The year 2018-19 marked the 150th Birth Anniversary of the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi and his wife, Kasturba Gandhi; and also the 125th Anniversary of Prof. Meghnad Saha, the great visionary, an eminent Physicist and the founder President of NASI. Therefore, NASI organized several activities to celebrate these events. Initially, the opening events were launched by NASI HQ to observe the celebrations of the birth anniversaries of ‘Ba & Bapu’ and Prof. Meghnad Saha on October 2, 2018 in a rural area (viz. Shankargarh) of Prayagraj; and on October 6, 2018 in the University of Allahabad respectively.
Since then, the NASI HQ as well as the Local Chapters performed various activities throughout the year to celebrate this auspicious occasion by organizing the joint events.
The celebration was concluded by organizing a one-day programme on October 5, 2019 at INSA, New Delhi. Many eminent scientists and fellows of the Academy from all across the country participated in this event. Some of them delivered lectures and also took part in the panel discussion.
The programme commenced with the Welcome Address by Prof. Paramjit Khurana, General Secretary (OS), NASI. Prof. Ram Gopal Rao, Director, IIT, New Delhi delivered the Special Address. Prof. Manju Sharma, Chairman, NASI New Initiatives and Programme Coordinator gave a detailed description about NASI’s activities held throughout the year to observe the 150th Birth Anniversary celebrations of Ba and Bapu. Prof. Ajoy Ghatak, Chairman, NASI Local Chapter, Delhi delivered the Special Remarks. The Keynote Address was delivered by Prof. Balram Bhargava, DG, ICMR and Secretary, DHR while Prof. G Padmanaban, President, NASI delivered the Presidential Address. Dr. Prakash Amte, the great social activist and the Chief Guest on the occasion delivered the Inaugural Address. A Special Issue of the publication on ‘Ba & Bapu 150th Anniversary’ was also released on this occasion. Prof. Satya Deo, General Secretary (HQ), NASI proposed the vote of thanks at the end of the Inaugural Session.
The first technical session was chaired by Prof. P N Tandon, Former MN Saha Distinguished Fellow and Past President, NASI and co-chaired by Prof. Pramod Garg, Department of Gastroenterology, AIIMS, Delhi.
The Panel Discussion and Concluding Session was chaired by Prof. Anil Kakodkar, Past President, NASI and co-chaired by Prof. Manju Sharma. The panelists included Prof. Anurag Sharma, IIT, New Delhi, Prof. Chandrima Saha, NII, New Delhi, Prof. Naresh Gautam, VC, Mahatma Gandhi Chitrakoot Gramoday Vishwavidyalaya, Dr. A K Singh, Acting Director, IARI, New Delhi, Prof. Akhilesh Tyagi, DU South Campus, New Delhi, Prof. U C Srivastava, NASI, Allahabad, Dr. Ajay Parida, Director, ILS, Bhuvneshwar. Prof. G Padmanaban delivered the Concluding Remarks.
In the second session, Prof. Ajoy Ghatak, IIT, Delhi; and Chairman, NASI Delhi Chapter, delivered Meghnad Saha Memorial Award Lecture.
At the end of the event, Dr. Niraj Kumar, Executive Secretary, NASI proposed the vote of thanks.
(Highlights: The experts highlighted the works and contribution of the great legendries and their impact on the society.)
Release of the book on ‘Ba & Bapu’ by the dignitaries
Closing Ceremony of the 150th Birth Anniversary of Ba & Bapu at INSA, New Delhi
National Workshop on ‘Lifestyle Diseases and Health’
A two-day national workshop on ‘Lifestyle diseases and Health’ was jointly organized by the NASI HQ and the Department of Zoology, S.S. Khanna Girls’ Degree College, Prayagraj on October 15-16, 2019 under the aegis of Science Communication Programme of NASI. Around 400 registered participants including UG, PG students, research scholars and faculty members from different institutions of Prayagraj and other cities from U.P, M.P. as well as Delhi attended the workshop.
