Mangalore: The Union Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) will provide a grant of Rs.1.15 crore to the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Surathkal, Karnataka to facilitate research programmes.

This was informed by Sandeep Sancheti, Director NIT, Surathkal.

This grant will be used for research programmes in disaster and risk reduction, sustainable technology and material technology.

The NIT has instituted a "Steel Chair" in collaboration with the Ministry of Steel for research.

During his presidential address at the inaugural function of a seminar on "Emerging trends in environmental biotechnology" at the institute, Mr. Sancheti said, "The institute intends to start 10 more such chairs, and negotiations are on with companies such as Mangalore Refineries and Petrochemicals Ltd. and Mangalore Chemicals and Fertilizers Ltd. as well as with the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board and others."

The seminar was inaugurated by N.C.L. Charyulu from Hyderabad.

In his inaugural address, Mr. Charyulu, referring to Darwin's theory of 'survival of the fittest', said that only those survived could adapt themselves to the changing times.

"Hence, learning about new developments and innovations in any field is important," he added.