T.G. Sitharam, former Chairman, All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), has stressed the importance of innovation-driven growth and artificial intelligence (AI)-ready campuses while the highlighting the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

Mr. Sitharam was speaking as chief guest at the National Technology Day 2026 celebrations organised by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST) in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday (May 11, 2026). He also underscored the importance of emerging sectors such as semiconductors, clean energy and green hydrogen.

CSIR-NIIST director C. Anandharamakrishnan, who presided, said the CSIR-NIIST has been actively pursuing translational and industry-oriented research in areas such as sustainable materials, food and nutraceutical technologies, chemical sciences, environmental technologies, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing and circular economy solutions.

As part of the celebrations, a ‘Technofest-cum-Customer Meet’ was organised on the NIIST campus.

Lakshmi Kantam, former Director, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, delivered the special address. Beena Pillai, Director, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB), also attended the function.