Materials Research Society symposium begins at Jorhat

FROM A CORRESPONDENT

JORHAT, February 19: The four-day programme of Materials Research Society of India (MRSI) symposium on ‘Advanced Materials for Sustaible Applications’ started in a glittering iugural programme held at Dr J N Baruah auditorium of CSIR-NEIST here.

The event which runs concurrently with the annual general meeting of MRSI from February 18 to 21 is being hosted by CSIR-NEIST in collaboration with Tezpur University and IIT, Guwahati.

The iugural function on Thursday witnessed a packed auditorium graced by the eminent persolities, stake holders, council members of MRSI, dignitaries, student & researchers from various parts of the country besides CSIR-NEIST fraternity.  Dr G Sundararajan, Professor of IIT-Madras & Distinguished Emeritus Scientist, ARCI-Hyderabad and Dr Viajayamohan K Pillai, Director, CSIR-CECRI, Karaikudi & Acting Director, CSIR-NCL, Pune graced the occasion as chief guest and guest of honour respectively.

Dr D Ramaiah, Director, CSIR-NEIST & Chairman-Organizing Committee delivering the welcome address spoke briefly about CSIR-NEIST and the background of the Symposium. Challenges and solutions triggered by innovation in the field of materials was something he stressed upon.

S B Krupanidhi, vice-president & general secretary- MRSI spoke about MRSI and said that it is dedicated to attract & foster young scientists & researchers by exposing them to the world of Materials Science and the various advancements taking place by holding such events.

In his address Dr Vijayamohan K Pillai spoke about the impact of MRSI in the scientific community for stimulating Materials Science & Engineering in India. He said that the current theme of the Symposium finds relevance with today’s need of the hour which is to identify critical areas that need attention like energy, water, etc. with affordable materials.

Dr G Sundararajan encouraged the young participants to take full benefit of the event and interact with the experts and others for knowledge gain.

Dr Suresh Das, president MRSI & executive vice president, Kerala State Council for Science & Technology, Trivandrum spoke in detail about MRSI and its activities in his presidential address.

Making a strong reference about the ‘Valley of Death’, Dr Das stressed upon the gap that exists between a basic researcher’s interests and the interests of an industrialist.

He commented that the lack of interaction or simply put, the Death Valley that exists in spite of a healthy research invention in India and the potential industries interested in advanced materials can be addressed only by bridging the gap between these two mindsets. He pointed out the importance of applications of R&D to address problems like energy. “Harnessing of Solar Energy needs to be increased substantially in India,” he said.