The Inaugural Session of the workshop was graced by Dr. R N Mishra, a renowned Ophthalmologist; as the Chief Guest on the occasion and Prof. U C Srivastava, the National Coordinator of Science Communication Programme of NASI as the Guest of Honour. Dr. R N Mishra in his informative oration, mentioned about the positive mindset; and highlighted the relevance of appreciation, faith, prayer and motivation in combating the lifestyle diseases. Prof. Lalima Singh, Principal of S. S. Khanna Girls’ Degree College welcomed all the guests. Sri A K Srivastava, Deputy Executive Secretary of NASI briefed about the role of NASI in promotion of science in society.
Prof. U C Srivastava presented his views on ‘Lifestyle diseases and Health’ wherein he suggested to adopt for preventive measures rather than to look after the cure of any ailment. Dr. Asha Seth, Chairperson, Governing Body of the College in her Presidential Address drew the attention of gathering towards the lifestyle diseases like obesity, hypertension arising due to sedentary and modernized lifestyle. The function was also graced by Justice Arun Tandon, Mr. Dileep Mehrotra, Prof. Anita Gopesh, Prof. P K Khare, Dr. R P Singh and other faculties from different institutes and NASI officials.
The session was coordinated by Dr. Sippy Singh, the Convener; and vote of thanks was proposed by Dr. Shubhra Malviya, the Co-convener of the event.
In the first technical session, Dr. B P Agrawal, the renowned Cardiologist of the city spoke on ‘Cardiac Health: A Basic Discussion’; and elaborated on heart diseases, their causes and other related disorders. Dr. Vaibhav Kumar Gupta, Dental and Maxillofacial Expert, very effectively presented his views on ‘Oral Health: A Gateway to your Healthy Life’; and highlighted the importance of oral hygiene and the adversities occurring out of mere negligence.
During the second session, Dr. Manvendra Tripathi, Sr. Entomologist, Lucknow discussed about the mitigation and modifications in the patterns of Vector-borne diseases while Prof. U C Srivastava spoke on ‘Gandhian Nutrition: A Food for Thought and Thought For Food’ and also elaborated on the dietary benefits of our food items.
On the second and concluding day of the event, the thirdsession witnessed the lectures delivered by two medical experts, viz. Dr. Ashish Tandon, Chest specialist and Dr. Kartikeya Sharma, Neurosurgeon. Dr. Tandon briefed about ‘Obstructive Apnea and Obesity’ while Dr. Kartikeya Sharma highlighted the new aspect of mental health in context of modernized lifestyle.
The Valedictory Session was graced by Prof. Satya Deo, General Secretary, NASI (HQ); Former Vice-chancellor, APS University, Rewa as the Chief Guest. He talked about lifestyle modifications and their impact on health. Sri A K Srivastava formally welcomed all the guests. Report of the workshop was presented by Dr. Sippy Singh, the Convener of the workshop. Dr. Niraj Kumar, Executive Secretary, NASI presented his illustrative views on the adverse impact of sedentary habits on health. Other dignitaries of the function included Dr. Asha Seth, Prof. U C Srivastava and Prof. Lalima Singh.
(Highlights: Young women were motivated to come forward to take up the challenges regarding lifestyle diseases and spread knowledge of healthy living among the society.)
Prof. Satya Deo delivering his lecture
Dr. Niraj Kumar addressing the audience
Science & Technology Sensitization Programme for Women at Central University of Haryana (CUH), Mahendragarh
NASI organized a two-day event on ‘Science & Technology Sensitization for Women’ in collaboration with the Central University of Haryana (CUH), on Nov 06-07, 2019, as part of its science and society endeavour to sensitize the researchers including women on S&T related issues.Over 200 participants from the university including faculty members, research scholars and post graduate students participated in the workshop focusing on two main features, viz. ‘Sensitization for Technological Empowerment of Women’ and ‘Science Paper Writing’.
