*Dr. Sanjay Kumar, Director CSIR-IHBT, Palampur- an eminent Scientist, perfect Administrator, and excellent human being*

*Dr. Sanjay Kumar, Director CSIR-IHBT, Palampur- an eminent Scientist, perfect Administrator, and excellent human being*

Introduction:- Dr. Sanjay Kumar Director CSIR-IHBT,Joined CSIR-IHBT as “Scientist B” in 1990.
He obtained Master’s and Ph.D. degrees from G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar and Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, respectively.
He received post-doctoral training at Texas Tech. University (USA), Rothamsted Research (UK), and Kansas State University (USA).

Dr Sanjay Kumar’s Major contributions include discovery of a novel carbon fixation pathway and its transplantation in a heterologus system to reduce photorespiratory losses leading to photosynthetic gain and yield enhancement. (work lauded by international fraternity), discovery of autoclavable superoxide dismutase from high altitude plant, its characterisation and modification, plant adaption mechanism at high altitude, cloning of genes for secondary metabolite synthesis and imparting stress tolerance, deciphering the mechanisms of thorn formation in rose, winter dormancy and drought stress in tea, understanding plant microbe interactions.He Contributed significantly on development of nutraceuticals using traditional knowledge, and genome and transcriptome sequencing of Himalayan plants and microbes to decipher adaptive mechanisms and secondary metabolites synthesis.

Dr sanjay Kumar Guided 28 MSc/PhD students, holds several international patents and has 205 research/review articles, book chapters, edited book etc. Some of his key contributions have percolated to book and major reviews also.

His Recognition includes Fellow of the Indian National Science Academy, National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Agricultural Sciences and Crop Improvement Society of India. Bestowed with prestigious VASVIK Industrial Research Award; R.D. Asana Endowment Lecture Award; Professor G.V. Joshi Memorial Lecture Award; Prof. Shri Ranjan Memorial Lecture Award, Ultra International Team Award for contribution in Essential Oil Industry; Outstanding Alumnus Award of College of Basic Sciences and Humanities by G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Certificate of Merit in CSIR Leadership Programme; and Young Scientist Award by INSA. He has been chairman/member of several Professional Committees and Task Forces, and has served Editorial Board of several international journals.

As Director of CSIR-IHBT since 11th June, 2015,he took new initiatives for society and vitalised several initiatives for empowering society/farmers, which include successful procurement and introduction of Heeng (asafoetida) and monk fruit in the country, and introduction of saffron, apple, Dalchini (cinnamon) and tulip in non-traditional areas. He promoted aromatics in mountain farming to make Himachal as the top state in country for production of essential oil of wild marigold. Coordinated multi- institutional projects of CSIR as Director of Agri, Nutri and Biotech Theme, as well as Nutraceuticals and Nutritionals Missions, for delivery of envisaged outcomes.

He gave top priority to Entrepreneurship and development with emphasis on bioeconomy, the numbers of technologies and products surged to 84 during a much shorter period (2015-2022) and transferred several of them on priority for products availability in the market. These efforts lead to brisk increase in MoUs/agreements/MTAs signed by the institute with entrepreneurs (from 21 during 1984-2014 to 904 during 2015-2022).

Dr Kumar catalysed inclusive development of the institute by mobilizing financial resources from varied agencies and linking with relevant state, national and international department(s)/ agency(ies)/ institute(s). With relentless approach for quality science and technology development, led CSIR-IHBT to attain top position in the state and 10th ranking among 37 institutes of CSIR as per the SCI mago rating.

Renowned scientist, introducer of organised cultivation of HING , DALCHINNI , AROMATIC PLANTS and MULETHI in Himachal pradesh . which are going to be a game changer in boosting economy of Himachal pradesh . The tenure as Director has given a multi dimensions to CSIR IHBT PALAMPUR . His work in ready to eat kangri Dham , stiviya , marry gold , lemon grass has resulted in direct income generation of Rs 170 crores to the farmers of Himachal .

Tricity Times wish Dr.Sanjay Kumar a happy and healthy and meaningful retired life.We hope that Dr. Sanjay will keep informing the Institute about his new ideas and input for the betterment of his most loved institute

Retirement is not the end of the road. It is the beginning of the open highway
We wish you a happy retired life ahead.

Often when you think you’re at the end of something, you’re at the beginning of something else.”
– Fred Rogers

“Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.”
– Dan Wilson