JAMMU: CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM), Jammu, celebrated Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas 2026 by organising a special programme for tribal students, highlighting the rich heritage, traditional knowledge and contributions of tribal communities.
The programme also aimed to familiarise students with scientific research, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director, CSIR-IIIM Jammu and CSIR-NBRI Lucknow, stressed the importance of providing equal opportunities to children from remote, marginalised and underserved communities. He said every child had the potential to achieve great things with proper guidance, encouragement and exposure.
Highlighting the significance of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, Dr. Ahmed underscored the valuable traditional medicinal knowledge preserved by communities such as the Gujjars and Bakarwals, particularly regarding medicinal plants, herbs and natural resources. He emphasised the need to document, scientifically validate and integrate this traditional wisdom with modern research.
He also highlighted a Ministry of Tribal Affairs initiative being undertaken by CSIR institutions to document and scientifically validate traditional knowledge and promote the conservation and sustainable utilisation of medicinal plants. The initiative includes establishing 16 community nurseries for the propagation and conservation of medicinal plant species.
Dr. Ahmed said the generations-old knowledge of Gujjar and Bakarwal communities regarding local medicinal plants, their seasonal availability and traditional applications represented an important resource for scientific research and biodiversity conservation. He stressed the importance of documenting the experience of traditional healers and elderly knowledge holders to preserve it for future generations.
He said CSIR-IIIM, with its scientific expertise and research infrastructure, could contribute through medicinal plant research, standardised formulations and further preclinical and clinical studies. He also highlighted the research potential of regional resources, including medicinal plants and saffron, for developing healthcare applications.
Encouraging the students, he invited them to visit the Institute, interact with scientists and explore its research activities.
Earlier, Dr. Saurabh Saran highlighted CSIR-IIIM’s role in connecting scientific research with livelihood generation, entrepreneurship and self-employment. He briefed participants about the opportunities offered by the Institute’s Atal Incubation Centre, BioNEST Incubator, Centre of Excellence in Biotechnology and Biotech Park for developing skills, products and business ventures.
He also highlighted the potential of regional resources such as apples, walnuts, almonds and medicinal and aromatic plants for developing value-added healthcare and nutraceutical products, urging participants to utilise the technical guidance, training and incubation support available at the Institute.
Around 70 students from different parts of the Jammu region, including Rajouri, Mendhar, Akhnoor, Reasi, Poonch and Jammu, participated in the programme. Students from Gujjar-Bakarwal Girls Hostels and postgraduate hostels were also part of the event.
Coordinated by Dr. Nasir ul Rasheed, the programme familiarised students with CSIR-IIIM’s research activities and scientific facilities. Participants visited different laboratories, interacted with scientists and gained first-hand exposure to the Institute’s research infrastructure.
Interactive sessions allowed students to share their experiences and feedback. Quiz competitions were also organised, with prizes distributed among winners, while all participants received gifts as a token of appreciation.
Press release Janjaiya Gaurav Diwas(Final).docx
