering, Prof. Rajesh S. Gokhale highlighted India’s transition towards a new era of biotechnology, where biological systems are increasingly integrated with Artificial Intelligence, automation, sensors, robotics and advanced manufacturing. He explained that this convergence can enable programmable biomanufacturing, smart biofactories, AI-powered biofoundries, precision therapeutics, climate-smart agriculture and circular bioeconomy platformsThe Conclave further focused on strengthening public–private partnerships for scaling innovations under BioE³. The discussions emphasised the importance of creating mechanisms that can bridge the gap between research and commercial deployment and enable promising technologies to reach industrial scale. The D.E.S.I.G.N. for BioE³ initiative also recognised young innovators, with Certificates of Merit awarded to 36 winning teams from the December 2025–April 2026 cycle, while 28 winning solutions from the January–March 2026 cycle received prizes of ₹1 lakh each. The students also interacted with the Hon’ble Minister, sharing insights into their winning innovations under D.E.S.I.G.N. for BioE3 and discussing their ideas for advancing biotechnology-led solutions. The programme also witnessed the launch and announcement of an Interactive Platform for Biofoundry and the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Flagship Project on Bio-SAF and Bio-SMART under the India–HE programmes.

In his address, Dr. Jitendra Singh congratulated BRIC-NABI for hosting the Conclave and expressed confidence that the Institute would emerge as a torchbearer of India’s biotechnology revolution. He highlighted the potential of GREEN FORGE to recreate precisely controlled environmental conditions, including light, humidity and temperature, for advanced agricultural research, and noted that integrating such capabilities with Artificial Intelligence could further accelerate innovation in agriculture and allied sciences. He also appreciated the participation of young innovators, describing their enthusiasm and innovative work as a strong promise for the emergence of a new India.

The Conclave also provided an opportunity to showcase BRIC-NABI’s advanced research and infrastructure through a visit to the Param Smriti SuperComputing Facility, DBT SPEEDY-SEEDS and Biofoundry (Agri-Food Bio-Mug). The visit provided participants with an overview of the Institute’s capabilities in advanced computing, agricultural research and biomanufacturing infrastructure.

The deliberations reaffirmed the importance of connecting research, innovation, entrepreneurship, industry and policy to build a robust and scalable biomanufacturing ecosystem. The programme closed with valuable recommendations from the dignitaries, setting a clear direction for strengthening collaborations and accelerating the scale-up of biomanufacturing innovations.

Poet Prof. Kapoor’s Book Launched at SCD Govt College

BB Goel on 23rd February 2026 at 05:28 PM Regarding Book Release

 Prof. Ashok Kapoor, an 80-year-old alumnus of SCD 

Ludhiana: 23rd February 2026: (Brij Bhushan Goel//Punjab Screen Desk)::

A profound anthology of poems titled Sallies of Surreal Shades by Prof. Ashok Kapoor, an 80-year-old alumnus of SCD Government College, was released on campus today. The event brought together his former classmates, students, and faculty.

Principal Gursharanjit Singh Sandhu highlighted the college’s pride in alumni like Prof. Kapoor, whose work inspires current students. Distinguished attendees included alumni Prof. Sagar Chand Jain, Harish Kaura, Manjula Jain, Prof. Rajinder Jain, Navdeep Singh, O.P. Verma, Manpreet Singh, Prof. Vijay Asdhir, and Brij Bhushan Goyal, Organizing Secretary of the Alumni Association.

Faculty members such as Prof. Amita Thamman (HOD, PG English), Prof. Harmit Kaur, Prof. Preeti, Prof. Gurjit, Prof. Atinder Pandey, Prof. Suraj Kumar, Prof. Sarika, and Prof. Geetanjli Pabreja also marked their presence.

Dr. Satish K. Kapoor, former British Council Scholar and author of the book’s foreword, praised Prof. Kapoor’s poetry for its energy and its ability to connect readers with nature and inner awakening. Prof. Kapoor recited his poem Memories of College Days and donated ₹20,000 for purchasing competition books for students.

Brij Bhushan Goyal emphasized the learning students can gain from Prof. Kapoor’s creative work, while Prof. P.K. Sharma stressed the importance of blending generations in celebrating creativity.

The ceremony was a vibrant tribute to literary passion and alumni contribution.

