PU Celebrates National Science Day with Special Lecture and National Conference

Chandigarh, February 28, 2025: A two-day National Conference cum Workshop on "Computational and Experimental Techniques for Advanced Functional Materials" was inaugurated by Director, Research and Development Cell, Prof. Yojna Rawat.

The keynote speaker, Prof. Satya Prakash, UGC Emeritus Fellow, Department of Physics, Panjab University, and Former Vice-Chancellor, Jiwaji University, Gwalior, delivered an insightful address.

Prof. S.K. Tripathi, Chairperson, Department of Physics, welcomed the participants, while esteemed academicians, including Prof. Amit Chauhan, Dean Student Welfare, and Prof. K.N. Pathak, Former Vice-Chancellor, Panjab University, were present at the event.

The conference provides a platform for participants to share research and enhance theoretical and experimental skills.
Earlier, Prof. Ranjan Kumar, in his welcome address, highlighted the overwhelming response with around 100 delegates from higher education institutions. The conference features distinguished speakers from IIT Ropar, IISER Mohali, Khalsa College Chandigarh, Govt. College Dhaliara, and the Central University of Punjab. The sessions encompass both experimental and computational condensed matter physics, with Prof. Arun Kumar Grover delivering another insightful talk in the evening entitled "Initiation and Nurturing of Research in Physics in India (1850-1950)" by Prof. Arun Kumar Grover, Former Vice-Chancellor, Panjab University, Chandigarh.

In a detailed lecture, Prof. Arun Kumar Grover, currently an Honorary Professor at Punjab Engineering College (Deemed to be University), Chandigarh, provided a historical perspective on the evolution of physics research in India from the mid-nineteenth century to the post-independence era. He discussed the establishment of major scientific institutions, contributions of pioneering Indian scientists such as J.C. Bose, Asutosh Mukherjee, C.V. Raman, Meghnad Saha, K.S. Krishnan, and Homi Bhabha, and the role of national organisations in shaping India’s scientific landscape. His lecture also examined the impact of colonial policies on higher education, the formation of premier research institutions, and the significance of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in 1942 in advancing post-independence scientific progress.

The event witnessed active participation from faculty members, researchers, and students, who engaged in discussions on India’s scientific journey. The lecture was widely appreciated for its in-depth historical analysis and insights into the contributions of Indian scientists.

The second day of the conference featured oral and poster presentations, offering researchers an opportunity to showcase their work and exchange ideas. A hands-on session on Density Functional Theory and experimental demonstrations further enhanced participants' skills.