The Inaugural Session commenced with the Welcome Address by Prof. Satish Kumar, Department of Biotechnology, CUH. Prof. Paramjit Khurana, Department of Plant Molecular Biology, University of Delhi, South Campus, highlighted NASI’s endeavours to generate awareness in all strata of society and stressed upon the urgent need of science education and technological empowerment of women in the state of Haryana.
While delivering theKeynote Address on ‘Gender sensitization: Changing the mindsets’ Prof. Manju Sharma, NASI-DST Distinguished Woman Scientist
Chair and Former Secretary to the Government of India, portrayed the mandate of the NASI and stressed on the need to provide equal opportunity and rights to women.
Prof. R C Kuhad, Vice-Chancellor, CUH and the Guest of Honour on the occasion stressed upon the urgent need of science and technology sensitization/ outreach programmes for the students residing in remote areas of Haryana. While delivering the Inaugural Address, Prof. Pramod Tandon, CEO, Bioteck Park, Lucknow, stressed on the need of academic collaboration of CUH with NASI to work on upgrading the science and technology for the development of Haryana. At the end of the session, Dr. Niraj Kumar, Executive Secretary, NASI proposed the vote of thanks by expressing his gratitude to all dignitaries and participants for their contribution towards organizing this event.
The scientific sessions were held on two themes viz. ‘Technological Empowerment of Women through Entrepreneurship’ and ‘Science Paper Writing’. The Scientific Session on ‘Technological Empowerment of Women through Entrepreneurship’,was chaired by Prof. Manju Sharma.
Dr. Purnima Sharma, CEO, BCIL, New Delhi, elucidated on ‘Women as Entrepreneures’. Prof. Rup Lal, NASI Senior Scientist, TERI and Dr. Renu Yadav, Assistant Professor, Department of Education, CUH focused on the problems of women adding that women need to be empowered with the scientific tools.
The second session on ‘Science Paper Writing’ was chaired by Prof. Neelam Sangwan, CUH. Prof. Subhra Chakraborty, NIPGR, New Delhi, delivered a lecture on ‘Scientific Project Writing’. She explained the relevance of communicating research, based on observation and experimentation; and also briefed on data analysis. Prof. U C Srivastava, Emeritus Professor, Department of Zoology, University of Allahabadexplicated on ‘Overview of Scientific Paper Writing’ while Prof. Veena Tandon spoke on ‘Ethics in Science’.
The Concluding / Valedictory Session was graced by Prof. Manju Sharma and Prof. Paramjit Khurana. At the end of the Valedictory Session, Dr. K K Dubey, CUH proposed the vote of thanks.
(Highlights: Over 200 participants attended the programme; and interacted with the experts on the health related issues as well as ethics in science paper writing.)
A Report on two important NASI-events held at IISc, Bangalore on November 15 & 16, 2019
Conferment of Prof. M G K Menon Memorial Award to Professor CNR Rao
The National Academy of Sciences (NASI) honoured Prof. CNR Rao with the M G K Menon Memorial Award, an annual award which recognizes an eminent scientist for his/her noteworthy contribution in the field of science.
NASI organized the Prof. M G K Menon Memorial Award Function at Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore on November 15, 2019 as part of science promotion for recognition of eminent scientists. The dedication and commitment of two great stalwarts in science namely Prof. MGK Menon and Prof. CNR Rao were greatly appreciated by all the Fellows of the Academy.
Delivering the Prof. MGK Menon Memorial Award Lecture on the occasion, Prof. CNR Rao said that our glorious scholarly tradition of science should be improved day by day to compete with the advancements in science in the future.
Citing several celebrated examples of Indian science and scientists such as Prof. C V Raman, Prof. Satish Dhawan and Prof. MGK Menon, Prof CNR Rao motivated the young budding scientists to come forward with full dedication and devotion for passionately carrying forward their goal of science with innovative ideas.
The Welcome Address was delivered by Prof. Anurag Kumar, Director, IISc while the Prof. G Padamanaban, President, NASI made the Presidential Remarks and focused on science and society relationship as well as the role of NASI in promoting the culture.
