The India Post, 28th February, 2009 :The Science Day was inaugurated on Panjab University Campus by Prof R C Sobti, Vice-Chancellor. Besides Panjab University as the host, the said function was organized jointly under the aegis of Science organizations like ISCA, NASI, TBRL, and AIBA, with Prof M M Gupta and Prof Bhupinder Singh Bhoop as its organizing secretaries.
Prof Gupta welcomed the guest, while Prof Bhoop introduced the speakers and the guests. The Chief Guest of the function, Prof P Rama Rao, Director, Mohali, delivered the Key Note Address on “Popularization of Science in India”. Dr. G. Munjal, CEO and Chairman Indswift Ltd, Chandigarh was the Guest of Honor on the occasion. Prof Rama Rao, in his explicit address, dwelt upon myriad vistas of science proliferation amongst the Indian populace. While highlighting the positive aspects of the science progress since archival times, he stressed upon making science more pragmatic, applied and conscientious. Dr Munjal emphasized upon making Science more attractive and lucrative to prevent the potential brain drain from India. He shared his quite optimistic viewpoints about the future of Science and Technology in India. Earlier, Prof Sobti, in his inaugural address, exhorted the young scholars to inculcate and imbibe Science Culture in their routine lives. “Scientific attitude and aptitude can lead India to higher altitude” was the theme of his inaugural address. In the post-tea session, a very novel “Just a Minute” competition was organized by Prof O P Katare, wherein nearly 40 students and research scholars hailing from Panjab University and other science institutes of the tricity.
Later in the afternoon, a Valedictory Session for CHASCON 2009 and Science Day Celebrations was held was held wherein, Prof R C Sobti gave away 34 prizes to the students making Best Oral/Poster Presentations and 5 awards to the winners of “Just a Minute” contest. Prof A K Bhati, gave an overview of the CHASON and Prof R K Pathak presented the vote of thanks. Over 1200 people participated during the Science Congress with over 900 delegates were registered. Nearly 400 oral/poster presentations were made by researchers. As many as 60 invited talks were delivered including 10 plenary talks at the central level. Exhibitions were held in each individual Science Department laboratories and Museums, and Film shows on selected topics conducted. All the sectional presidents and members of the Local Organizing Committee were also awarded at the function. Prof Manjeet Kaur compeered the entire function.