29th Punjab Science Congress Kicks Off in Chandigarh with Focus on Youth and National Development
The 29th Punjab Science Congress, a three-day academic extravaganza, was officially inaugurated at Goswami Ganesh Dutta Sanatan Dharma (GGDSD) College in Sector 32, Chandigarh. Organized under the esteemed patronage of the Punjab Academy of Sciences based in Patiala, this year's congress revolves around the compelling theme "Cutting-Edge Science & Technology: Empowering Youth for a Viksit Bharat."
A Confluence of Scientific Minds and Visionaries
The event has successfully drawn a remarkable assembly of more than 1,000 participants, including distinguished scientists, academic scholars, policymakers, and enthusiastic young researchers from various corners of the nation. This significant gathering underscores the increasingly pivotal role that science and technology play as fundamental drivers of national progress and sustainable development.
The primary objectives of the Congress are multifaceted: to strengthen the scientific temper across communities, foster a culture of innovation, and promote interdisciplinary research that aligns seamlessly with the overarching vision of Viksit Bharat. The comprehensive three-day agenda is packed with a diverse array of activities designed to stimulate intellectual discourse and collaboration.
Engaging Programme and Scholarly Publications
Attendees can look forward to an enriching schedule featuring plenary lectures, open-house discussions, and the presentation of over 350 research papers alongside dynamic poster sessions. These components collectively provide a vibrant and interactive platform for scholarly exchange, encouraging collaborative dialogue among peers.
In a parallel initiative, the College launched an Innovation and Entrepreneurship Fest, highlighting the critical convergence of rigorous scientific research, the burgeoning start-up ecosystem, and youth-led entrepreneurial ventures. The event also enjoyed sponsorship from the Chandigarh Chapter of the India National Science Academy, adding to its prestige.
The inaugural ceremony was marked by the release of several significant scholarly publications and proceedings. Notable among these were:
- Fostering Global Well-Being: Pathways to Viksit Bharat, edited by Prof R C Sobti, Prof Sidharth Sharma, and Dr Ajay Sharma.
- A series on biotechnological innovations, including volumes focused on sustainable development goals, biodiversity, and integrating clean energy, life, water, and climate action, all edited by Prof R C Sobti.
- One Planet, One Health, One Future: Charting a Course for Global Wellness, Environmental Resilience and Sustainable Food Systems, edited by Prof R C Sobti and colleagues.
- Redefining Management Paradigms for Viksit Bharat: Vision 2047, with Dr Ajay Sharma as Chief Editor.
- The Proceedings of the National Conference on Cutting-Edge Science and Technology: Empowering Youth for Viksit Bharat.
Honoring Scientific Excellence with Prestigious Awards
The Punjab Academy of Sciences, Patiala, took the opportunity to honor several distinguished scientists with prestigious awards during the event. The title of Honorary Fellow was conferred upon Prof. Jagdeep Singh, Prof Manoj Kumar, Prof Dinesh Goyal, Prof HS Virk, and Prof KK Aggarwal. Dr Renu Vig, Vice Chancellor of Panjab University, was also recognized with an award, though she could not attend due to personal reasons.
Furthermore, the Desh Bhagat S. Lal Singh Oration Award was presented to Dr Digambar Behera, celebrating his contributions to the field.
Voices from the Dais: Leadership and Vision
Dr. RC Sobti, former Vice Chancellor of Panjab University and a leading academician, shared his insights on the Congress, stating, "The 29th Punjab Science Congress is a celebration of innovation, research excellence, and youth-led scientific inquiry."
The programme commenced with a warm welcome address by Principal Dr Ajay Sharma, who expressed heartfelt gratitude to the distinguished dignitaries present. The dais was graced by eminent figures such as Dr Tarlok Singh, President of the Punjab Academy of Sciences; Prof. Jagdeep Singh, Vice Chancellor of Punjabi University, Patiala; Prof Mahaveer Singh, Vice Chancellor of Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla; Prof Suresh Sharma, Vice Chancellor of Shaheed Bhagat Singh State University, Ferozepur; Dr. Narendra K. Mehra, Honorary Emeritus Scientist at ICMR and Vice President (Internal Affairs) of INSA; Prof P K Khosla, Chancellor of Shoolini University; Dr N K Ganguly, former Director General of ICMR; and numerous other renowned scientists, academicians, and institutional leaders from India and abroad.
Dr Siddharth Sharma, Vice President of the GGDSD College Society, emphasized the Congress's mission to catalyze innovative thinking and policy-relevant research among the younger generation of scientists and scholars, reinforcing its role in shaping the future of scientific endeavor in the country.
