CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR–NIScPR), in partnership with Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA) and Vijyana Bharati (VIBHA), successfully organized a one-day training workshop on incense stick making. The event took place at the Gram Panchayat Bhawan of Pilli Padav village (Gaindikhata cluster) in Haridwar, Uttarakhand on May 25, 2023.
The primary objective of the workshop was to promote and provide training to farmers and women in the technology of incense stick making, which was developed by the CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CSIR-CIMAP) in Lucknow. Over 120 women participants attended the workshop, demonstrating their keen interest in learning this new skill.
The workshop commenced with a welcome address by Meenakshi Choudhary, the local coordinator of the UBA network. Dr. Yogesh Suman, Senior Principal Scientist at CSIR-NIScPR, provided an overview of the joint efforts of the collaborating organizations to foster livelihood opportunities in rural areas through the utilization of CSIR technologies.
Although unable to attend in person, Prof. Ranjana Aggarwal, Director of CSIR-NIScPR, joined the event remotely and highlighted the significance of the incense stick-making technology. She shared examples of how this technology had positively impacted the lives and livelihoods of individuals, particularly women, near Shirdi, Maharashtra. Prof. Aggarwal also emphasized the ecological benefits of this technology and its potential to contribute to the development of a circular economy by nurturing a local ecosystem.
Prof. Virendra Kumar Vijay, the National Coordinator of UBA, addressed the gathering and provided insights into the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan initiative. He explained how UBA is actively working towards the creation of a self-reliant India (Atma Nirbhar Bharat). The Gram Pradhan, Shashi Jhandwal, highlighted the local challenges of unemployment and livelihood and expressed gratitude to CSIR-NIScPR and UBA for organizing such a valuable training program.
The training session was conducted by Manoj Yadav, a Technical Officer from CSIR-CIMAP. The trainees exhibited great enthusiasm and actively participated in the session. Yadav provided a detailed demonstration, interacting with the participants and explaining the intricacies involved in each step of incense stick making. He emphasized that this technology is self-sustainable, and incense sticks can be produced using simple household tools.
CSIR-NIScPR, in collaboration with UBA and VIBHA, plans to organize a series of similar training workshops. These initiatives are specifically focused on creating livelihood opportunities in villages associated with the UBA network. Dr. Yogesh Suman, Senior Principal Scientist, leads the CSIR-NIScPR team along with Dr. Shiv Narayan Nishad, Senior Scientist; Dr. Vinayak, Senior Scientist; and Meetali Bharti, Scientist at CSIR-NIScPR.
The successful workshop not only empowered the participants with new skills but also highlighted the importance of technology-driven interventions in uplifting rural communities. By harnessing the potential of CSIR technologies, initiatives like these contribute to the overall growth and development of the nation.