Closure of Katra Medical College is unfortunate—IDPD

 Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 9:09 PM  Regarding National Medical Commission Medical College Katra

Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD) takes serious notice

Action taken under communal pressure - Honorable President should intervene

Ludhiana: 8th January 2026: (Media Link-K K Singh//Punjab Screen Desk)::

The Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD) expresses its strongest protest and deep anguish over the decision of the National Medical Commission (NMC) to shut down the Medical College at Katra. This decision is arbitrary, unjust, and deeply troubling, and it strikes at the very foundations of merit, constitutional values, and institutional autonomy.

The medical college at Katra was granted permission last year to admit 50 students, and admissions were carried out strictly on the basis of merit, following all existing rules and procedures. Out of these 50 students, 42 students admitted on merit belonged to the Muslim community. This fact, and this fact alone, appears to have triggered a politically motivated agitation by the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, who have openly argued that since the college is run by the Mata Vaishno Devi Trust, admissions should be restricted to students from the Hindu community.

IDPD categorically states that this argument is unconstitutional, discriminatory, and legally untenable. The Katra Medical College does not enjoy minority status, and therefore any agitation or demand based on religious exclusion is illegal and violative of the Constitution of India. Admissions based on merit, irrespective of religion, caste, or creed, are the cornerstone of a democratic and secular education system.

The National Medical Commission is a constitutional, autonomous regulatory body, expected to function independently, guided by law, ethics, and public interest. Its apparent succumbing to sectarian and political pressure in this matter is extremely unfortunate and raises serious questions about the erosion of institutional autonomy. Such capitulation sets a dangerous precedent and may have grave long-term repercussions for medical education, social harmony, and the rule of law across the country.

By closing the medical college, the NMC has not only punished students who were admitted fairly and lawfully, but has also sent a chilling message that merit can be overridden by communal considerations. This is unacceptable in a constitutional democracy.

The undersigned office bearers of IDPD:

Dr. S. S. Sudan, Patron, IDPD

Dr. Arun Mitra, President, IDPD

Dr. Shakeel Ur Rahman, General Secretary, IDPD

Dr. G. M. Malik, Senior Vice President, IDPD & Former President, J&K IDPD

Dr. Mohammed Latif, President, IDPD Jammu & Kashmir

strongly demand that the decision to close the Katra Medical College be immediately revoked and that the college be allowed to function without discrimination or political interference.

IDPD also makes an earnest and urgent appeal to Madam Droupadi Murmu, the Hon’ble President of India, to intervene without delay, uphold constitutional morality, protect the rights of students, and ensure that the medical college at Katra is reopened and allowed to operate in accordance with law.

Education cannot be communalised.

Merit cannot be punished.

Constitutional institutions must not surrender to sectarian pressure.

Punjab Agricultural University

PAU on Monday 1st December 2025 at 4:49 PM

PAU Agri-Engineers celebrates Diamond Jubilee  Alumni Meet Moments 2025 

Ludhiana: 1st December 2025: (Media Link-KK Singh//Punjab Screen Desk)::

The Alumni Association of the College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), organized its grand annual alumni meet in which approximately 250 alumni, residing in various corners of India and abroad, participated alongwith with their families. Dr Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice-Chancellor of PAU, inaugurated the grand event. Former Deans of the College, Dr SD Khepar, Dr SK Sondhi, Dr PK Gupta, Prof VK Sehgal, Dr Jaskarn Singh Mahal, Dr Ashok Kumar and Dr HS Sidhu also graced this grand occasion. Besides, Prof Manjeet Singh Chinnan, Prof of Emeritus, University of Georgia, USA and Visiting Professor PAU alongwith his Diamond Jubilee batch mates, attended the alumni meet. Former presidents of the Alumni Association were among the distinguished guests present on the occasion. Alumni from batch L-1965 and L-1975 attended the meet in good numbers to celebrate their diamond and golden jubilees, respectively.

The main attraction of the Diamond Jubilee Alumni was the homecoming of the special Diamond Jubilee Baton. This baton, released during Moments 2024, was carried by the alumni across the countries like United States, Canada, Australia, and to many corners of India. Later the Diamond Jubilee Alumni Directory- ALMANAC 2025 and Alumni Newsletter ‘The Agrineer’ were released.

Dr Gosal lauded the achievements and contributions of the alumni from the College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, underscoring their pivotal role in shaping the institution's reputation and success. He remarked that the alumni served as the University’s most valuable ambassadors, carrying forward its legacy of innovation, integrity, and academic excellence into diverse sectors. He encouraged the alumni to remain closely connected with the institution, contribute their expertise, and actively participate in initiatives, aimed at promoting sustainability, and technological advancement for the benefit of farmers and society at large.

