Event update: Signing of Memorandum of Understanding between Defence Research Development Organization (DRDO) and JSS University (JSSU), Mysore

Published on 24 November 2011

Event update: Signing of Memorandum of Understanding between Defence Research Development Organization (DRDO) and JSS University (JSSU), Mysore

In the understanding of the human organs, brain is the least understood one. The research on brain is handicapped because of the size, the cells and the tissues. Hence, a very strong research and development for cognitive sciences becomes imperative, said scientific advisor to Raksha Mantri, Dr V K Saraswat.

            Delivering the keynote address after signing a memorandum of Understanding between Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) and JSS University, Mysore, here on Wednesday, he said artificial intelligence may help understand the functioning of the brain which in turn may help to treat problems in different age brackets from children to old age.

            The DRDO is likely to play a major role in nuclear medicine and also with interests in yoga and meditation. Nearly RS 300 crore per year is spend on research and development projects. This is the kind of funds and synergy available which will lead to great innovations in science, he said.

            Lauding the efforts of JSS University, Saraswat said, it is a university which is still steeped in preserving heritage and with 600 faculty for a student strength of 2,800, the teacher to taught ratio is one of the best in the country. The MoU signed is very enriching and enlightening association for both DRDO and JSS as a lot of work in life sciences and other areas can be done, he added.

            Recalling the more than ten years association with JSS institution which began with the JSS Pharmacy College in Ooty, chief controller research and development, DRDO, Dr W Selwamurthy said they were looking for formulation for contraceptives for neem oil which had spermicidal and microbial properties and it was Dr Suresh the then principal who was able to give a stable formulation. This important endeavour led to various combination and standardization of the products of neem.

            Highlighting on the modern warfare which is all about cognitive war, he said for instance, a pilot crystallizes information and decides in a micro or a nano second what steps to take and this is what multi-tasking is all about. There is a paradigm shift as there is now a cognitive process involved which has led to cognitive engineering to study the behavior of not only soldiers but also farmers where the cognitive desonance leads to aberrant behavior. Today cognitive science is an emerging science which also includes yoga and spiritual practices. Thus the tie up between DRDO and JSS University is going to be mutually beneficial in research and academic endeavour in the field of cognitive science, he said. JSS University vice chancellor Dr B Suresh said, some of the research areas for joint development include bio-medical technology, cognitive sciences, eco-toxicology, nano-technology, herbal medicine etc. JSS University chancellor Shivarathri Deshikendra Swami said in our country knowledge has always been subordinate to spirituality.

            JSS University pro-chancellor B N Betkerur, director of life sciences, DRDO Dr Ilavazghan, registrar Mruthunjeya Kulenur, principal Dr H Basavanagowdappa and Dr Kushalappa were present.

B N Betkerur, pro-chancellor, JSS university exchanges memorandum with V K Saraswath, advisor to defence minister in Mysore on Wednesday. Suttur seer Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra, JSS University VC B Suresh, W Selvamurthy and others are seen.