NIT Srinagar celebrates National Science Day

Apart from curriculum, we have to equip students with latest technologies: Prof. HC Verma

Srinagar, Feb 28: National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar on Tuesday celebrated the National Science Day 2023 to commemorate the discovery of ‘Raman Effect’ by Sir C.V. Raman in 1928. The event was organized by the PG Department of Physics in collaboration with Indian National Young Academy of Sciences (INYAS).

The daylong event was attended by 500 participants and Padma Shri awardee, Professor H. C. Verma was Chief Guest of the daylong event. .While Director NIT Srinagar Prof. (Dr.) Rakesh Sehgal, Institute’s Registrar Prof. Syed Kaiser Bukhari, Dr. Anju Sehgal, ex. Principal GDC Hamirpur and Head Physics Dr. MA Shah were ‘Guest of Honor’ on the occasion.

In his presidential address, Prof H.C. Verma (Padma Shri) awardee said that apart from curriculum, we have to equip our students with the latest technologies and techniques.

“Teaching science therefore requires a different approach. We have to provide opportunities to our students to learn the various methods and processes. Educational institutes that combine classroom or textbook teaching with science laboratory experiments are able to derive the best results for their students,” he said.

Prof. Verma said conducting experiments, reviewing them closely and responding to analytical comments, are some of the valuable skills that help in preparing the next generation of scientists, engineers, and medical professionals. We have come forward and equipped labs, facilities for interactive learning for students, he said.

Prof. Verma cited some examples of his school in Kanpur where students have developed technologies from trash materials. Although there are many problems in the system, but we have come forward to learn new things, he said.

“Apart from learning, teaching in classrooms, there is a need for innovative, informative methods to expose our students to new things,” Prof. Verma said.

Director NIT Prof. (Dr.) Rakesh Sehgal the ultimate aim of technology is to provide benefit to the common man. Technology can help improve efficiency and productivity in various industries, leading to greater affordability and accessibility of products and services for the common man, he said.

Prof. Sehgal said the heterogeneous character of society is the need of the hour because whatever is the contribution of science, common man is the ultimate gainer. “It can be in the field of Agriculture, Horticulture, engineering or medicine, our goal is to make the life of the common man easier, ” he said.

“Our teachers have to inculcate a passion for learning and understanding science among our students. From school to PG level, the Government has approved many scholarship and fellowship schemes to learn science,” he said.

 Prof. Sehgal said research and technology are the need of the hour. We need to develop and test solutions; predict outcomes and mitigate harm and make informed policy decisions, he said.

Institute’s Registrar, Prof. Syed Kaiser Bukhari said the role of Science and Technology is pivotal for the evolution of mankind. “During the last four years, under the dynamic leadership of Prof. Rakesh Sehgal, NIT Srinagar is taking lead at both national and international levels,” he said.

He said National Science Day is being celebrated on February 28 every year to mark the discovery of the Raman Effect by Sir C.V. Raman on February 28, 1928. It was first adopted by GOI in 1986 to create awareness about the importance of science and its applications in daily life, Prof. Bukhari said.

“The theme of India’s G20 Presidency – “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” or “One Earth,One Family, One Future” – is drawn from the ancient Sanskrit text of the Maha Upanishad,” he said, adding that the theme of National Science Day 2023 is ‘Global Science for Global Wellbeing’.

Prof. Bukhari India has had a strong focus on science and technology, realising that it is a key element for economic growth. India ranks third among the most attractive investment destinations for technology transactions in the world, he said.

The first issue of Physics letter was released during the ceremony. It was released by eminent speakers and guests on the occasion.

Addressing the participants, Dr. Anju Sehgal, ex. Principal GDC Hamirpur HP said that knowledge of science is increasing exponentially and we are still scratching the surface of science. She said in India education is still being imparted through passive methods rather than using interactive ways of teaching.

“There is a dire need to develop abilities among the young scientists and increase interest, enthusiasm among the students related to sciences. We should have some contribution towards our society like Prof. HC Verma has done in the field of Physics,” Prof. Anju said.

She added that national science day is the opportunity to celebrate the achievements of Indian scientists and to inspire young people to pursue careers in science and technology.

HoD Physics, Prof. MA Shah in his welcome address said the goal of the program was to encourage students to take a leading role in science and technology.

 Having no words to pay gratitude to Prof Verma for accepting our sincere invitation and making our day as we wish it to be celebrated, he said.

“In this century we have to redefine many things including the way of teaching, the way of learning new subjects and the way of giving healing touch to our students,” Prof. Shah said.

He also acknowledged the support ofMr. G N Var and Mr Khurshid, Mr Rayees, Mr Suhail, Mr Istiyaq, Miss Saba for sending our message regarding National science Day round the corners of the valley.

“The intention of celebrating this day was to inspire our teacher and students for science through day-long demonstrations which were held by Prof H C Verma and his team, mostly local higher secondary lecturers,” he said.

 Prof Shah hoped that participants learned many new things and took home lessons of wisdom and lessons of new techniques. The Faculty of Physics have played a vital role in making the program a grand success and assured to carry the legacy forward, he said.

Dr. Zubair Ansari welcomed the guests and highlighted the importance of National Science Day. While Dr. Vijay Kumar   presented a vote of thanks to the guests, deans, HoD’s, faculty members, and students for making the event successful. He highlighted the life of Sir C.V. Raman and his other achievements.

Three girls Insha Bilal, Uswa Nazir from Govt. Girls Sec School Ganderbal were felicitated by the guests, two of them worked for stabilities and Raba Ashraf B.Tech 1st. Semester student was the winner of the Short term course on Semiconductors.