Prem Jauhar, research geneticist with USDA-Agricultural Research Service, Fargo, and NDSU adjunct professor of plant sciences, was invited to give two lectures at South Dakota State University, Brookings, on Jan. 28 and 29. He presented a technical seminar titled “From Green Revolution to Gene Revolution” for the SDSU Departments of Plant Sciences, Biology and Microbiology. Jauhar covered research on genetic enhancement of wheat using tools of classical cytogenetics and modern biotechnology. The seminar also was broadcast on South Dakota Public Radio.
Jauhar also gave a talk titled “India’s Glorious Past, the Present Struggle and Where the Country is Going” at the symposium, “India: A Rising Power in the New Global Order,” which was sponsored by the South Dakota World Affairs Council and the Stanley Foundation, Iowa. He covered the progress made by India in various fields, including the Green Revolution, White Revolution and Blue Revolution; medical advances; superfast computer; nuclear research; and space research leading to discovery of water on the moon. The symposium was widely attended by dignitaries, including the president of SDSU and members of the Chambers of Commerce and McKnight Foundation. The Honorable Ambassador A.K. Attri, counsel-general of India in Chicago, also was one of the main speakers.
"It is widely believed that with a robust, knowledge-based economy and scientific talent, India’s emergence as a superpower is a global reality," Jauhar said. "As pointed out by the Wall Street Journal on Dec. 30, 'The decade that was India’s could well pave the way for an Indian century.' "