NATURE IS THE RESOURCE

NATURE IS THE RESOURCE

A PLACE for everything and everything in its place is the law of Nature. Researchers at Shri AMM Murugappa Chettiar Research Centre in Taramani, Chennai, go by the same law. In an age when environmental issues are of prime concern, making utmost use of natural resources has been its goal since inception. Started in 1977, under the umbrella of the Murugappa group, the MCRC, situated on 5.4 acres, has more than one can imagine. The prime areas of research involve application of science and technology to solve problems related to energy and resource consumption, developing innovative scientific technologies for rural application and designing devices that would satisfy the day-to-day needs of the rural populace. "The aim is to improve the economic status of the rural poor. Other areas of significance are resource utilisation, recovery and waste management. Most of our technology is meant to help the rural people better their agriculture practices, without having to depend on artificial resources. For example, we have designed a cycle trailer that can be attached to any ordinary bicycle. This can be used to carry extra load. Such devices have been developed by in-house researchers. We try to get close to Nature and use the materials available in our neighbourhood to satiate our needs," says Dr. Vatsala, Director (technical) of the research centre, with pride.

In its 25 years of existence, the centre has grown in stature to become a non-governmental voluntary organisation engaged in research coupled with a social thrust. The winning formula of the Algal Technology Spirulina was the brainchild. "It was the urge to address malnutrition that enabled us to develop Spirulina as a nutritional supplement. Realising its commercial potential we used it for the empowerment of rural women. In the quake-hit areas of Latur in Maharashtra, we trained around 300 women in Spirulina production. Similar projects have also been implemented in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh," she said. Other research ventures include organic farming, wasteland management, permaculture (permanent agriculture) and bio-dynamic agriculture."We also guide Ph.D scholars. We are open to college and school students who want to work on projects. The idea is to create an awareness among youngsters about the uses of natural resources," says the director. Researchers at the MCRC have come up with a unique process for the paper industry, where eco-friendly paper is manufactured. "Instead of using cellulose, we use silk cotton, agro waste, fabric wastes and other natural dyes. We also impart training in this technique," says Dr. Vatsala. The paper unit also recycles paper, including waste currency notes from the Reserve Bank of India. Other exclusive research projects include biological hydrogen production, greenhouse construction techniques, solar still fabrication for purification of water, alternative low cost housing solutions, screen printing and natural dye extraction.

                                          Prof.  John Kurakar