Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 15 Jan: Professor and Dean (Academics) of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee, Dr Naveen K Navani, along with Visiting Professor associated with the institute Dr HC Pokhariyal, paid a courtesy call on Governor Lt General Gurmit Singh (Retd) today at the Lok Bhawan, here.
During the meeting, they briefed the Governor about several key research initiatives being undertaken at IIT Roorkee that are directly connected to everyday public life. These research efforts aim at improving nutrition, ensuring food safety, increasing farmers’ income, enhancing animal husbandry practices, and reducing the unnecessary use of antibiotics. Dr Navani informed that probiotic-rich millet bread developed from coarse grains is beneficial for health and, due to its low glycemic index, can also be useful for diabetic patients.
He also shared information about an indigenous beverage prepared from Buransh (Rhododendron), named “Rhodoboost”, which helps improve gut health, boosts immunity, and aids in preventing food-borne diseases. Referring to research conducted on Uttarakhand’s local Lakhori chili, he explained that the natural compounds found in it possess antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, establishing its medicinal and nutritional value. Additionally, information was shared about research related to identifying the purity and adulteration of honey, which will help ensure the availability of pure honey to consumers and strengthen food safety.
The Governor appreciated all these research initiatives and stated that such practical and people-oriented research is extremely important for society, agriculture, and the health sector. He particularly emphasised the need to promote research based on honey, millets, Badri Tulsi, and Uttarakhand’s traditional crops, local products, and natural resources.
The Governor expressed hope that these efforts by a prestigious institution like IIT Roorkee would, in the future, provide a strong foundation for the overall development of the state and the country, nutritional security, and sustainable livelihoods.
