Key Highlights * Prakriti Gyan Dham is the first CSIR‑NBRI eco‑educational hub in Lucknow, blending research, conservation and learning. * It functions as a living laboratory where students, teachers and scientists observe India’s botanical heritage firsthand. * Interactive displays such as PAaVan Path, the Indian Heritage Garden and a bamboo showcase bring ecology to life. * Digital QR codes turn every specimen into an instant learning portal. * The centre underscores the economic and cultural value of plant resources for sustainable livelihoods. Detailed Insights Inaugurated by Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh, Prakriti Gyan Dham sits within the Maharishi Parashar Bioresource Center at Banthra. The facility was conceived by CSIR‑NBRI to bridge the gap between scientific inquiry and societal needs, placing biodiversity conservation at the heart of its mission. The campus eschews conventional classroom teaching in favour of experiential learning. Visitors walk along the PAaVan Path, a curated trail that juxtaposes plant collections with their ecological contexts, thereby illustrating the link between vegetation and ecosystem function. The Indian Heritage Garden showcases trees that are entwined with India’s historical narrative—such as the Bawan Imli Tamarind of Fatehpur, the Mother Dussehri Mango of Lucknow, and the Patalpuri Banyan of Prayagraj—highlighting how flora can embody cultural memory. Technology is woven into the visitor experience through QR‑coded labels on trees and exhibits, enabling instant access to botanical data, conservation status and cultural anecdotes. A dedicated Bamboosteum displays 43 bamboo species, emphasizing their role in carbon sequestration, ecological restoration and the creation of eco‑friendly products. Beyond education, the centre promotes the commercial potential of plant resources, encouraging their use in green construction, handicrafts and other sustainable enterprises. By showcasing living heritage, Prakriti Gyan Dham also contributes to the preservation of botanical and cultural legacies for future generations. Key Concepts * Eco‑educational centre – an institution that integrates ecological science with pedagogical practice to foster environmental stewardship. * Living laboratory – a dynamic field site where real‑time observation and experimentation replace static classroom models. * PAaVan Path – a thematic trail that links plant diversity with ecosystem processes, designed for immersive learning. * Bamboosteum – a specialized exhibit showcasing bamboo species and their applications in sustainability. * QR‑digitalisation – the use of QR codes to provide immediate, interactive information about botanical specimens.