UGC sponsored National Seminar on Recent Advances in Chemical Sciences

Post Graduate Department of Chemistry, Khalsa College Amritsar organized a UGC sponsored National Seminar on “Recent Advances in Chemical Sciences” RACS-V on 30 th March, 2019 in the Seminar Hall of the College. The seminar was attended by graduate, post- graduate students and faculty members of science departments, Khalsa College Amritsar. The seminar was also graced by faculty, research scholars and students from other colleges and university.

In the Inaugural session Dr. M.S. Batra, Head, Department of Chemistry and Coordinator of the event welcomed the eminent scientists and participants from other colleges and institutions. Dr. Batra also introduced the seminar theme to the participants by highlighting the importance of holding of such seminars in the college. Principal Dr. Mehal Singh welcomed the chief guest Prof. H. M. Chawla and other renowned guest speakers and thanked them for sparing their valuable time for gracing the occasion. He emphasized that since science is growing at very fast pace so such seminars and conferences are very essential so as to familiarize the students and faculty members with the recent advances and developments in the related areas. He encouraged the students to participate and interact with the eminent resource persons since this will help them to understand the subject, boost their confidence and motivate them toward research.

Dr. H. M. Chawla, Professor and National Advisor in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt of India, was the chief guest of the event. He also delivered a key note address on the topic “Power of the weak”. Dr. H.M. Chawla correlated the basic concept of life with chemistry of molecules in a wonderful way. He explained that when weak forces come closer and work together, they cause panic for the stronger ones. Weak bonds may be easily broken but their togetherness is responsible for wonderful aspects of the life, controlling and directing the strong ones. He also discussed about his invention of the Fru wash Technology for non-refrigerate shelf life extension of fruits and vegetables by using an organic natural product based biodegradable formulation. Using this technology the shelf life of fruits and vegetables is considerably enhanced and freshness is maintained for a longer period. He shared with the participant that the main objectives of his technology are to reduce the wastage, make it cost effective, and to provide economic empowerment to women, street vendors as well as job initiative to rural area people.

Dr. Ramasastry, Department of Chemical Sciences, IISER Mohali, Dr. Palwinder Singh, Professor, GNDU Amritsar were the other distinguished guest speakers on this occasion. Dr. Ramasastry while speaking on the topic “Recent Trends in Catalysis Relevant to Organic Synthesis” shared how catalysts play an important role in the synthesis of valuable materials and sustaining life. The reactions in the living cells take place efficiently due to enzymes acting as catalysts; even the manufacturing of many industrial chemicals and products becomes more economical by using suitable catalysts. Dr Palwinder Singh delivered his lecture on the theme “Drug design and medicinal applications”.  Drug design is the inventive process of finding new medications based on the knowledge of a biological target. In the most basic sense, drug design involves the design of molecules that are complementary in shape and charge to the molecular target with which they interact and bind. Drug design involves computer modeling techniques, synthesis and testing of target molecules in various phases. He emphasized on the different strategies which are needed to develop green routes to the synthesis of different drugs agents using simple, inexpensive, efficient, reusable catalysts under eco-friendly conditions. Research scholars, faculty members and students also participated in a poster presentation session by presenting more than 50 posters, which were evaluated by the experts. In the valedictory function, the best posters award and certificates were distributed to the participants by resource persons. Dr. Amit Anand gave a brief introduction about the college and Chemistry Department.

On this occasion Dr. Harvinder Kaur, Dr. Kirandeep Kaur, Dr. Taminder Singh, Dr. Jasjit Kaur Randhawa, Dr. Randhir Singh, Dr. Baljinder Kaur Randhawa, Dr. Hardeep Kaur, Dr. Kultar Singh, Dr. Punita, Dr. Seema, Dr. Navalpreet kaur, Dr. Mohamad Arshad, Dr. Kuljit Kaur, Dr. Sukhmeet kaur, Dr. Kirandeep Kaur, Dr. Jasneet Kaur, Dr. J.S. Gandhi and faculty members of other departments and colleges were present.