The Inaugural Function of the 89th Annual Session of NASI and Symposium on Science and Technology based Entrepreneurship Development commenced with the invocation song and lighting of the lamp by the dignitaries on the dais. At the outset, Dr. Cherukumalli Srinivasa Rao, Director, ICAR-NAARM (the host organization of NASI Symposium) welcomed all the NASI Fellows, dignitaries, scientists, faculty, students, media persons and other invited guests from different parts of the country. Dr. Rao conveyed his special thanks to Prof. (Mrs.) Manju Sharma, Former Secretary, DBT, New Delhi, the convener of the symposium for her initiative to organize the symposium at ICAR-NAARM.
Lighting of Lamp by Prof. (Mrs) Manju Sharma Dignitaries on the dais
Prof. (Mrs.) Manju Sharma, briefed about the NASI and symposium. In her address, she appreciated the efforts of all the fellows and members of NASI for the successful completion of two major events of NASI during this year, i.e. the celebration of the 125th Anniversary of Prof. Meghnad Saha and 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of our nation. She highlighted the relevance of the theme of the present symposium in view of various programmes implemented by the government such as startup India, skill India, entrepreneurship development etc.
Launching of the Souvenir of 89th Annual session Felicitation of Dr. A.V. Rama Rao
A view of audience
Dr. A V Rama Rao, Chairman & MD, AVRA Lab, Hyderabad delivered P.C. Ray Memorial Award Lecture. While presenting his Keynote Address Dr. Rao reflected upon his personal journey as a lecturer, scientist, technologist and entrepreneur. He highlighted the contribution of Dr. P.C. Ray towards establishing Bengal Chemicals and Pharmaceutical Industry for the public. He briefed on importance of fundamental research, technology development and importance of industrial research. His persuasive speech on scientific innovations on vitamin B6, HIV drugs etc. stimulated and inspired the researchers towards transformation of fundamental research to industrial research.
Prof. G Padmanaban, President, NASI and Former Director, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru appreciated the contribution of scientific interventions in space research, information technology, plant breeding and genetics in agriculture etc. He indicated that in spite of scientific developments, the country is facing the challenges of many diseases. Therefore, there is a need to develop knowledge on core technology in all scientific fields. Strengthening scientific research is more important for addressing the challenges of the country. The session was inaugurated by Dr. T Mohapatra, DG, ICAR; Secretary, DARE.
At the end of the session, many eminent scientists were felicitated (with shields, certificates and cash awards) for their scientific contributions. Prof. Satya Deo, General Secretary, NASI HQ proposed the vote of thanks to all the delegates and NAARM for hosting this event. An Exhibition was also inaugurated on this occasion.
(Highlights: The conference witnessed an interaction and high level panel discussion among the scientists/ tech-entrepreneurs/ other dignitaries from India and abroad to formulate long term initiatives and evolve a strategy towards sustainable rural development.)
- National Mathematics Day
The National Academy of Sciences, India (NASI), organized a two-day Workshop on ‘History of Mathematics before 16th century’ to celebrate the National Mathematics Day as well as the Birth Anniversary of the eminent mathematician, Srinivasa Ramanujan on December 30-31, 2019 at its headquarters at Prayagraj. The event witnessed a series of popular lectures on ‘History of Ancient Indian Mathematics’ such as Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Calculus, Spherical Trigonometry and Astronomy etc. The event was attended by more than 200 students/researchers/teachers from Universities, IITs, IISERs, NITs, and several prestigious universities of India.
The inaugural function started with the Welcome Address by Dr. Niraj Kumar, Executive Secretary, NASI and the Local Coordinator of the workshop. He welcomed all the dignitaries, scientists, researchers and students present in the auditorium and also threw light on the Journey of NASI since its inception. Prof. Satya Deo, General Secretary, NASI HQ, the Convener of the workshop, explained the main objectives of the workshop. He threw light on the inspiring life of Ramanujan and his works on Number Theory. He talked about how our Vedic mathematicians had developed the Geometry of ‘Sulbasūtra’, the ‘Pythagoras Theorem’ and the ‘Decimal place value system’, long before it was conceived by anyone in the world; and also discussed in length, the works of Aryabhat, Brahmagupta and Bhaskaracharya. In 2012, the Government of India declared 22nd December as the National Mathematics Day, to remember and observe the contributions of Srinivasa Ramanujan in the field of Mathematics. Prof. K Ramasubramanium, IIT Bombay, delivered the Keynote Address and explained the ancient contributions in the field of Mathematics with the help of Shlokas from our Indian Vedas.The eminent dignitaries, viz. Prof. S L Srivastava, and Prof. U C Srivastava, the Coordinators of Science Communication Programme of NASI, Prof. S S Khare, Prof. H K Mukherjee and Prof. Ramji Lal also graced the occasion. The vote of thanks was proposed by Dr. Santosh Shukla, AES, NASI.
