Dr. S. S. Bhatnagar’s birth anniversary celebrated

Chandigarh, February 21, 2024: The 130th anniversary of the birth of Dr. Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar, an alumnus of Panjab University (PU), was commemorated today at the Dr. SS Bhatnagar University Institute of Chemical Engineering and Technology (SSB UICET), Panjab University, Chandigarh. 

The occasion served as a tribute to Dr. Bhatnagar's remarkable contributions to the realms of science and technology. Renowned as a luminary in the scientific world, Dr. Bhatnagar was more than just a scientist; he was a guiding force, mentor, and a visionary committed to advancing scientific knowledge. His groundwork laid the foundation for institutions like the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), University Grants Commission (UGC), and, consequently, the present-day Dr. SSB University Institute of Chemical Engineering & Technology.

This programme has been organized in association with the Indian Innovation Council (IIC), Ministry of HRD, India, Chandigarh chapters of National academy of Sciences, India (NASI), INYAS Indian national youth academy of Science, SPSTI, and CRIKC-Chandigarh Region Innovation and Knowledge Cluster.

Prof. Anupama Sharma, Chairperson of Dr. SSBUICET commenced the proceedings with a cordial welcome of Guests of honour Dr. Girish Sahni (Former Director General CSIR, Former Director CSIR-IMTECH) and Sh. Sanjay Arora (General Manager (Marketing), GAIL India Ltd. and DCET Alumni 1987 batch) , Prof. Arun Grover, Former Vice Chancellor, Panjab University and the inspiration behind this annual event.

Prof. Arun Grover, Former Vice Chancellor, Panjab University, Chandigarh highlighted Dr. Bhatnagar’s immense contribution in the field of Science and Technology and stressed the need for the present generation to be reminded of his legacy.
Dr. Girish Sahni highlighted the significance of collaboration in his speech, underscoring the essential role of teamwork for success in life. Sh. Sanjay Arora resonated similar sentiments, highlighting the collective effort required for achieving success. Noteworthy scientist Dr. Ashwani Kumar, recipient of the Bhatnagar Award in Biological Sciences 2022 from CSIR, IMTECH Chandigarh, and Prof. Mohsen Rahmani, a distinguished scholar holding the Royal Society Wolfson fellowship and honored with the UK leadership of Future of Science & Innovation, delivered an enlightening Oration lecture.

The department launched its first newsletter and the second edition of its Annual magazine of Food Technology “JEEVNAM”. The book authored by Prof. Gaurav Verma entitled “Nanostructures” Published by Elsevier (Boston) was released by the dignitaries.

Prof. Gaurav Verma expressed gratitude to all the dignitaries who graced the occasion with their benign presence and concluded the session with a vote of thanks.

The event was attended by faculty and researchers from Dr. SSBUICET and other CRIKC institutions.