“Biotechnology plays a vital role in human well-being, sustainable development”

AH Rajasab, President, Karnataka State Academy of Science and Technology, inaugurating a two-day national seminar on ‘Biotechnology and Sustainable Development Goals’ at Kalaburagi on Saturday. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Biotechnology plays a key role in ensuring human welfare, environmental sustainability and long-term development, Karnataka State Science and Technology Academy (KSTA) president AH Rajasab said on Saturday.

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

Prof. Addressing the gathering, 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 found that emerging technologies such as CRISPR-DNA technology and artificial intelligence have opened up new avenues for scientific progress and, if used effectively, could greatly accelerate progress in life sciences.

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

Professor Rajasab said being invited to the national seminar felt like a homecoming. Recalling his long association with the Department of Biotechnology, he said that the Department nurtured his academic journey from being a Lecturer to Vice-Chancellor and later to the position of President of the Karnataka State Academy of Science and Technology.

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

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

He noted that biotechnology has expanded rapidly along with advances in science and technology. The industry brought scientific precision to agriculture and agricultural practices, particularly through improvements in seed quality, fertilizers, and pest control techniques. According to him, the impact of biotechnology was also visible in healthcare, education, industry and several other sectors.

On this occasion, dignitaries issued a souvenir from the seminary.

The organizing secretary MB Sulochana welcomed the guests and delivered the opening speech, the dignitaries were introduced by co-coordinator Kelamani Chandrakanth. Registrar Ramesh Landankar was present.

Published – 20 Jun 2026 21:49 IST