Nourishing Roots, Building Dreams: CSIR-IHBT Brings Science to Odisha Village
It was a day of new beginnings for Kusunpur Village in Kendrapara, Odisha, as the CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT) joined hands with the local community to launch the CSIR Smart Village Mission activities in the region—a small step with a big dream, inspired by the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India).
Led by the warm presence of Sh. Raghuram R. Iyer, Collector and District Magistrate, the inauguration wasn’t just a formal event; it felt like a gathering of purpose. The village square turned into a vibrant exhibition of possibilities, where science met tradition. CSIR-IHBT brought along innovations straight from the lab to the heart of the village—fortified foods designed to fight malnutrition, beautiful floral artefacts, handcrafted treasures, and an array of apiculture products like honey, bee pollen, and other value-added delights.
But the real highlight of the day? The smiles on the faces of the women of Kusunpur. In a heartwarming moment, dignitaries distributed POSHAN Maitree kits—special packs filled with protein and iron-fortified food products developed by CSIR-IHBT—to the women, symbolizing care, nutrition, and empowerment.
Beyond the exchange of products, it was about connection. The CSIR-IHBT team sat down with the villagers for an awareness and interaction program, listening, learning, and sharing ideas. Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Director General, CSIR, beautifully summed up the spirit of the mission: it’s about taking technology from the lab to the land, integrating it at the village level, and walking together toward the dream of Viksit Bharat @2047.
With gratitude in their hearts, the CSIR-IHBT team thanked the local administration and the villagers of Kusunpur for their warmth, cooperation, and belief in this shared journey.