A view of the dais during the Mathematics Workshop
The distinguished speakers, viz. Prof. Satya Deo, Prof. K. Ramasubramanium and Prof. S. S. Khare delivered lectures on the topics‘Appreciating India’s Contribution to Science and Mathematics’, ‘An Introduction to Śulbasūtras and Chandasśāstra’ and ‘India’s Contribution to Mathematics’ respectively on the first day of the workshop.
On the second day of the event, the lectures were delivered by the aforesaid mathematicians, as well as by Prof. Ramji Lal and Prof. H K Mukherjee on ‘History of ancient Mathematics’. All the participants were highly benefitted from the course contents and lectures delivered during the workshop.
Sri B. P. Singh & Dr. Pavitra Tandon, AES, NASI, Ms Archna Pant, Dr. Chitranjan Sharma and other staff members as Mr Shaktisheel Chaturvedi, Mr. Ankit Trivedi, Dr. Smita Venkatesh, Dr. Vridhhi Nigam, Ms Rashmi Misra, Mr. Ashutosh and Mr. Rajeev Mishra were present during the event and supported the programme with their active participation.
(Highlights: Celebration of the National Mathematics Day; the students were enlightened by the eminent mathematicians on various concepts of Mathematics.)
- Winter School
The National Academy of Sciences, India (NASI) successfully organised a six-day Winter School from January 02 to 07, 2020 as part of its Science Communication Program. Around 250 students of 11th and 12th standard and their teachers from different schools of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand as well as from the host city Prayagraj attended the programme.
The Inaugural Session of the Winter School was graced by the presence of distinguished scientists, viz. Prof. Krishna Misra (IIIT, Prayagraj), the guest of honour, Prof. U C Srivastava, the National Coordinator, Science Communication Programme of NASI, Prof. S L Srivastava, Convener and Coordinator, Science Communication Programme of NASI and many eminent dignitaries from various educational institutions and organizations of Prayagraj and nearby areas. Dr. Niraj Kumar, Executive Secretary, NASI welcomed all the dignitaries and participants. The Inaugural Address was delivered by Prof. U C Srivastava.
In the first Technical Session, Prof. U C Srivastava discussed about ‘Gandhian Nutrition: A Food for thought and Thought for Food’and the dietary benefits of our food items.
Prof. Krishna Misra, Former General Secretary, NASI delivered the lecture on the topic ‘How to keep good health’ in which she pointed out the importance of healthy diet for students, functional food, nutraceuticals, dietary supplements, malnutrition and immunity, human microbiome, human gut microbacteria etc.
Prof. Ravindra Dhar, Centre for Material Sciences, University of Allahabad, expressed his views on ‘Measurements of Physical Instruments’. Prof. C K Dwivedi, J. K. Institute of Applied Physics, University of Allahabad, directly interacted with the students and satisfied them with the relevant answers with the help of suitable examples.
The second day of the event witnessed lectures as well as demonstration for the students of Biology and Mathematics groups. For the students of Mathematics group, two lectures were delivered by Prof. Bhupesh Tripathi and Prof. Satya Deo respectively. Dr. Sushil Kumar Dwivedi from Lucknow spoke on ‘Bionics: Learn science by nature’.
On the third day, demonstrations/ skill tests were conducted for the students to enhance their learning capacity as well as IQ level. Later, the students visited the laboratories of Physics Department in the University of Allahabad under the supervision and coordinatorship of Prof. K N Uttam, Department of Physics. Evening lectures and Science-Quiz Completion were also conducted on the same day.
On the fourth day, a lecture was delivered by Dr. Arun Sikerwar, Agra, who also conducted the Interactive Session. Later, a trip was organized for the students to visit the Department of Botany, University of Allahabad under the guidance of Prof. D K Chauhan to sensitize them about importance and conservation of plant diversity. Students also visited the Allahabad Museum and Anand Bhawan.
On the fifth day, the students visited IIIT-Allahabad where they performed the experiments; and were imparted hands-on training under the guidance and supervision of Prof. Krishna Misra.
On the sixth day, Dr. Mohammad Masood, IASc,Allahabad explained about the facts related to the ‘Periodic table’, whereas Dr. Rupali Sethi, University of Allahabad spoke on ‘Chromatography’.
The Winter School concluded with the Valedictory Session graced by eminent scientists, viz. Prof. Satya Deo, Prof. S L Srivastava, Prof. U C Srivastava and Prof. K N Uttam. Vote of thanks was extended by Dr. Niraj Kumar, Executive Secretary, NASI. The winners of various competitions were presented medals and mementoes during the Valedictory Function. The session was coordinated by Dr. Santosh Shukla, Assistant Executive Secretary, NASI.
(Highlights: About 200 school students were enthused and inspired to learn science with fun.)
