Educational trip to DRDO (09/05/2023)

 Defence Institute of Bio Energy Research

A trip was organized by our school, for the students who have opted for PCB as their subjects. Its main objective was to give the children a better view of the world and to help them learn about the field of research and innovation. 
Location: Arjunpur Bareilly, Bareilly - Nainital Rd, Gorapadao, Haldwani, Uttarakhand 263139

01. Historical background 

DIBER has its origin as an "Agriculture Research Unit" (ARU) established by M.C. Joshi who was also it's first director in 1967 at Sitoli, Almora which was renamed to Pithoragarh-headquartered "Defence Agricultural Research Laboratory" (DARL) in 1984 and to DIBER in 2008.

In 2020, with an intent to make the DRDO leaner and more effective, it was proposed to merge the "Defence Institute of Bio-Energy Research" (DIBER) with the Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR). The Institute has given its Self Autonomous Status with all its assets and locations. The collaboration with the Defence Food Research Laboratory and the Central Food Technological Research Institute of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) will be enhanced.

02. Museum of Achievement

We were warmly welcomed by Dr. Anfal Arshi (Sr. Scientist, Head, Divn. of Microbiology, DRDO India). He showed us the museum of their achievements and explained everything in great depth. Dr. Anfal's words also motivated us to look beyond our marks and improve our strengths, not give up on our passion, and follow what we are good at. Some of the achievements are:- 

O) Lukoskin 
In 2020, Dr. Hemant Kumar Pandey, Ph.D., was awarded DRDO's "Scientist of the Year Award" by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh for his contribution to developing several herbal medicines, including the Lukoskin drug, a herbal concoction of 8 herbs found in Himalayan region, for treating leucoderma.

O) High Altitude Poly House and Glass House 

Professor Boshi Sen gave the idea of growing food on substations at high altitudes to provide improved logistic support (Logistics is the process of planning and executing the efficient transportation and storage of goods from the point of origin to the point of consumption)

O) Angora Clothing 
Angora rabbit wool is used to improve clothing for high altitudes.

O) Biodiesel from Seeds 
Jatropha plant seeds have around 36% oil content and are used to create Biodiesel. The byproducts of the extraction of oils from seeds are also used for other purposes. The idea was given by Mr. Pranab Mukherjee to the team of DIBER.

O) Synthetic Cordyceps Sinensis 
Caterpillar fungus was successfully artificially grown in a lab by DIBER. It shows high medicinal properties. 

03. Labrotary 

Mrs. Shilpi Sing (Tranie), Dr. Risha Joshi (Industrial Microbiologist), Dr. Gitica skihaval (Microbiologist), and some other well-qualified individuals explained to us about the Laboratory environment. All the equipment, Sonicator, Coumpond microscope, centrifuge, Laminar airflow, ​Polymerase Chain Reaction, Incubators, seed germinators, Hot air oven, Nitrogen analyzer, autoclave vertical, moist sterilization, etc. 

04. Fields

Mr. Umesh Chandra Joshi (Environmental scientist), showed us Jatropha plants, Hydroponic cultivation, and a Biomass gasifier and explained their functioning.

Overall, it was an educational experience, we all got to learn a lot, and all the discussions we had with experienced individuals have left and great impact on good terms. We thank our school faculty A.V.B.I.L. for organizing this wonderful trip.  

A.V