ICAR-CIARI Commemorates the 77th Republic Day with National Pride at Garacharma Campus
On January 26, 2026, the ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-CIARI), situated in Sri Vijaya Puram, commemorated the 77th Republic Day with great patriotic enthusiasm at the Institute's headquarters in the Garacharma campus, as well as at the Regional Centre in Minicoy, Lakshadweep, and the KVKs in South Andaman, North and Middle Andaman, and Nicobar.The event saw enthusiastic participation from staff, students, and their families, fostering a lively and patriotic environment.The event began with Dr. Jai Sunder, the Director of ICAR-CIARI, unfurling the National Flag, who subsequently addressed the attendees. In his speech, Dr. Jai Sunder emphasized the historical and national importance of Republic Day, recalling that on January 26, 1950, the Constitution of India was enacted, establishing India as a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic. He also noted that this date was selected to honor the Purna Swaraj declaration of 1930, which represented India’s quest for complete independence.
Dr. Jai Sunder reminded all present that Republic Day is not merely a celebration of democracy but also a homage to the sacrifices made by freedom fighters and the principles enshrined in the Constitution—justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. He encouraged the audience to renew their dedication to service, scientific inquiry, unity, equity, and national progress, particularly in light of ICAR-CIARI’s distinctive role in island agriculture.Expressing pride in the achievements of the Institute during 2025–26, the Director remarked that ICAR-CIARI has made substantial advancements in research, extension, infrastructure development, outreach, and human resource development.
He announced a historic milestone with the recommendation of 18 varieties by SVRC, and the gazette notification and release of 7 varieties by CVRC, which included four rice varieties and three pulse varieties.ICAR-CIARI has standardized biofloc culture and has begun new research in seaweed farming. He pointed out that the Institute’s fisheries extension initiatives gained national visibility, with five CIARI fisheries success stories included in the NFDB national compilation, and Shri Arjun being honored with a National Award.He commended the performance of the Minicoy Research Station, mentioning that the installation of the second Fish Aggregating Device (FAD) would improve fishing opportunities and bolster the livelihoods of fishermen.
The Director further emphasized the commercialization of five technologies, which include: Dweep Leaf Separator, DweepCinnRub, Dweep MAS Poultry Feed, Dweep Go-Fly formulation, and Dweep Microclimate Monitor.He mentioned that the Institute has secured five patents, submitted thirteen patent applications, and acquired three copyrights. The exclusive "Dweep" trademark was also acknowledged as a significant milestone, enhancing CIARI’s identity and worth. The Director lauded the Agrometeorological Advisory Service under Gramin Krishi Mausam Sewa, referring to it as a vital resource for island farmers, particularly during cyclones and severe weather conditions. He praised the efforts of all three KVKs and recognized their robust field involvement. At KVK Nicobar, he conveyed optimism about the construction of a permanent facility soon. He also emphasized the Agro-Eco Walk initiative as a key attraction that highlights CIARI technologies, serves as an educational resource, and attracts interest from tourists, including international visitors—merging science, conservation, education, and eco-tourism.
Dr. Jai Sunder expressed gratitude to various departments and teams for their committed efforts, including AKMU for digital outreach, the HRD Cell for Mission Karmayogi training that encompassed all 148 staff members, and the PME Cell for the prompt compilation of reports and documentation. He also recognized ITMU, Estate, Farm, Administration, and Finance departments for their excellent performance and expressed confidence in achieving 100% fund utilization once more this year. He noted the visit from the Parliamentary Standing Committee, which commended CIARI’s initiatives and appreciatedoverall development. Additionally, he congratulated Team ICAR-CIARI for their accomplishments in the Eastern Zonal Sports Meet and appreciated CIARIWA for their social and cultural initiatives.Special recognition was given to contractual and project staff, describing them as the backbone of the institute.The Director motivated all individuals to persist in their dedicated efforts towards achieving the objectives of Atmanirbhar Bharat by the year 2047, highlighting the importance of effectively executing the VKSA state-specific plan.A cultural program was arranged, featuring patriotic songs, dance performances, a quiz competition, and extempore speaking. The events were carried out with immense enthusiasm and a strong sense of patriotism.
Concluding his speech, Dr. Jai Sunder called upon everyone to reaffirm their commitment to the principles of the Republic—service, science, integrity, and sustainability—and to collaborate in transforming ICAR-CIARI into a national benchmark for sustainable island agriculture. He conveyed his warm regards and wished everyone a Happy Republic Day.
