THE 99TH SCIENCE CONGRESS CONCLUDED

THE 99TH SCIENCE CONGRESS CONCLUDED 8/01/2012
ODISHA NEWS:

The ultimate objective of any scientific pursuit is to improve quality of life of people, said Shri M. C. Bhandare, H.E. Governor of Odisha at the valedictory ceremony of the 99th Indian Science Congress at KIIT University on January 7. “Despite tremendous progress in the field there is a sizeable section who struggle to meet basic needs like food, shelter and healthcare,” he observed.

Asserting that modern research should address these problems, he said, science must have innovativeness, foresight and vision to make it a boon for the society. Quoting Nehru, he said, “Science alone can solve the problem of hunger and poverty, insanitation and illiteracy, of superstition and dreading customs.” He reminded of country’s rich legacy of science from Aryabhatta to Srinivasa Ramanujam and from CV Raman to APJ Abdul Kalam.


The 99th Indian Science Congress organised by KIIT and NISER ended earlier on Jan 07. Prof. T. Ramasami, Secretary, DST delivered the welcome address. Among others, Prof. A. S. Kolaskar, VC, KIIT, Dr. Vijay Laxmi Saxena, General Secretary (Scientific Affairs), 99th ISC, Dr. Manoj Kumar Chakraborti, General Secretary (Membership Affairs), Dr. A. K. De, Executive Secretary, Dr. N. B. Basu, Treasurer and Dr. A. K. Nayak, Registrar, NISER were present on the occasion. Dr. Samanta expressed gratitude to Prof. Bali and all functionaries of Indian Science Congress Association (ISCA) for their cooperation in making the event a grand success.

It was a great honour for Odisha to host the 99th Indian Science Congress after a gap of 34 years, he said, while expressing gratitude to KIIT, NISER and Dr. A. Samanta, Founder, KIIT & KISS and Chief Patron, 99th ISC for making it happen with elegance and style. The Governor conferred Pride of India Expo Award to 14 organisations in seven different categories. While NALCO bagged the award for most innovative expo, DRDO was adjudged exhibitor of the year. Best poster awards were also conferred to 28 presenters in 14 different sections of the Science Congress.



Six winners of National level Essay and Quiz competition (senior and junior level) were also awarded. The senior category topper received a prize money of Rs. 5 lakh, while topper in junior category received Rs. 4 lakh.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. P. K. Patasani, Hon’ble MP, Bhubaneswar commended KIIT and Dr. Samanta for excellent organization of this mega event. “The state is proud of him,” he added.



The 99th ISC was attended by a record 18000 delegates. Total number of delegates from abroad was 250, said Prof. Geetha Bali, General President, while informing that the session saw 35 special lectures and 30 plenary sessions and panel discussions. There was a healthy participation from women scientists in the science congress, which had ‘Science and Technology for Inclusive Innovation – Role of Women’ as its theme.


Crediting KIIT for remarkable conduct of the event, she remarked, “There was nothing where we felt something could be done in a better way.” Ambience at KIIT was very conducive and all comforts were provided, she said. Terming 99th ISC a very satisfying experience, she expressed happiness that all deliberations were vibrant. She also thanked NISER, which was academic partner of KIIT in hosting the event.


Centenary session of the science congress is scheduled to be held in Kolkata, with the Prime Minister as its General President. The Prime Minister’s emissary Dr. B. Hari Gopal of Department of Science and Technology received the ceremonial Vigyan Jyot from outgoing General President, Prof. Bali.

SIDDHARTHA SHANKAR MISHRA,
BUREAU CHIEF, THESE DAYS,
ODISHA