The Chief Patron of the Alumni Association and Dean COAET, Dr Manjeet Singh, extended heartfelt congratulations to the alumni for their immense contributions and professional excellence in the field of agricultural engineering within India and abroad. Established in 1964, the College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology has produced approximately 2,900 agrineers who have excelled as academicians, researchers, administrators, and entrepreneurs across diverse fields, he added. Further, he shared that the College has taken many new initiatives during the last year which included launch of a new School of Digital Innovations for Smart Agriculture (S-DISA), and that it was leading in the integration of cutting-edge tools viz., AI, drones, IoT sensors, robotics and GIS, into every facet of agriculture. The College has also established a Ministry-approved Remote Pilot Training Organization (RPTO) to train rural youth in UAV operations, he informed. Recently an Agro-processing Complex including a jaggery processing unit has also been established to showcase on-farm processing and packaging of cereals, pulses, oilseeds, jaggery, he added.

Dr Preetinder Kaur, President of Alumni Association, welcomed the esteemed gathering and shared that the Association has gained remarkable momentum through the collective and wholehearted participation of the alumni. She also highlighted that the Association has recently started AA - MS Chinnan Travel grant for students and faculty and Sukhdeep Singh-Jasjeet Kaur Academic Improvement Award for students with generous support of alumni.

Vibrant fun and cultural extravaganza was conducted by Dr Gurnaz Singh Gill along with Dr Preeti Birwal and Dr Maninder Kaur. The alumni also participated in the photo booth session, fun activities and ‘University Geri on tractor-trolley’ with full excitement and vigour.

Dr Vishal Bector, Chief Editor, coordinated the felicitation ceremony and Dr Sandhya, Secretary, proposed a vote of thanks.

Citizens demand increase in allocation to health budget

 Dr. AKM on Thursday 27th November 2025 at 5:13 PM

Privatization of State Health care add to impoverishment-IDPD

Ludhiana: 27th November 2025: (Media Link-K K Singh//Punjab Screen Desk)::

Low priority in the spending on health by the government is forcing the population to shelve money from their pocket to catastrophic level. Most of the families have to either sell their assets or borrow for health services. This was said by speakers at an interactive session on the ‘Present Health Scenario in Punjab - The Way Forward’ organised jointly by the Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD), PAU Employees Union and PAU Pensioners and Retirees Welfare Association. Dr  Arun Mitra president IDPD while initiating the discussion said that India is among the lowest spenders on public health in the world. The NITI Aayog has admitted that the Out of Pocket expenditure on health is pushing  7% population into poverty every year. Our poor ranking of 102 out of 123 in the Global Hunger Index is a cause of concern as a poorly nourished person is more vulnerable to fall sick. Government has failed to meet even its own figures to increase public Health spending to 2.5% of the GDP even though the as per the World Health organisation (WHO) norms it should be 6% of the GDP towards health. Our spending hovers around less than 2%. Peace meal approach to health, more stress on insurance based health care and entry of corporate sector in a big way in the health care ‘business’ has not solved the health needs of the people.

Dr. Indervir Singh Gill member of the central council of IDPD cautioned that Punjab is among the top out of pocket spending (OOP) states on health. Over OOP is 57% against the national average of around 40%. Large number of vacancies of doctors and other health staff are lying vacant. There are only 50 percent general medical officers and specialist doctors both against the sanctioned posts in the state sector to serve the population of more than 3 crore people in the state. Allocation to health in the budget is less than 2%. Our health bending per the State's GDP is only 0.7% against the recommended 2.5% by the Niti Aayog. Now lately the government is planning to privatise the civil hospitals through PPP mode and also to open the new medical colleges in the PPP mode. This will further push the low income group people to impoverishment. This plan should be immediately revoked he said.

As per the government plan the upcoming medical colleges in Sangrur and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar will now be opened under the PPP (Public Private Partnership) model through the Punjab Infrastructure Development Board (PIDB), and tenders for the same have already been floated. This will make the medical education in the state more expensive. Whereas the annual tuition fee in the government  run colleges is about 1.8 lakh per year the private colleges are charging  up to  12 Lakh per year.

