Chandigarh Group of Colleges Landran, celebrated National Science Day with enthusiasm and an array of engaging activities. More than 250 projects were on display at the event in the ‘Research for Pioneers’ project exhibition.
They were evaluated for the uniqueness of ideas, application and proficiency of operation by a panel of 21 distinguished judges drawn from various sectors. The event was organised by the Department of Applied Sciences, CGC Landran, in collaboration with the Department of Student Welfare and the ACIC RISE Association, CGC Landran.
The event commenced with an inaugural ceremony, graced by the presence of Satnam Singh Sandhu, Chairman, CGC Landran; Rashpal Singh Dhaliwal, President CGC Landran; Chief Guest Dr. Subash Chander Sc.‘G’, Technology Director, Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Chandigarh; Guests of Honour Dr. Amit L. Sharma, Chief Scientist, Head, Central Analytical Instruments Facility Division, Professor of Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, CSIR-CSIO, Chandigarh and Mr. Gurinder Singh Sidhu, an accomplished professional, entrepreneur based in Ludhiana, Punjab and Deans and Directors of CGC Landran. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Subhash Chander highlighted India’s transformation from a country providing technology support to actively driving research and innovation.
He also underlined key initiatives by the Prime Minister’s Office like the National Research Foundation, the PM Early Career Research Grant and the Vajra initiative to name a few, which are creating new opportunities for young researchers and top faculty while also helping them receive crucial grants.
“By working together, we can take a quantum leap in research and strengthen India’s future in science and technology,” he added. Satnam Singh Sandhu, Chairman, encouraged all the participants to have a problem solving approach and find innovative and effective solutions to societal challenges.
Platforms such as national science day are a brilliant amalgamation of theoretical and co-curricular activities, he added. Expressing pride in the seasoned and experienced faculty at CGC Landran he encouraged them to consistently align teaching pedagogies with practical hands-on learning, besides theory.
He also urged organizations such as the DRDO to lend mentorship and opportunities for training and research to students and faculty from CGC Landran.Guest of honour, Mr. Amit Sharma, emphasized that researchers and innovators, while working on large-scale projects, should also focus on need-based projects.
He highlighted this point by citing an example from his own experience, where his team had to import optical grade glass for a Raman Spectroscopy based project from Germany because we are yet to develop a domestic technology to produce such high quality glass.
Some interesting projects displayed at the event included eco-friendly, chemical free, fragranced paper made from floral waste providing a sustainable and biodegradable alternative to wood-based paper. Another project sought to offer a real-time alert system for earthquakes, helping real-time mapping of earthquake hotspots and helping damage mitigation in its aftermath.
Another project displayed an education and learning tool based software for differently abled people which would enable translation of sign language to verbal language. An automated intravenous (IV) drip mechanism for medical patients, a sensor-based robotic arm for borewell rescues and an automatic obstacle detecting mechanism for vehicles which would automatically deploy, to prevent accidents, were some of the other projects showcased at the exhibition.
Other competitions organised as a part of the National Science Day event comprised an oratory contest on the significance of science and the pivotal role it plays in cultivating public trust; Science Quiz Competition named ‘Sci-Quest, a poster making competition titled Sci-Stroke to visually represent the theme of the event about public trust in science.
Adding to the excitement was a cultural program that was held prior to the prize distribution ceremony. Outstanding contributions in different competitions were felicitated with cash prizes, trophies and certificates. The event concluded with Dr. Harpal Singh, HoD, Applied Sciences Department, CGC Landran proposing a vote of thanks.