Dr. K Kasturirangan, Chairman, Karnataka Knowledge Commission and former Chairman, ISRO, also spoke on this occasion recalling his memories about Prof. Menon as well as his association with Prof. CNR Rao on many of the important events together during his tenure in space as well as a policy maker.
Prof. Manju Sharma, Former Secretary to the Govt. of India described her active association with Prof. Menon, who guided her in every walk of life. She also spoke glowingly about the coherence of thoughts of Prof. Menon and Prof. Rao in building the modern science of India.
Prof. Ashok Misra, the Chairperson, NASI Bangalore Chapter briefly introduced the award and the awardee, after which Prof. Rao delivered a memorable account of his rendezvous with several eminent Indian scientists and foreign counterparts. At the end of the event, Prof. P N Rangaranjan, Secretary, NASI Bangalore Chapter, extended the vote of thanks.
(Highlights: The event recognized the contributions of Prof. MGK Mennon to world science and nation building.)
Celebration of the 100th Birth Anniversary of Dr Vikram Sarabhai, Father of the Space Programme in India
On the next day, i.e. on November 16, 2019, the Academy also celebrated the 100th Birth Anniversary of Dr Vikram Sarabhai, Father of the Space Programme in India, at Prof. Satish Dhawan Auditorium of IISc, Bangalore, with Dr. K Sivan, Chairman, ISRO, as the Chief Guest.
Dignitaries during the celebration of the 100th Birth Anniversary of Dr Vikram Sarabhai at IISc, Bangalore
The event was graced by distinguished scientists including Dr. B Suresh, Prof. K Kasturirangan,Prof.Anil Kakodkar, Prof. A S Kiran Kumar, Dr. K Radhakrishnan, Prof. Manju Sharma (Coordinator), Prof. Ashok Misra, Prof. Anurag Kumar, Prof. Ajoy Ghatak and Prof. P N Rangarajan.
The speakers paid their tributes to Dr Sarabhai; and highlighted his immense contributions to Indian Science in general, and the Space Programme, in particular.
Both the functions were attended by several Fellows/Members of the Academy as well as many other scientists, Faculty of IISc, NASI Executives Dr. Niraj Kumar and Dr. Santosh Shukla, and the students of IISC and nearby colleges.
(Highlights: The experts elaborated on the Space Programme and the contributions of Dr Vikram Sarabai to Indian Science.)
NASI School Children-Neuroscientists meet held at AIIMS, New Delhi
The School Children-Neuroscientists meeting on November 18, 2019 was one of the highlights of the 37th Annual meeting of the Indian Academy of Neurosciences (IAN 2019) held at AIIMS, New Delhi. A day prior to the beginning of the Annual meeting, the organizers of IAN-2019 had invited 9 schools from Delhi NCR and allotted them some interesting topics. A group of 2-3 students from each school gave presentation for 5 minutes on the allotted topic during the meet.
The key areas for discussion included:
1. How much sleep is enough?
2. Role of emotions in health
- Foods to boost your memory
4. Does music affect the brain?
5. Artificial Intelligence
6. Smartphones: blessing or curse?
7. Cognitive effects of exercise
8. Does the brain help us cope with stress?
9. Asymmetrical brain: Right vs. Left brain
At the end of the whole session as well as each presentation, the children put forth their queries before the eminent panel of neuroscientists. The experts included Prof. HWM Steinbusch, Maastricht University, Netherlands; Prof. Ratna Sircar, City University of New York, USA; Prof. S B Singh, Director, NIPER, Hyderabad; Prof P K Seth, Biotech Park, Lucknow and founder member of IAN; Prof. Pankaj Seth, NBRC, Manesar, Haryana; Prof. T.S. Roy, Head, Department of Anatomy, AIIMS, New Delhi; Prof. K K Deepak, Head, Department of Physiology, AIIMS, New Delhi and Prof. Suman Jain, Department of Physiology, AIIMS, New Delhi.
The entire session was greatly appreciated by the teachers and the students. The students had several queries on the concepts related to learning and memory, cognition, exercise, music, smart phones, stress and other brain disorders showing their inquisitive bent of mind and explained by the panel of neuroscientists through their expertise and experience in the field of neurosciences. Not only the students, but also, the accompanying teachers were greatly benefited from this meeting.
