7 Feb : The 13th Punjab Science Congress organized under the aegis of the Punjab Academy of Sciences by Panjab University, Chandigarh, was inaugurated here today by His Excellency, N.N. Vohra, Governor of Jammu and Kashmir.
An alumnus of the University, Sh. Vohra struck a note of caution in his Inaugural Address, when, taking cognizance of the theme of the Congress, ‘Climate Change: Concerns & Solutions’, he called upon the gathering to hit the ‘pause and think’ button today if a greener and healthier tomorrow were to dawn.
The keynote speaker, Prof. P.C. Kesavan, FNA, Distinguished Fellow, M.S. Swaminathan Foundation, Chennai, focused on the crossroads at which we find ourselves today and the need to find solutions for anthropogenic pressure in today’s era of Climate Change. Prof. G S Khush, University of California, took up the issue of Food Security and Climate Change in his plenary lecture.
Prof. N.S. Dhalla, renowned experimental cardiologist and an authority on Pathophysiology & Pharmacology of Heart Dysfunctions from the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manitoba, Canada, drew attention to the role of oxidation products of Catecholomines in the genesis of Ventricular Arrhythmias and sudden Cardiac Death. Dr. Grant Pierce from the same university took the issue further when he deliberated on the role of flaxseed in the prevention of cardiovascular disease. Prof. Sehdev Kumar, University of Waterloo, Canada, dwelt on the latest developments in Stem Cell research.
Continuing its tradition of honoring distinguished academicians, scientists and technologists, the Academy conferred the Lifetime Achievement Award upon Prof. R.P. Bambah, Padma Bhushan, former Vice Chancellor of Panjab University and a mathematician of international repute. The Man for Science and Technology Award was conferred upon Sh. V.M. Trehan, Chairperson, Mekaster Group.
Honorary fellowships were awarded to Prof. A.S. Brar, Vice Chancellor, GNDU, Amritsar for his contribution to the field of Chemical Sciences. Prof. Deepak Pental, Vice Chancellor, Delhi University was conferred the Bio Sciences Fellowship as was Prof. H.R. Pajni, a renowned zoologist, formerly on the faculty of Panjab University. Prof. I.P.Singh (Retd), Dept of Anthropology, Panjab University was also honored with the Academy fellowship in his field. Prof. Jaspal Singh, Vice Chancellor, Punjabi University, Patiala was felicitated for his contribution to the development and promotion of science. The fellowship in the field of Mediacl Sciences was conferred upon Dr. N.S. Dhalla for his expertise in experimental cardiology. Prof. Roshan Lal Aggarwal was honored for his contribution to the field of Physical Sciences. The Bhagwan Das Memorial Oration Award was conferred upon Dr. Vimal Sikri, President, Punjab Dental Council and Principal, Govt. Dental College, Amritsar.
Dr. Sikri also delivered the Bhagwan Das Memorial Lecture wherein he elaborated on the importance of dental hygiene for holistic well being.
In his welcome address, Prof. Sobti, Vice Chancellor, Panjab University showcased the achievements of the University and its Faculty of Sciences through a documentary prepared by the students of the School of Communication Studies. Prof. I.J.S. Bansal, President, Punjab Science Academy, in his presidential remarks, called for multifarious solutions to the vexing issue of world climate change
Parallel technical sessions under the broad sections of Agriculture & Environment; Biosciences & Biotechnology; Applied Chemistry, Applied Physics, Sugar Technology, Food Technology & Textile Chemistry; Chemical, Mathematical & Physical Sciences; Engineering Sciences; Medical & Veterinary Sciences as well as Socio-Economics were held in the afternoon at different venues on the campus.