Second day of INSPIRE Camp at KMV; Erudite academicians enlighten budding scientists

Jalandhar, December 5, 2018: On the second day of the 9th 5-day INSPIRE-Camp at Kanya Maha Vidyalaya-The Heritage and Autonomous Institution, Jalandhar many renowned academicians gave talks to the budding students. The program started with an interactive session by Dr.G.S.Sodhi, SGTB Khalsa College, University of Delhi on the topic 'Role of forensic chemistry in processing crime scene evidence'. He stressed on the fact that the detection of latent fingerprints at the scene of crime and their subsequent development is one of the most powerful tools available in casework investigations. The presentation was followed by workshop demonstrating few case studies which highlighted the importance of scientific methods in solving crime cases.
The next lecture was delivered by Prof. Dr. N.C.Kotiyal from Department of Chemistry, Dr. B.R.Ambedkar National Institute of Technology, Jalandhar. He shared his views on the topic 'Chemistry of cement as a conventional building material'. He started his interaction with the introduction of inorganic cementing materials to the students followed by a detail on the setting and hardening process of cement. He further presented his perspective on the topic 'Nano Carbon based cement composites as future building materials' in which he highlighted the application of various types of Nano composites as futuristic cementing materials. All the lectures by erudite speakers were well received by the participants and both the sessions were concluded with an interactive session of the INSPIRE interns with the mentors.
The INSPIRE interns were also given hands - on training on various experiments in chemistry to create scientific temper and enhance their practical knowledge. The various experiments and their demonstrations were explained in detail. The students were given training regarding Thin layer chromatography, or TLC, paper chromatography and column chromatography. The use of magnetic stirrer in carrying out organic and inorganic preparations were also demonstrated to the students. Students also discussed various chemistry concepts like oxidation- reduction, activation energy, importance of pH, role of solvent in chromatography and inorganic mixture analysis. The students enthusiastically participated in all the experiments and their queries were also solved by the teachers. The students were also shown videos of various fascinating chemistry experiments to orient their students towards chemistry. In addition a brain storming session of chemistry quiz was also organized. The day was concluded with the cultural eve in which the inspire interns performed exciting cultural activities. Principal Prof. (Dr.) Atima Sharma Dwivedi extended her gratitude towards the guest speakers for providing such detail information to the students and also enlightening them about the key concepts of science. She also apprised the students that the third day of INSPIRE Program will be equally eventful & will witness the presence of many noted scientists & academicians.