Lucknow, Oct 15 Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel on Thursday called on the National Sugar Institute, Kanpur, to conduct research on healthier alternatives to cold drinks and promote ethanol production and use to help reduce pollution.
Addressing the institute’s 91st Foundation Day celebrations virtually from Jan Bhavan here, Patel also stressed the need to encourage research and innovation, promote public health and contribute to the national campaign against drug abuse.
“The institute should conduct research to develop healthy alternatives to cold drinks that can offer better options to young people,” Patel said, urging farmers and other participants to stay away from intoxicants and adopt healthy dietary habits.
She said the health of young people was essential for the country’s progress, noting that Indian youth were contributing to development through their talent and hard work in India and abroad.
The governor said the institute should maintain a systematic database of its alumni and utilise their experience, expertise and support for the benefit of farmers. This would help ensure that research findings and technical knowledge reached farmers directly.
Congratulating progressive farmers and alumni honoured at the event for their contributions, Patel appreciated the recognition of farmers from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.
She emphasised the need to recognise and encourage women farmers, saying this would inspire more women to take up innovation and progressive practices in agriculture, according to a Jan Bhavan statement.
The governor also called for recognising students engaged in research and innovation, stressing that their contributions deserved encouragement and appreciation. “Even after completing 90 years of its glorious journey, the institute remaining active like a young institution is a matter of pride,” she said.
Patel highlighted the importance of research on ethanol production and its use, saying greater adoption could help reduce pollution. She urged scientists and students to promote innovations that take into account environmental protection, human health and the welfare of other living beings.
Referring to the campaign to build a drug-free India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, she said educational and research institutions had an important role in achieving the objective. She also underlined the need for institutions to support efforts to make India tuberculosis-free and contribute to public health initiatives.
Patel further stressed that dietary habits and lifestyles should be encouraged in accordance with India’s environmental conditions and cultural values.
She said a healthy lifestyle, environmental protection and social responsibility were important for public welfare and national interest, according to the statement.
(PTI News)
