Media Release

Mangaluru, Feb 25: Pilikula Regional Science Centre proposed a project to BASF India Limited, Mangaluru for donation of chemistry kits to government schools of the district, as the schools do not have chemicals to perform the experiments in the syllabus.

The company agreed to support the project and department of Chemistry St Aloysius College, Mangaluru undertook the responsibility of preparing the kits. The programme of donating 90 kits to Bantwal, Beltangady, Moodbidri, Puttur and Sullia zones was organized at St Aloysius College where Rajesh Mishrikoti, deputy director of factories & boilers was the chief guest. Speaking on the occasion, he said, "Mangaluru has many chemical industries and this is a very unique programme carried out by BASF India Limited, jointly with Pilikula Regional Science Centre and St Aloysius College. This initiative under CSR will help teachers and students to have better learning opportunities. He also stressed the need of safe chemical handling practices."

Srinivas Pranesh, site director, BASF India Limited, Mangaluru said, "At BASF we create Chemistry. Whatever we use in our day-to-day life has the presences of one or other Chemical, without which we cannot survive today. BASF has taken up this project with an intention to inculcate interest towards Chemistry in young minds. This will have impact on students to opt chemistry as main subject in their higher education."

Dr Richard Gonsalves gave a brief insight into the project and requested the teachers to conduct the experiments to rekindle interest in chemistry among the students. Dr Praveen Martis, principal presided over the function. In his address he appreciated the uniqueness of the project in getting industry and academia in helping Govt schools.

Nagaraj H S, manager – safety & environment, highlighted the safety aspect of handling chemicals in the laboratory. Preema Pais, faculty of PG chemistry, welcomed the guests and participants. Dr K V Rao, director, Pilikula Regional Science Centre proposed vote of thanks. The volunteers who worked for preparing kits, were felicitated by awarding certificates and mementos.The programme was compered by Crystal Menezes.