Jamshedpur: As part of its Platinum Jubilee celebrations, the CSIR-National Metallurgical Laboratory (CSIR-NML), Jamshedpur, hosted the 5th lecture in its commemorative series, marking 75 years of excellence in metallurgical research and innovation.
The special lecture, delivered on July 2, 2025, featured Padma Bhushan Dr. V.K. Saraswat, Member of NITI Aayog, as the distinguished speaker. Addressing a packed auditorium at CSIR-NML, Dr. Saraswat presented an insightful talk on “Critical Materials for India’s Strategic Future,” highlighting the essential role of rare and strategic minerals in India’s march towards becoming a developed nation (Viksit Bharat).
In his address, Dr. Saraswat stressed the urgency of securing access to critical materials vital for sectors like electric mobility, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing. He outlined the global supply risks, refining challenges, and India’s dependency on imports for key metals. He also discussed the National Critical Mineral Mission 2025, policy frameworks, and initiatives aimed at building self-reliance in this high-stakes domain.
Dr. Saraswat emphasized the strategic importance of a circular economy, low-grade ore processing, and secondary resource utilization. He highlighted the potential of AI-driven innovations in refining, recycling, and optimizing material use, positioning CSIR-NML as a key player in this evolving landscape.
The event began with a welcome address by Dr. Sandip Ghosh Chowdhury, Director, CSIR-NML, who praised Dr. Saraswat’s longstanding association with the institution. The lecture concluded with a dynamic Q&A session, engaging researchers, industry professionals, and students.
This milestone event not only celebrated CSIR-NML’s legacy since its inauguration by Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru in 1950, but also reinforced its commitment to shaping India’s technological and strategic future through cutting-edge research and global collaboration.
