Need to create vibrant atmosphere to supports innovations: Prof. Murty, Director IIT Hyderabad
The five-day long 8th edition of biennial “International Conference on Nanotechnology for Better Living” NBL 2023 began on Thursday at National Institute of Technology, Srinagar.
The conference is being organized in collaboration with IIT BHU and in association with Parual University, Gujarat, SKUAST, K, University of Kashmir, SSM College of Engineering, Department of Education under the aegis of Materials Research Society of India (MRSI).
The event is being sponsored by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Ministry of Science & Technology, Ministry of Education and NLCO, Private Schools Education Kashmir and the Jammu and Kashmir Bank.
The inaugural session of the conference was presided over by Director IIT, Hyderabad, Prof. (Dr.) B.S. Murty, who was Chief Guest on the occasion.
Director NIT Srinagar, Prof. (Dr.) Sudakar Yedla, VC Central University of Kashmir, Professor Ravinder Nath, VC Parul University Prof Amit Ganatra, Registrar NIT Srinagar, Prof. Syed Kaiser Bukhari, Director School Education and Dean Students Welfare SKUAST-Kashmir, Prof M A Sidiqui, Professor Sandip Chatterjee (IIT BHU), Professor D.D. Sarma (IISC Bangalore,) HOD Physics NIT Srinagar Prof. MA Shah and other dignitaries shared the podium.
In his key presidential address, Director IIT Hyderabad Prof. B.S. Murty said Nanoscience has emerged as one of the most critical areas in the past several decades.
“We have to make our country self-sustainable (Aatmanir Bharata) in the areas of technologies and contribute in helping India as a global leader. This is possible when we can create an ecosystem which helps such technology developments,” he said.
Prof. Murty said IIT Hyderabad is a young institution and during the past 4 years, more than 145 startups have become functional and have provided over 1000 jobs and revenue for the institution.
“Empowering engineers to become job creators rather than job seekers is a significant step towards fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and self-sustainability. This is possible only if we can create an ecosystem that helps young innovators to grow, he said.
Prof. Murty said educational institutions have to play a crucial role in creating a supportive research environment for students and then we can expect technologies that can change our lives.
On the occasion, VC CUK Prof.A Ravinder Nath said NBL 2023 is the fabulous fusion of biological, chemical, physical sciences with a special focus on agricultural and health sciences. It will provide a vibrant platform to present and discuss path breaking research ideas in nanotechnologies, he said.
Prof. Nath said there is a need to invigorate the curiosity of young minds for nano science and technology. The event covers a wide range of topics in all areas of science, technology, engineering and medicine disciplines, he said.
Director NIT Srinagar, Prof. Sudhakar Yedla said NBL 2023 is the perfect platform to discuss path breaking research areas in nanotechnologies that can contribute to making our world a better place.
“For me personally, I tried to see the application of nano-technology in medicine when my sister was suffering from Cancer. I wanted to find out for myself what advance treatment can be offered to her. I tried to fight with doctors why they cannot do it or does this,” he said.
Prof. Yedla said nanotechnology in medicine holds immense promise, but there are still challenges to overcome, including safety and regulatory considerations.
“During the conference there are dedicated sessions to develop young minds for nanoscience. These sessions will inspire our young generation to work towards Sustainable Development Goals and encourage them to work on innovative projects as envisaged in NEP2020,” he said.
A formal vote of thanks was presented by Registrar NIT Srinagar, Prof. Syed Kaiser Bukhari. He expressed his gratitude to Director IIT, Hyderabad, Prof. (Dr.) B.S. Murty, VC CUK and other dignitaries attended the mega international event.
“NBL resonates vision of progress and achievement, transformative possibilities have become a hallmark event in the field of nanotechnology. This biannual summit organized by NIT Srinagar in collaboration with IIT BHU Varanasi and prestigious institutions has gained immense credibility over the years,” he said.
Prof. Bukhari expressed his gratitude to Director NIT Srinagar, Prof. (Dr) Yedla for his consistent support in organizing these summits. He also appreciated HOD Physics, Dr. MA Shah and his entire team of NBL 2023 for their tremendous efforts for inviting experts, delegates from across the globe.
Dean Faculty Welfare, Prof G A Harmain delivered opening address of NBL-2023, it was followed by address of Prof Sandip Chatterjee, Head, Department of Physics, IIT BHU, Prof Amit Ganatra, VC Parul University, VC CUK Prof Ravinder Nath, Prof MA Sidiqui, Director School Education and Dean Students Welfare SKUAST-K, Prof D D Sarma, J N Tata Chair, IISC Bangalore and other dignitaries.
Chairman of the International Conference and HOD Physics, Dr. Shah said the NBL 2023 is expected to provide a vibrant platform to present and discuss path breaking research ideas in nanotechnologies. It shall be an interface between academia and industries, he said.
“There would be dedicated sessions on, “Seeding Nano-science to Young Minds” and “Nurturing minds for a better world” held at the conference,” Dr. Shah said.
He said the galaxy of local innovators and entrepreneurs shall be the part of the summit, along with our own students. During the five-day convention, around 20 keynote eminent speakers will address issues related to healthcare, agriculture, and engineering and about clean atmosphere.
“In addition, 50 invited talks, 100 oral and 100 for poster presentations are planned as an integral part of the conference. There are other scientific activities that will be covered in the convention,” Dr. Shah said.
During the event, dignitaries also released the souvenir of NBL 2023. The awards were presented to Dr. Dr. Avanish Singh Parmar Department of Physics, IIT (BHU), Varanasi, Dr. Unnati A. Joshi (Parul University), Manzoor Ahmad Wangnoo (Chairperson NLCO Jammu & Kashmir),
Ravi Ranjan and Karambeer Director, R&D Division, Department of Water Resources Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS), New Delhi, G N Var, Chairperson School Association Jammu & Kashmir, Miss Dilafroz Qazi Patron Cum Chairperson SSM College of Engineering and Technology, Pattan Baramulla.
Mr Fayaz Ahmad Dar (Parton cum Chairman) TRM College of Engineering and Technology, Badgam (J&K), Dr Tariq Ahmad Sofi (SKUAST-Kashmir) Dr Nasir Ahmad Shah (Additional Director Department of Science and Technology, J&K), Mrs. Nasreena Hassan Branch Head, J&K Bank, NIT Srinagar and Mr Khurshid Ahmad Rather Department of School Education.
Dr Shah who was declared as Single Man Army has made a road map of NBL series and its growth with time.
