Science Academies Lecture Workshop Excites Chemistry Enthusiasts at Khalsa College, Amritsar

Khalsa College, Amritsar through its post graduate department of chemistry bags another feather in its cap by organizing a prestigious Two days Science Academies' Lecture Workshop on March 1^st and 2^nd, 2024 on the theme of “Optical and Functional Organic Materials” sponsored by a consortium of science academies primarily Indian Academy of Sciences, Bengaluru, Indian National Science Academy, New Delhi and National Academy of Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. With this momentous achievement, Khalsa College, Amritsar becomes the only college in Punjab and the second after Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar for being selected to host this esteemed event which aimed to foster academic exchange and ignite enthusiasm in chemistry among students and professionals alike.

Indian National Science Academy (INSA) fellows and world renowned scientists Prof. Puspendu K. Das and Prof. Uday Maitra from Indian Institute of Sciences, Bengaluru along with Prof. Kamaljit Singh and Prof. Paramjit Kaur were the resource persons deputed by the academy for the workshop.

The Lecture workshop commenced with a warm welcome note by Dr. Hardeep Kaur, setting the tone for the intellectually stimulating sessions that followed. Dr. Amit Anand, Head of the Chemistry Department, and Co-ordinator of the Workshop provided a concise overview of the department and the college. Dr. Puspendu K. Das, the convener of the workshop, introduced the objectives and structure of the event. Principal of Khalsa College, Dr. Mehal Singh, graciously welcomed all the distinguished speakers and participants to the college.  Dr. Taminder Singh, Dean Academic Affairs, Khalsa College, Amritsar proposed a vote of thanks to the all the attendees.

The inaugural session featured Prof. Kamaljit Singh from GNDU, Amritsar, who elucidated the fundamentals and design principles of nonlinear optical organic materials. This was followed by an engaging presentation by Prof. Uday Maitra from IISC Bangalore, who demonstrated the interaction of light with matter through colorful experiments, capturing the attention of the audience. Prof. Maitra also showcased solvatochromism using experimental techniques, further enhancing the learning experience.

Dr. Paramjit Kaur from GNDU, Amritsar, delved into the realm of luminescent organic materials and elucidated the fundamentals of charge transfer chemistry. Dr. Puspendu K. Das from IISc Bangalore concluded the academic sessions by discussing second-order nonlinear optics with molecules and materials, providing insights into cutting-edge research in the field.

The workshop which lasted for two days witnessed enthusiastic participation from over 200 students, not only from Khalsa College but also from esteemed institutions such as Hindu College, DAV College, Khalsa College of Education, Shanti Devi Arya Mahila College Dinanagar, and S.R. Govt. College for Women, Amritsar, along with Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar.

A highlight of the event was the interactive session where students engaged with the speakers, exploring career opportunities in chemistry, seeking internship opportunities, and providing valuable feedback. Many students expressed their delight at the lectures and expressed eagerness for more such events in the future.

In his concluding remarks, Dr. Taminder Singh, Dean of Academics, commended the collaborative efforts that made the workshop a resounding success. Dr. Amit Anand extended heartfelt gratitude to all the speakers and faculty members for their tireless efforts in orchestrating a memorable and insightful workshop. He also acknowledged the invaluable contributions of the non-teaching staff members who ensured the smooth conduct of the event.

The Science Academies' Lecture Workshop at Khalsa College, Amritsar, stands as a testament to the institution's commitment to fostering scientific inquiry and nurturing the next generation of chemists.