Patiala 19th Feb, 2016
The National Conference on Recent Advances in Chemical, Biological and Environmental Sciences (RACES-2016) was inaugurated at Multani Mal Modi College, Patiala. Prof. N. Sathyamurthy, Director, IISER, Mohali, inaugurated the conference. While addressing the delegates he emphasized that researchers have to develop a scientific temperament and be in tune with the recent developments in the field of Chemical, Biological and Environmental Sciences. Delivering the keynote address he talked extensively about the structural motifs and repetitive patterns in Chemistry and Chemical Biology.
College Principal, Dr. Khushvinder Kumar welcomed the guests and the scholars. He said that the study of basic sciences must be encouraged so that the new generation be attracted towards the study of basic and applied sciences. He further expressed that due to scientific advancement, there is an increase in the life span of man, but that extended lifespan is neither healthy nor drug-free. He also said that there are numerous challenges present before us like provision of nutritious food, good health and industrial and domestic waste management. He mentioned that considering the present scenario of extensive technological advancements, only science can provide answers to pertinent social problems and provide avenues for sustainable development.
Dr. Rajeev Sharma, Convener of the conference disclosed that 284 abstracts were received for poster and oral presentations during the conference. More than 100 delegates from USA, Italy, Germany and 12 Indian states attended the conference on the first day. A souvenir cum abstract book was also released on the occasion.
Dr. Sushil Mittal, Deputy Director, Thapar University, Patiala stressed on the optimal utilization of infrastructure in research institutes by organizing interactions of undergraduate and postgraduate students with scientists of repute.
Prof. Prince Sharma, Panjab University, Chandigarh in his talk about socio-microbiology, compared the intercellular signaling in disease causing bacteria with social platforms like twitter. He elucidated the role of ayurvedic medicine Terminalia chebula (Harad) in controlling the virulence of disease causing bacteria. Dr. J. M. Khurana, University of Delhi, Delhi discussed about the sustainable way to bring about synthesis of organic compounds. Dr. Harish Chander, Central University, Bathinda in his talk delved into the tumour causing oncogenes and spoke about Prohibitin stopping the progression of cancer.
Dr. Anil Kumar, Dr. Jyotsana and Prof. (Dr.) Rakesh Garg chaired the first technical session. Dr. Kuldeep Kumar and Mr. Sanjeev Kumar worked as the organizing secretaries of the conference. Dr. Ashwani Sharma presented the vote of thanks.
Dr. Khushvinder Kumar
