On 28-Feb, 2015 National Science Day (NSD) was celebrated by School of Life Sciences (SLS), University of Hyderabad (UoH) jointly with Andhra Pradesh Academi of Science (APAS), IICT, NGRI, and CCMB at New Life Sciences Building, University of Hyderabad (UoH). APAS will be bifurcated in this year.
Prof. Reddanna, Dean, SLS extended welcome to the distinguished guests, faculty colleagues, scholars, students and the students from various schools. He informed that NSD is being celebrated to mark the discovery of Raman Effect and to spread the message about the significance of scientific applications in the daily life of the people. Dr. Y. S. Bhaskar Rao, Director, NGRI, Hyderabad emphasized on the importance of “Planet Earth” and concerns of all the scientists for its sustainability.
Prof. E. Haribabu, Vice-Chancellor, UoH delivered inaugural address. He advised the School children to practice the culture of creating original ideas, rationality, secularism and democracy. He also insisted that only practicing science can imbibe these ideas in to human mind. Following this, Dr. Ch. Mohan Rao, Director, CCMB and the President of APAS explained the Raman Effect and the other scientific achievements of Sir. C. V. Raman carried throughout his life to the School children. He also advised them to select the career based on their interest, not simply by social compulsion. Then, the Speaker of the day, Dr. Tessy Thomas, Director, Advanced Systems Laboratory, DRDO, Hyderabad was introduced to the audience by Dr. Lakshmi Kantam, Director, IICT, Hyderabad.
Dr. Tessy Thomas delivered an inspiring lecture on “Technology Growth in India” which reflected the theme of the Science day celebrations – 2015, i.e. “Science for Nation Building”. In her lecture, Dr. Tessy Thomas explained the School children about the development of indigenous technologies in India to launch different versions of Agni missiles, light and combat aircrafts, and satellite launch vehicles. She mentioned about the development of Tsunami warning systems, information technology and communication systems in India. She also appreciated the contributions of biotechnology, power sectors including both conventional and non-conventional power generation technologies, and super speed transport systems in the national development. She made special emphasis on nanotechnology, and updated the audience about the recent developments of nano-sensors, nano-actuators, and nano-smart materials with specific examples from defense, space, and medical applications. At the end of the talk Dr. Tessy Thomas and Dr. Ch. Mohan Rao answered questions posed by the school children and also gave specific examples on how technologies improved the life of common man.
Dr. Tessy Thomas and Dr. Ch. Mohan Rao presented prizes to the School children who won in various competitions conducted to celebrate National Science Day – 2015. At the end, Dr. A. Jyothy, Director, Institute of Genetics, OU and Hon. Secretary of APAS delivered vote of thanks.
By Prof. P Reddanah