It has been observed across the world that countries where the government itself provides healthcare services have far better health indicators compared to those where healthcare is delivered through the private sector or insurance companies. Therefore, instead of moving toward privatization, the Punjab Government should increase the health budget and directly ensure healthcare services for the people. D P Maur, President PAU Pensioners and Retirees Association said that the senior citizens who have no income of their own are the worst sufferers. M S Bhatia, General Secretary AITUC Ludhiana said that the government is diluting the ESI which will have serious implication on workers’ health.  Dr Pragya Sharma, compeered the proceedings. Baldev Singh Walia, President PAU Employees Union thanked the participants.  Several participants who gave their inputs include Dr Param Saini, Dr Gurveer Singh,  Dr Suraj Dhillon, Dr Ankush Kumar.

German Prof Philippe Schmitt-Kopplin's Talk at PAU

Received from PAU on 27th October 2025 at12:26 PM Regarding A Talk  By Professor Philippe Schmitt-Kopplin

“Life in a Nutshell: Biotic and Abiotic Chemistry........!

Ludhiana: 27th October 2025: (Media Link Ravinder//Punjab Screen Desk)::

The Department of Chemistry, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), organized a guest lecture on “Life in a Nutshell: Biotic and Abiotic Chemistry of Natural Complex Systems in Food, Health and Environment.” The session began with the welcome of distinguished speaker Professor Philippe Schmitt-Kopplin, Director of Research, Unit Analytical Bio Geo Chemistry, Helmholtz Munich, Germany; and Dr Ashok Kumar Malik, Professor, Former Head of Punjabi University, Patiala, by Dr Kiran Bains, Dean, College of Basic Sciences and Humanities (COBS&H).

Prof Philippe delivered an insightful and thought-provoking lecture. He discussed his studies related to analytical chemistry and metabolomics that are important for nutritional and health related issues.  He combined different spectroscopic studies with theoretical modelling techniques that illustrated chemical complexity and diversity of bioactive metabolites. He also cited examples from interfaces in biomes and abiomes of chemical systems across life, after-life, and pre-life stages.

Dr Bains, in her presidential remarks, appreciated the significance of the lecture and motivated the students and the faculty to excel in their field. She also encouraged future academic collaborations for basic and applied research.

Dr Neena Singla, Coordinator of Research, COBS&H, delivered a formal welcome address and highlighted research activities of the college.

Dr Manpreet Kaur, Head, Department of Chemistry, introduced the distinguished speaker, Dr Phillipe who is a science advisory board member of many prestigious European institutes and holds robust research experience as a team member of NASA and JAXA missions.  

The faculty of the Department of Chemistry later had an interactive session with Dr Phillips and Dr Malik and discussed possibilities of collaborative future research.

Life Time Achievement Award to Padam Shri O S Pahwa

Email From Brij Bhushan Goyal on Monday 13th Oct 2025 at 4:32 PM Regarding Onkar Singh Pahwa 

Pahwa’s entrepreneurial journey instills confidence in every youth

Ludhiana: 13th October2025: (*Brij Bhushan Goyal//Punjab Screen)::

Alumni Association of SCD Govt. College, Ludhiana has hailed honoring of Padam Shri Onkar Singh Pahwa by his alma mater where he graduated in the year 1973 with the Life Time Achievement Award, a rare honor. The college got this prestigious opportunity of honoring him at the Zonal Youth and Heritage Festival being held here where teams with their teachers from 24 colleges of Punjab were present. Principal Dr. Gursharan Jit Singh Sandhu said that this was a proud moment for the college as Pahwa’s entrepreneurial journey instills confidence in every youth.

The other befitting honor for Pahwa is his figuring on the title page of the prestigious literary magazine of the college The Sutlej for the year 2024-2025  which was released on the occasion. Pahwa in his address to students felt gratitude for the college which has groomed him. He invoked students to startup ventures saying every first step is small. He was all praise for illustrious teachers. 

The ceremony was attended by another industry stalwart Surinder Singh Bhogal, a mid-1960s alumni besides many other alumni. O P Verma, K B Singh, Brij Bhushan Goyal, P D Gupta, Navdeep Singh, Gurmit Singh, Geetanjli Pabreja, Dr Sajla Kalra, Harish Kaura, Gurmit Singh, Ashok Dhir,    Dr Vikas Loomba, Dalbir Singh Mouli, Paramjit Chander, Dr Sourabh (All alumni) and former college principals praised college’s alumni bonds. Goyal informed that Pahwa has already given sizeable help in his philanthropic pursuits for the college.

 *Brij Bhushan Goyal is Organizing Secretary, Alumni Association, SCD Govt. College, Ludhiana