IIT Roorkee looked back at this memorable event that showcased unity, cultural diversity, and a deep appreciation for outstanding contributions within the institute.

The arrival of the Director, marked by the resonant Kulgeet, initiated the proceedings, creating a sense of camaraderie and patriotic fervor, say sources from IIT Roorkee.

Following this, the Director, with unwavering pride, hoisted the national flag, a momentous act that resonated with the spirit of unity and reverence for our nation’s sovereignty, say sources from IIT Roorkee.

This Flag Unfurling ceremony served as a poignant reminder of our collective commitment to the ideals that our tricolor represents.

The Director’s proud hoisting of the national flag was accompanied by the collective singing of the National Anthem, symbolizing our shared love for India.

The proclamation of “Jai Hind, Jai Hind, Jai Hind” further unified the gathering, reflecting a collective commitment to contribute to the nation’s progress.

This Republic Day celebration was a poignant and inspiring occasion, highlighting the spirit of patriotism and unity at our esteemed institution, say sources from IIT Roorkee.

Performance and Highlight

Cultural performances by students from ABN Senior Secondary School and the Cultural Society of IIT Roorkee added vibrancy to the event, demonstrating the rich tapestry of talents within the institute.

A significant highlight was the recognition of exemplary contributions by officers, employees, and sports teams throughout 2023.

Awards and commendation certificates were conferred to deserving individuals and teams, acknowledging their exceptional work, say sources from IIT Roorkee.

Notable mentions included winners of the 28th Inter IIT Staff Sports Meet-2023 and accolades for the Best Cleaned Bhawan and Best Cleaned Mess, say sources from IIT Roorkee.

As we celebrate this historic day, let us reflect on the values that bind us together – democracy, diversity, and a shared vision for a brighter future, he said.

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At IIT Roorkee, we are committed to nurturing the talents that will contribute to the nation’s growth, innovation, and global standing.

On behalf of the institute, I extend heartfelt wishes to every Indian, urging us to continue working collaboratively towards a prosperous and harmonious India, said IIT Roorkee director.

Ceremony

The post-event ceremony also honored the winners of the quiz competition organized on Constitution Day, underlining IIT Roorkee’s commitment to academic excellence and fostering a spirit of inquiry.

The celebration, which was broadcast live on the official IITR YouTube channel, allowed a wider audience to witness the institute’s commitment to tradition, excellence, and progress.

History

Reflecting on its rich history dating back to 1847, IITR remains a beacon of academic excellence and innovation.

With over 175 years of contributions to engineering, technology, and research, the institute continues to inspire generations and shape the future.

Since its establishment in 1847, the Institute has played a vital role in providing technical human resources and know-how to the country.

The vision of the institution is to attain global level of excellence in education and to create a sustainable and equitable society through innovative research in science and technology.

The technology was developed by Prof. Jayant Kumar Singh and his team from the Department of Chemical Engineering in IIT Kanpur.

To facilitate its widespread adoption, IIT Kanpur has signed a technology transfer MoU with ScaNxt Scientific Technologies Pvt. Ltd.

The pact was signed in the presence of Prof. Raja Angamuthu, Associate Dean of Research & Development, IIT Kanpur and Prof. Jayant Kumar Singh (Inventor).

Device

The Soil Nutrient Sensing Device is a compact, smartphone-compatible innovation that provides real-time soil nutrient analysis, addressing the critical gap in timely soil testing for Indian farmers, say sources from IIT Kanpur.

Traditionally reliant on district laboratories, farmers often face delays in receiving soil health assessments, say sources from IIT Kanpur.

Portability

Designed for portability and ease of use, the device can assess multiple soil parameters simultaneously, storing data on a cloud server, with a single charge supporting up to 250 tests, say sources from IIT Kanpur.

This pioneering device leverages Near-Infrared (NIR) Spectroscopy to deliver instant soil health insights directly to a smartphone, eliminating the need for chemical reagents and complex testing processes.

By enabling precise nutrient management, the technology has the potential to transform agriculture, enhancing crop productivity, reducing fertilizer overuse, and contributing to both improved farmer incomes and environmental sustainability, say sources from IIT Kanpur.

By providing instant, reagent-free testing with Near Infrared Spectroscopy, this technology empowers farmers to make informed decisions, optimize fertilizer use, and boost productivity, he said.

Through our collaboration with ScaNxt Scientific Technologies, we aim to transform Indian agriculture and take this pioneering innovation to global markets, supporting the vision of sustainable farming practices, he said.

I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Prof. Jayant Kumar Singh and his team for this groundbreaking development, he said.

Inventor

Prof. Jayant Kumar Singh (inventor) said their development is a culmination of years of research and hard work aimed at addressing the real challenges farmers face in soil health assessment.

It’s truly gratifying to see this innovation, which offers immediate and accuratesoil analysis, now being transferred to ScaNxt Scientific Technologies for broader adoption, said Prof Jayant Kumar of IIT Kanpur.

This device not only empowers farmers with instant insights but also supports the creation of a national soil stack, aiding in better fertilizer management and promoting sustainability, he said.

I am excited to witness the positive impact it will have, both on the ground and at the policy level, as it contributes to a more sustainable and efficient agricultural landscape, he said.

Their collaboration with IIT Kanpur through the joint MoU will allow us to advance soil testing technologies further, integrating micro and secondary nutrient analysis into our BhuParikshak device, he said.

By combining NIR Spectroscopy, IoT, and AI/ML, we aim to provide farmers with even more precise and actionable data to optimize nutrient management and drive sustainable agricultural growth, he said.

Market and collaboration

The Indian soil testing equipment market, currently valued at approximately USD 114.43 million as of 2024, is set for significant expansion.

Driven by the increasing demand for efficient agricultural productivity solutions and the need for climate resilience, this market is projected to reach USD 145.83 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.08%.

This collaboration sets the stage for a transformative shift in soil health management, equipping farmers with immediate, data-driven insights and promoting sustainable agricultural practices both in India and globally.

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