PROFESSOR PRADIP NARAYAN GHOSH
Vice-Chancellor
Office of the Vice-Chancellor : AUROBINDO BHAVAN
JADAVPUR UNIVERSITY, KOLKATA-700 032. INDIA
MESSAGE
It gives me immense pleasure to know that the Ex-Students of Jadavpur University are going to organize a popular science symposium on January 07, 2012.
It think that it will be a great endeavor to make the science popular among the common people in a vast arena. We know that science makes technology possible. It is very much important in our day to day life.
I believe that the symposium will attract a good number of interested people and it will be a platform for mutual interaction which will navigate us towards new innovation.
On my personal behalf, I convey my best wishes for the occasion.
I wish the organizers a resounding success.
26 December 2011
Kolkata
(Pradip Narayan Ghosh)
Phone: J.U. 033-2414-6000, Fax: +91-33-2413-7121, Res.: 2462-6104/2462-6587, Website: www.jadavpur.edu, E-mail: vc@admin.jdvu.ac.in, pradipnghosh@yahoo.co.in
डा. लालजी सिंह
कुलपति
Dr. Lalji Singh, Ph.D., D.Sc. (Hon.)
FNA, FASC, FNASC, FNAAS, FTWAS
Padmasri
Bhatnagar Fellow (CSIR)
Former Director, CCMB, Hyderabad
Vice-Chancellor
MESSAGE
I am glad to learn that the Hyderabad Chapter of Jadavpur University Alumni Association is going to organize a symposium on popular science for school students on 7th January, 2012. This effort of the alumni association for popularization of science can be viewed as a distinctive way of paying their tribute to their Alma Mater as well as the society from where they have gained a lot. I extend my hearty congratulations to the organizers of this symposium on this occasion and wish that the school students will take maximum benefit from this opportunity.
22 December 2011
Banaras
[Lalji Singh]
BANARAS HINDU UNIVERSITY (Established by Parliament by Notification No. 225 of 1916) VARANASI - 221 005 (INDIA), Phones: 91-542-2368939, 2368339, Fax: 91-542-2369100, 2369951 E-mail: vcbhu1@gmail.com, vc_bhu@sify.com, Website: www.bhu.ac.in
MESSAGE
I am delighted that the Hyderabad Chapter of the Jadavpur University Alumni Association (JUAA) is organizing a popular science symposium for students of class IX to class XII (approximately 15 to 18 years of age) also this year. It will enable students of the above age group in the Twin Cities to listen to eminent scientists, interact with them, and also make presentations in one of the chosen areas of contemporary interest.
Science and technology are inextricably intermeshed with every aspect of our life today. Consequently, the challenges that the society faces are numerous; it is important that our students of science in particular, recognize these challenges so that they can be met without causing any damage to, for example, human and animal health and life, agriculture, environment and biodiversity. Examples of such challenges would be the release of genetically modified crops, investment in nuclear energy, development of agents of chemical and biological warfare and other weapons of mass destruction, indiscriminate exploitation of natural resources, and lack of effort (mostly by the developed countries) to minimize the likely damage on account of climate change and possible water and energy crises.
Similarly, it is important to recognize areas where future development will change our lives and life styles. These areas are biotechnology and modern biology, space science, nuclear science, information and communication technologies, robotics and automation, computers, nanotechnology, new materials and advances in health care.
Lastly, we need to be aware of the havoc that unscientific practices such as astrology and homeopathy- and most practices of Vastu - have been causing all over the world. In fact, one of the challenges that scientists of today face and those of tomorrow will continue to face, is the innumerable superstitions and irrational and unscientific beliefs that seem to govern our lives today. Even ministers look for auspicious time to take an oath or have a marriage conducted in their family. And so many of our country men believe int he miraculous powers of godmen who are no more than ordinary magicians that cheat people through good public relations.
I hope that this symposium will help develop scientific temper amongst the participants, recognizing that it is one of the duties of an Indian citizen prescribed by the Constitution.
I wish the symposium all success.
Dr. Pushpa M Bhargava
Manorama Ghar, 2nd Floor, 2-16-137, Road No. 3, Prashanthi Nagar, Uppal, Hyderbad - 500 039.
Tel: +91-27200982, 27200984, Fax: +91-40-27200868, Mobile: 9949476067, 9848040606, E-mail: bhargava.pm@gmail.com