Chemistry – Our Life, Our future was the focal theme of last year being celebrated as International year of chemistry. The achievements of chemistry, and its contributions, to the well being of humankind were celebrated throughout world in various forms. The year 2011 coincided with the 100th anniversary of the Nobel Prize in chemistry awarded to Madame Marie Curie for discovery of Radium and Polonium. This gave us an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of women to science in general and to chemistry in particular. To change the persistent stereotype of scientists as male, the poster of IYC depicts a female scientist. The other important goals of IYC celebrations were to promote green or sustainable chemistry. The other objectives of IYC include, increase the public appreciation and understanding of chemistry in meeting world needs, encourage interest of young people in chemistry and highlight the nature, beauty and relevance of chemistry to the modern world.
In this back drop the department of Chemistry, NIT Srinagar organized a one day seminar on ‘Chemistry: Our Life our Future. They were ably supported by other departments of Institute in organizing the seminar. The seminar is attended by many faculty members from various colleges of the valley. Senior faculty members from Kashmir University also graced the occasion with their benign presence. The key note address delivered by chief guest Prof A H Zargar a renowned endocrinologist of the valley was most illuminating. He gave an elaborate explanation of Iodine and its role in brain development. He also discussed about the consequences of Iodine deficiency and its scenario in Kashmir valley.
Prof MA Qureshi of Kashmir University gave an in-depth analysis of role of chemistry, particularly MRI in medical diagnosis. Prof Khaliquz Zaman Khan gave a general talk on the role of chemistry in daily life. Prof AR Yusuf from CORD, Kashmir University deliberated on the role of Chemistry in Environmental Pollution and its control. Prof MF Wani of Mechanical engineering department, discussed on the role of chemistry in ‘Surface Tribology’. Tribology is the science of reducing friction and development of lubricants. Dr. Rubab talked about role of women in development of chemistry. She also highlighted the role of women in Kitchen chemistry. Dr Kowsar Majid, the organizer of this seminar gave a wonderful explanation of molecular electronics. According to her conducting polymers, pigments and proteins are going to be the future of electronics industry.
Since one of the important goals of IYC was to attract young talents towards chemistry, Mr. Aryan Raj, a second year chemical engineering student was given a chance to deliberate on the role of chemistry in daily life. A quiz “Fun with Chemistry ‘was conducted by Dr Seemin Rubab for campus Children. Four team viz., Bhatnagar, Faraday, Jabir bin Hayyan and Mam Curie participated in the quiz. The Competition was won by Faraday team. The Director NiT Srinagar, Prof Rajat Gupta took keen interest in the whole proceedings and was very pleased to encourage youngsters.
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