‘Biotechnology plays a vital role in human well-being, sustainable development’

Biotechnology has a crucial role to play in ensuring human well-being, environmental sustainability, and long-term development, Karnataka State Science and Technology Academy (KSTA) president A.H. Rajasab said on Saturday.

He was speaking after inaugurating a national seminar on ‘Biotechnology and Sustainable Development Goals’ organised by the Department of Biotechnology, Gulbarga University, as part of its silver jubilee celebrations at Bose Hall of the Department of Botany.

Addressing the gathering, Prof. Rajasab said restoration and conservation of plant and animal resources should be a priority if the world is to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations. He observed that emerging technologies such as CRISPR-DNA technology and artificial intelligence had opened new avenues for scientific advancement and, if utilised effectively, could significantly accelerate progress in the field of biological sciences.

He said scientific thinking and technological innovation in life sciences had the potential to transform seemingly impossible goals into reality. Adherence to the 17 SDGs envisioned by the United Nations would contribute to improvements in education, healthcare, agriculture, industry, water management, and environmental conservation while helping create responsible citizens committed to sustainable development, he added.

Prof. Rajasab said being invited to the national seminar felt like returning to his own home. Recalling his long association with the Department of Biotechnology, he said the department had nurtured his academic journey from lecturer to Vice-Chancellor and later to the position of president of the Karnataka State Science and Technology Academy.

“The department has grown remarkably over the years. Memories of the numerous seminars, conferences, and academic programmes organised here remain fresh in my mind. I remain grateful to the university for shaping my career,” he said.

Speaking as the chief guest, Gulbarga University Vice-Chancellor Shashikant S. Udikeri said the silver jubilee celebrations of the Department of Biotechnology, coupled with the participation of scholars and alumni, marked a significant milestone for the institution.

He noted that biotechnology had expanded rapidly alongside advancements in science and technology. The sector had brought scientific precision to agriculture and farming practices, particularly through improvements in the quality of seeds, fertilisers, and pest management techniques. The impact of biotechnology was also visible in healthcare, education, industry and several other sectors, he said.

A seminar souvenir was released on the occasion by the dignitaries.

Organising secretary M.B. Sulochana welcomed the guests and delivered the introductory address, while co-coordinator Kelamani Chandrakanth introduced the dignitaries. Registrar Ramesh Landankar was present.