Symposium on emerging chemical innovations for swachh, swasth and sarvatra bharat

Chandigarh: Two-day Prof. R.C. Paul National Symposium (RCPNS) 2020 was being organised by the Department of Chemistry, Panjab University (PU), Chandigarh, on the theme “Emerging Chemical Innovations for Swachh, Swasth and Sarvatra Bharat,”, here today. 

This annual symposium aims to provide a platform to come up with cleaner eco-friendly and healthier solutions through innovation in chemistry that can uplift the living standard of peoples of India.

Chief Guest Dr. Sanjay Mishra, Advisor & Head of KIRAN Division, Department of Science & Technology (DST), Govt. of India, delivered the keynote address. Dr. Mishra in his address emphasized that gender balance should be maintained otherwise society will not balance. While discussing gender inclusion in Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM), Dr. Mishra highlighted the issues involved in declining participation of women in STEM particularly at mid of their career, and informed the audience about the initiatives taken by DST for enhancing the contribution of women at the professional level as well as encouraging the girl students at school level.

Prof. Ravi Shankar from IIT Delhi in his lecture discussed transmetalation concepts for exploring new opportunities in modular synthesis while Prof. Rajeev Gupta from University of Delhi deliberated upon coordination polymers for applications in sensing and catalysis. Beside these, Dr. Satpal Badsara from University of Rajasthan discussed greener and sustainable protocols in chemistry.

A documentary paying tribute to Prof. R.C. Paul was also showcased during the inauguration. The symposium will witness several lectures by eminent scientists from national institutes of repute. Nearly 200 participants from all over India are presenting their research in form of models, oral and poster presentations in diverse areas of chemistry. 

Earlier, Prof. Prince Sharma, Dean Science Faculty, PU and Prof. Neena Capalash, Dean Student Welfare (Women), recollected their memories of Prof. R.C. Paul and shared their views on the symposium. Prof. K. N. Singh, Chairperson, Department of Chemistry and Dr. Varinder Kaur, Convener of RCPNS 2020, welcomed the participants and presented a vote of thanks.

This annual symposium is being held in the fond memory of Prof. R. C. Paul, former Vice-Chancellor of PU. Last year, the University has celebrated his birth centenary.