80th Independence Day at ICAR–RCER Patna: Celebrating Achievements, and Reaffirming Responsibility for Nation Building

The ICAR–Research Complex for Eastern Region, Patna celebrated the 80th Independence Day with great enthusiasm and patriotic spirit at the institute campus. The celebration commenced with flag hoisting by Dr. Anup Das, Director, ICAR-RCER, Patna, followed by the National Anthem. 

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Anup Das, Director, ICAR-RCER, Patna, paid rich tribute to the freedom fighters and martyrs whose sacrifices laid the foundation of an independent India. He said that India has made remarkable progress in almost every sector since Independence and is moving rapidly towards becoming a developed nation.

Dr. Das appreciated the contribution of the institute's scientists and staff in strengthening the agricultural sector and improving farmers' livelihoods in eastern India. He highlighted the institute's work in development of improved varieties and production technologies, integrated farming systems, rice-fallow management, livestock and fisheries sector, land and water management, socio-economic and extension technologies. He emphasized that such research and technologies have an important role in making agriculture more productive, resilient and sustainable. He, however, noted that several challenges remain before Indian agriculture, particularly in the context of climate change, resource sustainability, nutritional security, employment and farmers' income. He called upon all employees to work with a renewed sense of responsibility and commitment.

Dr. Das stressed the importance of team building, coordination and collective efforts. He called for giving greater priority to quality over quantity, innovation, integrity and professional ethics in research and institutional activities. He also emphasized the need for long-term and sustainable approaches to make agriculture more self-reliant.

Dr. Das said that every individual has an important role in nation building. “If each one of us sincerely performs the task entrusted to us with excellence, integrity and commitment, we can make a meaningful contribution towards achieving the goals of Viksit Bharat,” he said.

He expressed confidence that through collective effort, innovation, dedication and a strong team spirit, ICAR-RCER would continue to contribute significantly to the development of agriculture and rural livelihoods in the eastern region and to the larger national goal of a self-reliant and Viksit Bharat. 

During the celebration, various activities and competitions were organized for school children, aimed at nurturing patriotism, creativity and awareness about the significance of Independence Day. The program concluded with a renewed pledge by the institute fraternity to work together for the advancement of Indian agriculture and the nation. The 80th Independence Day was also celebrated with the same zeal, enthusiasm and patriotic spirit at the Sabajpura Farm of ICAR–RCER, Patna; Farming System Research Centre for Hill and Plateau Region (FSRCHPR), Ranchi; Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Buxar and KVK, Ramgarh.