L-R: Winners of science competition; A teacher sharing his experience during the Valedictory Session
The students performing experiments during ‘Winter School’
Clockwise (from above): Prof. S L Srivastava, Prof. Krishna Misra, Prof. Satya Deo, Prof. U C Srivastava, Prof. K N Uttam and Dr.Arun Sikarwar addressing the audience
Dr. Niraj Kumar extending the vote of thanks during the Valedictory Function
- Prototype of the ‘Ganga-gallery’ at Kanpur
On the request of the District Magistrate, Kanpur, U.P., a three-day event to display the exhibits/ models on the river ‘Ganga’ was organized by the NASI HQ by installing a Prototype of the Ganga Gallery on January 27-31, 2020 at Kanpur. The objective was to create awareness among the people regarding conservation and restoration of the holy river. This comprised the posters and exhibits depicting facts, figures and photographs highlighting the cultural, religious, economic, socio-scientific and related aspects of the river Ganga such as Gangetic ecosystem, climate change and its impact on the Ganga basin, soil characteristics, Gangetic-dolphins, Sunderbans, water properties and its monitoring, need and importance of sewage treatment plants in curbing the menace of pollution. The event was attended by around 1000 visitors from the city and nearby places. The endeavour by NASI in establishing such gallery, the first of its kind in the country, was much appreciated by the visitors and the local administrative authorities.
(Highlights: The visitors learnt about various aspects related to the holy river and very much appreciated the endeavor of NASI in establishing such river galleries for spreading awareness on restoration and conservation of the rivers.)
Above: Prototype of Ganga Gallery; Below: Visitors visiting the gallery
- Conference on ‘Advanced Techniques on Material Science Research’
A two-day event on ‘Advanced Techniques on Material Science Research’ was organized by NASI on February 6-7, 2020 atUniversity of Allahabad.The event was coordinated by Prof. Ravindra Dhar, Centre of Material Sciences, University of Allahabad. Around 250 students and faculty members participated in the event. The experts put forth their works and shared their views on the new and advanced methods and techniques emerging in the field of Material Science.
Highlights: The experts targeted at the recent research breakthrough/techniques in the field of Material Science.)
Workshop on ‘Opportunity and Extension in the Field of Entrepreneurship Development’ organized by the Departments of Botany & Zoology, Govt. Autonomous P.G. College, Satna (M.P.) and NASI HQ
A National Workshop on ‘Opportunity and Extension in the field of Entrepreneurship Development’ was organized by NASI HQ on February 10-17, 2020 in association with Govt. P.G. College, Satna and A.K.S University, Satna (M.P.). The workshop provided an opportunity to the Post Graduate students of Science for organizing a session on Training and Demonstration (on Bamboo treatment, Agarbatti manufacturing, Bamboo tiles, Bamboo poles, Nursery management, Mushroom farming, Vermicompost, Food Processing, Floriculture) to promote entrepreneurship. The dignitaries present on the occasion included Dr. Arun Shrivastava, Regional officer, M.P. Pollution Control Board, Satna, Dr. Neerja Khare, Principal, Dr. Rajesh Saxena, Principal Scientist, MPCST, Bhopal, Dr. Rashmi Singh, Professor and Head, Department of Botany, Govt. P. G. College. Other experts also shared their views on different themes. Dr. Hakim Singh, Former Principal, S.G.S. Govt. P.G. College Sidhi, spoke on ‘Local opportunity in field of Entrepreneurship development’; Mr. Pradeep Kumar Pathak, Ex-General Manager, Production, Ultratech Cement, shared his views on ‘Cement Technology’; Shri Rajiv Mishra, IFS Conservator of Forest & DFO, Satna, talked about ‘Forest Products & Ecotourism’; Er. Ajeet Sarathe, Head, Department of Agriculture Engineering, A.K.S. University talked about ‘Food Processing and Bakery’; Er. Rajesh Mishra, Head, Department of Food Technology, A.K.S University spoke on ‘Formalities for Company formation for Entrepreneurship’; Prof. S S Tomar, Dean Agriculture Science, A.K.S University, Satna elaborated on ‘Entrepreneurship in Agriculture (Integrated Farming System)’.
Glimpses of the event
Mr. Abdul Warsi talked about ‘Vermicomposting and Biopesticides’; Mr. Manish Nagrath, Aquarium House, Satna spoke on ‘Aquarium’; Shri Anil Shrivastava, Fisheries Department Satna explained about ‘Fish culture’; Dr. Niraj Kumar, Executive Secretary, NASI elaborated on ‘Amalgation of protein for healthy food products’; Dr. Mohd. Masood, The Institute of Applied Sciences, Prayagraj talked about ‘Food Adulteration TestingKit’ while Dr. Anees F Rizvi, The Institute of Applied Sciences, Prayagraj talked about ‘Moringa Food Products’. Prof. P K Banik,Vice-Chancellor, A.K.S University, Satna was the Chief Guest in the Valedictory Session, whereas Smt. Shaila Tiwari, Anupama Education Society, Ex- Member, Consumer Forum was the Special Guest and Dr. Neerja Khare, Principal, Govt. Autonomous P.G. College, Satna presided over the session. Dr. Mahendra Tiwari, Head, Department of Environmental Sciences, A.K.S. University, Satna proposed the vote of thanks.
(Highlights: The students learnt various aspects of entrepreneurship and the concepts to develop S&T based enterprise.)