On the occasion of National Science Day, MSc students of Chinmaya Degree College, Haridwar, put up an exhibition of various science models which were reviewed by the chief guest Praveen Chandra Jha, Executive Director, BHEL Haridwar.
The programme, convened by Dr. Manisha Solanki, started with Saraswati Vandana by students. The officiating Principal of the College, Dr. Alok Aggarwal, welcomed the guests presenting them bouquets. The inaugural lamp was lit by BHEL’s first lady Sulekha Jha, accompanied by Neeta Dave, Sadhna Sachdeva and Kshama Agarwal. Floral offerings were made before the idols of Swami Chinmayananda and scientist C. V. Raman.
Praveen Chandra Jha showed keen interest in the models made by the students. He encouraged the students, saying, “One of you will emerge as a scientist like Raman”. In his presidential address, he said that technology marvels like generators are being made in BHEL using supercritical technology aiming to reduce carbon footprint in the atmosphere. BHEL has an important contribution in the global efforts to reduce carbon footprint. He encouraged the students to make more and more innovations.
Neeraj Dave, BHEL’s Human Resources Department General Manager, appreciated the Chinmaya Degree College saying that the college is constantly trying to make new experiments in modern science while imbibing the ideals of Swami Chinmayananda, the founder. He said spirituality was in the DNA of students of Chinmaya Degree College.
Commander Amod Chaudhary, Managing Committee Member, said that our sages were the first scientists who spoke of the theory of evolution through the 10 divine incarnations several thousand years before Darwin, listing Matsya Avatar to Rama and Krishna. He stressed on the need of creating an ecosystem wherein such mind honing activities are held round the year. He said after material progress, the scientists were trying to figure out the biochemistry of the human mind through which they could understand the working of the mind, aiming to discover a state of happiness at all levels and in all circumstances.
Colonel Rakesh Sachdeva, Chairman, Chinmaya Management Committee, introduced the guests to various activities of the College and lauded the efforts of the team in organizing Science Day in a grand way. He encouraged the students to adopt a scientific approach in life. A student, Sarthak, deliberated on the importance of the role of a scientific mindset in nation building.
Professor Ajay Kumar of Chinmaya Degree College made his statement on the theme of this year’s Science Day, in which he said that development of any country is possible only through science and technology. Quoting a scientist he said that refusal of accepting anything without testing it was science. He said that controlling the Covid-19 epidemic by making a vaccine in the field of medicine is also a living example of science and technology. Dr. Swati Shukla, HOD Biotech department presented scientific policy and its changing form in the Indian Constitution.
The students of MSc presented seven science models in which the Department of Chemistry, Physics and Microbiology were selected in the first three divisions. The Li-fi project of Physics was highly appreciated, through which students Kajal and Mayank created the electronic smart stick project for blind people. This special stick detects the intensity of light, water and fire and provides signals to move the blind from there. Cdr Amod Chaudhary shared that the same project will be presented to the National Institute of Visually Handicapped in Dehradun.
The project to make biodiesel from vegetable oil was selected first. The plastoscope made by student Surbhi, made with two empty bottles and a wooden box fitted with a lens which can be used to enlarge an image up to 450 times, won the appreciation of the chief guest. It can be made use of at home since it is cost effective.
The programme concluded with certificates being distributed to participating students by Praveen Chandra Jha, followed by group recitation of the Chinmaya Mission Pledge and National Anthem, and then high tea for all. The distinguished guests signed the visitors’ book as they left.
