LUCKNOW, Aug. 9 -- Union minister for science and technology Jitendra Singh on Saturday inaugurated the CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute's eco-educational hub 'Prakriti Gyan Dham' at the Maharishi Parashar Bioresource Centre in Banthra. The integrated facility is a first-of-its-kind hub integrating scientific research with conservation, cultural awareness and public outreach. Inaugurating the hub, Singh said the Eco-Educational Hub reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of combining science, sustainability and public participation while preserving the country's rich botanical wealth. Scientific institutions must move beyond laboratories to serve society by combining science, sustainability and public participation. He stressed integrating traditional knowledge with modern technology and strengthening inter-institutional collaboration to address environmental and climate challenges, he added. The minister said the facility will serve as a platform for environmental education, biodiversity conservation and experiential learning for students, researchers and nature enthusiasts. CSIR-NBRI and CSIR-IIIM Jammu director Zabeer Ahmed said the hub has been designed as a living repository of India's botanical diversity, offering visitors interactive and immersive learning experiences. The facility features an Indian Heritage Garden, Paavan Path heritage trail, gardens showcasing threatened and state plants, rare plant collections, Navgrah Vatika, Nakshatra Vatika and a Bamboosteum with 43 bamboo species....