First Technical Session of CHASCON 2024 

Chandigarh, November 6, 2024: The first Technical Session of CHASCON 2024, chaired by former Panjab University (PU) Vice Chancellor Prof. Arun Grover, included the talks of eminent Scientists Dr. Vipin Kumar, Scientist G and Former Director, National Innovation Foundation (NIF), associated with the MANAK program of Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India and Professor Venkatesh Rangarajan, Head, Department of Nuclear Medicine & Molecular Imaging, Tata Memorial Centre – Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai. 

Dr Vipin Kumar enlightened the audience about the primary objective of MANAK i.e. to encourage and nurture innovative ideas among students, foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, develop problem-solving skills and critical thinking. He highlighted that the MANAK Inspire Program specifically focuses on identifying and supporting innovative projects, providing mentorship and guidance, and offering a platform for students to showcase their ideas. This program targets students from schools (6th to 12th standard), colleges, universities, and research institutions. 

Prof. Venkatesh Rangarajan presented a compelling vision for empowering non-medical professionals in nuclear medicine for future. He highlighted the significance of nuclear medicine, citing its growing demand globally and in India. His key areas of focus include nuclear medicine imaging, radioisotope production, radiation therapy, and AI-driven medical imaging analysis. By bridging the gap between medical and non-medical disciplines, Prof. Rangarajan envisions improved patient outcomes, increased accessibility, and innovative solutions.Through this initiative, Prof. Rangarajan hopes to revolutionise nuclear medicine in India and globally, ultimately benefiting patients and the healthcare system.

The second technical session initiated by a talk delivered by Dr. Ashish Gulia, a distinguished Oncologist, is the Director of the Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (HBCH&RC) in New Chandigarh, Punjab. He briefed about the origin of Tata Memorial Centre and its decentralisation across the country, especially about the branches in Sangrur and in New Chandigarh. 

Dr. Gulia oversees a team committed to comprehensive oncology services, including advanced diagnostic and therapeutic facilities such as CT scans, nuclear imaging, and a sophisticated operation theatre complex.

Dr Sanjay Kumar Badada, Head, Department of Endocrinology, PGIMER, Chandigarh discussed about weight reduction strategies. He emphasised to adopt healthy habits such as physical activity and balanced eating and prioritising health through conscious lifestyle decisions is essential for individuals and nations to progress.

EXPO-CHASCON was another key attraction point for the researchers and technologists. There were thirty exhibition stalls showcasing innovations, patents, skill enhancement courses under NEP-2020, and startups from Panjab University, its affiliated colleges and CRIKC Institutes. The main highlight of the EXPO was to display the Indigenous Technologies.

The EXPO-CHASCON provided a congenial platform and a unique opportunity for the delegates and the public to interact with scientists, researchers, and the innovators.The main attractions were some start-up’s based upon 5G enabled drones and roves that may be remotely controlled from anywhere in the world, patented prosthetic hands, motion sensing gloves, EG kit, cranial implant, maxillofacial implants.