Patna, Sep 27: Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh on Saturday inaugurated two state of the art research centres at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Patna, marking a major milestone in advancing scientific and cultural research in Bihar. Funded through Harivansh’s MPLADS allocation, the centres focus on earthquake engineering and the preservation of endangered languages.
The Centre for Earthquake Engineering Research (CEER) aims to enhance disaster resilient infrastructure in Bihar and across India. Located in seismic zones IV and V, the lab will conduct full-scale structural testing, train professionals in earthquake-resistant construction, and support architects and builders in adopting safer building practices.
Meanwhile, the Centre for Endangered Language Studies (CELS) will work on documenting, preserving, and revitalizing endangered languages across Bihar and India. Harivansh highlighted the importance of language research, referencing Yuval Noah Harari’s Sapiens, which underscores the role of language in human evolution.
“Knowledge is the most powerful tool to transform communities. These centres will accelerate research and learning in their respective fields,” Harivansh said, praising Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for his dedication to the state’s cultural and intellectual development.
In addition to IIT Patna, Harivansh’s MPLADS fund has also supported a river research centre at Aryabhatta Knowledge University, with two more centres planned for business incubation and AI research at Chandragupta Institute of Management, Patna, and Magadh University, Bodh Gaya.
These initiatives are expected to strengthen Bihar’s research ecosystem and contribute significantly to sustainable development and cultural preservation.