(Highlights: The students asked several eye-opening questions from eminent neuroscientists’ panel showing their inquisitiveness.)
A view of the NASI School Children-Neuroscientists Interactive meeting
Commemoration of the Constitution Day
All the employees of NASI took oath on the Constitution Day (26th November, 2019) at NASI-HQ at Prayagraj; thereafter, the celebration started.
Further, the Academy observed parallel session to commemorate its Foundation Day with the Constitution Day on December 5, 2019.
More than 200 students, teachers, Fellows and Members of NASI participated on this occasion at NASI HQ, Prayagraj. The eminent dignitaries viz. Justice Shri Arun Tandon, the Chief Guest, Prof. Satya Deo, General Secretary (HQ), NASI Prof. S L Srivastava, Coordinator, Science Communication Programme, Prof. U C, Srivastava, the former GS, NASI were present on the occasion. Messages were received from Prof. G Padmanaban, Hon’ble President, NASI and Prof. Manju Sharma, the Past President, NASI and read before the audience during the function. They expressed that-
“The role of ‘Scientific Temperament’ in nation building and harnessing scientific and technological research for societal benefit has always been the key concern of this Academy; the NASI has since its inception in 1930 made untiring efforts towards this”.
They also stated that-
“The country is very proud of its constitution; every citizen has to remember its fundamental duties as enshrined in it. NASI through its science communication, popularization of science and awareness building programmes is touching every strata of the society is making concerted efforts to reach the unreached and enthuse the younger generation of scientists to develop and deploy Science and Technology for the welfare of human kind”.
(Highlights: The students were enlightened about various activities and achievements of NASI; the Constitution of India, the related facts and imposition of various articles/ parts/ schedules mentioned in Indian Constitution in different contexts.)
Dignitaries on the dais
A view of the audience
An International Conference on ‘Advances in Sustainable Agriculture: Bioresources, Biotechnology and Bioeconomy’ organized at Mansarovar Global University, Bhopal (M.P.)
NASI organized an International Conference on ‘Advances in Sustainable Agriculture: Bioresources, Biotechnology and Bioeconomy’ on November 29-30, 2019 at Mansarovar Global University, Bhopal (M.P.) The Inaugural Session was presided over by Prof. Manju Sharma, NASI-DST Distinguished Woman Scientist Chair and Former Secretary, Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of India, the Chief Guest of the function.
In her Inaugural Address Prof. Manju Sharma stressed on the need to take care of soil, water, biodiversity and quality of human life for Indian Agriculture to be sustainable. She threw light on the recent trends in agriculture and emphasized that there is a need for enriching the rural economy and enhancing farmers’ income.
Prof. Arun Kumar Pandey, Vice-Chancellor, Mansarovar Global University, emphasized that India has robust farming communities and traditions, but, they need technological inputs for higher crop yield, control of pests and pathogens, post-harvest storage, transportation and marketing. Molecular and biotechnological tools should also be pressed into service for achieving crop yields comparable to developed countries. The wise use of water and reduced dependence on pesticides are vital for sustainable agriculture. In the inaugural session, Prof. R P Singh, Secretary General, PHSS Foundation highlighted the objectives and functioning of the foundation and announced the conferment of Lifetime Achievement Award on Prof. Manju Sharma. Five other scientists received awards for excellence in their fields of scientific activity. Prof. P K Seth, President, PHSS Foundation gave a brief background of the Young Scientist Conclave and emphasized the need for utilizing the biotechnological techniques for crop improvement.
The event was jointly sponsored by the National Academy of Sciences, India and NASI Bhopal Chapter.
(Highlights: A total of 130 delegates from all across the country and abroad participated. The conference provided an opportunity to the participants to exchange their views and share their ideas for promoting sustainable use of bioresources, use of biotechnology in crop improvement and bioeconomy.)
Glimpses of the event organized at Mansarovar Global University