Bay News Network, Visakhapatnam: Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL) celebrated the 43rd Laboratory Raising Day in a grand manner at the Manasi Auditorium in NSTL Campus on 17 August 2012. Dr J Narayana Das, Chief Controller R&D, DRDO was the Chief Guest at the Function.

In his welcome address, Shri SV Rangarajan, Director NSTL, emphasized on the key role being played by the laboratory in safeguarding the defence of the nation. He explained about the importance of various projects taken up by NSTL in providing the best systems for the Navy.

Laboratory Scientist of the Year’ Awards were given away by the Chief Guest to NSTL scientists Shri KVVSS Murty and Shri M Ravi Shankar for their outstanding contributions. Other award winners include Shri Abraham Varughese and Team, Shri Arun Bhattacharjee and Shri Ch Ram Babu. Mementos were also presented to personnel who completed 25 years of service in DRDO.

Congratulating the Lab on its achievements, the Chief Guest said that he looked forward to the lab delivering sophisticated and advanced systems for the defence of the nation. He emphasized on the uniqueness and criticality involved in Naval Research & Development, and exhorted NSTL, which he called a ‘Temple of Knowledge’, to do its utmost and become a leader in this technology.

NSTL also undertook a number of societal activities to commemorate this occasion. 100 employees donated blood at a blood donation camp jointly organized by NSTL and                 AS Raja Voluntary Blood Bank to mark this event. 750 Books printed in Braille for students of Classes 6th to 10th were handed over to representatives of schools for visually challenged by the Chief Guest.

Dr KS Ranga Rao, Additional Director NSTL was Chairman for the celebrations. Dr K Sudhakar, Principal Associate Director, Officers and Staff of NSTL participated.