LPU signs MoU with CSIR-AMPRI: Students to convert ‘waste into wealth’

Jalandhar, July 31, 2019: CSIR-(Council of Scientific and Industrial Research)-AMPRI (Advanced Materials and Processes Research Institute), Bhopal, and Lovely Professional University (LPU) signed an MoU for bringing ample entrepreneurial opportunities to LPU students. Using AMPRI technologies, students will be educated how to make wealth from the waste. The MoU is to undertake joint ‘Research and Academics’ pursuits in various areas related to nation-building. It is a boon to students as it will even ensure generation of exportable products from alternative materials. CSIR-AMPRI's Director Dr A K Srivastava and LPU’s Registrar Dr Monica Gulati signed the MoU on behalf of their respective institutions. CSRI-AMPRI is one of the best institutes known for its cutting-edge R&D knowledge base in diverse ‘Science and Technology’ areas. It is multi-disciplinary institute engaged in the important areas of light-weight, radiation shielding, smart and functional materials, hybrid composites, water resource management and more. The MoU will promote LPU scientists, PhD scholars and devoted students of different streams to work closely with the institute and enhance their industrial entrepreneurship skills. Addressing the students and staff members Dr Srivastava shared that idea for this collaboration was already clicked during 106th Indian Science Congress held at LPU campus six months back. Apprising about latest research and development endeavours at CSIR, he informed that at present works are also going on for “hybrid composites from fibres and waste particulates. In order to save the trees and environment; he suggested usage of waste materials with properties, much better than ‘teak-wood’, bamboo wood and more. He informed that newly researched products have long standing, great thermal resistance and are also produced without any useless by-products. Principal Scientist Dr Asokan informed that hybrid composites are future generation’s stronger and sustainable green materials with lot of recycling opportunities. Alerting all that agro-industrial waste per year is one billion tonne, he asked all to lay importance on alternative materials in place of timber, cement, bricks, concrete, steel, coating materials and more by avoiding deforestation and exploiting natural resources. Informing about more than 50 types of solid and liquid wastes, he advised to work for ‘clean India’, become innovative entrepreneur, earn and create jobs for many other people also. Dr Asokan also talked about ‘Sisal Plant Fibres’ which have great potential for employment and income generation. In fact, Sisal (Agave sisalana) is a hard fibre extracted from the leaves of sisal plants. Sisal is an environmentally friendly fibre as it is biodegradable, and almost no pesticides or fertilizers are used in its cultivation. LPU Chancellor Mr Ashok Mittal holds that MoU will enable students to get benefits from the expertise and guidance of eminent scientists of AMPRI. On these lines, students are to gain entrepreneurial skills, production techniques for alternative materials, and their bright career ahead. Chancellor Mr Mittal also advised agriculture department of the university to grow Sisal plants in area under its control. Prior to MoU, CSIR-AMPRI's four-member team led by Director Dr Srivastava including Senior Principal Scientists Dr. Asokan P, Dr SKS Rathore; and, Principal Technical Officer Dr. Edward Peters had held important collaborative discussions with Executive & Senior Deans, HoDs including Dr Sanjay Modi, Dr Lovi Raj Gupta, and Chief Engineer Atul Singla. Division of Industry Interface convened the MoU ceremony.