PATNA, Sept. 26 -- Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh on Thursday inaugurated two state-of-the-art research and academic facilities at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Patna - the Laboratory for the Centre for Earthquake Engineering Research (CEER) and the Teaching & Training Facility for the Centre for Endangered Language Studies (CELS). The total cost of the infrastructure is approximately Rs.17 crore, provided by Harivansh under the Members of Parliament Local Area Development (MPLAD) Scheme. Speaking on the occasion, Harivansh said, "In today's era, knowledge is the most powerful tool to transform systems and communities. These two centres will significantly accelerate research and learning in their respective fields." The CEER Laboratory is equipped with advanced experimental infrastructure, including a reconfigurable reaction wall and reaction floor-the first-of-its-kind in Bihar and the surrounding region. This facility will enable full-scale testing of structural components such as multi-storey frames and tall specimens (up to 8 metres) under simulated vertical and lateral loads, making it an essential hub for earthquake engineering research and testing. In his address Prof TN Singh, Director, IIT--Patna, said that the teaching & training facility for CELS and CEER is designed to support both academic instruction and high-end research. "The building includes a 250-seat auditorium, modern classrooms, cutting-edge computer labs, and dedicated office spaces. While CEER will advance research in disaster-resilient infrastructure and structural safety, CELS will focus on documenting, preserving, and revitalising endangered languages of Bihar and India, helping to safeguard the nation's diverse linguistic heritage," he added....