Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (VM)

Mangalore, Feb 14: The chemistry department of St Aloysius College organized a national seminar on ‘emerging trends in chemical science’ at Eric Mathias hall on Thursday February 14.

Chief guest Dr B S Sherigar, former vice chancellor of Kuvempu University inaugurated the programme. Dr Ashok k Shukla, professor of Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore was the guest of honour. Fr Sweebert D’Silva, principal presided over the programme.

Dr Sherigar said that such seminars expose students to new advanced subjects and taking this into consideration, the UGC has also made it mandatory.

He asked students to take advantage of the seminar which will motivate them to take up higher studies and even in research. Sherigar also lauded the college for its excellent performance over the years and said it is a role model for other institutions.

“The government has pointed out the need for 1000 universities in the country and right now we have only 600,” said Sherigar adding he said that potential colleges like St Aloysius can be made as a separate university.

“Everything in this world can teach us new things, provided we open our mind and hearts. The quality of openness should be inculcated through which it is possible to learn great things,” said Fr Swebert D’Silva.

The youngsters of the present generation do not commit themselves for hard work. This kind of attitude will not take them far in their life adding he asked them to have the thirst for knowledge through which they can achieve success.

As an advice to the students, he asked them to set high goals and to inculcate the attitude of research. Our learning should be explorative, research oriented, only then it will bear fruit, he added.

The inaugural programme was followed by a keynote address by Professor Ashok K Shukla on ‘Storage batteries: from Volta to Lithium and beyond’.

In his address, he stressed on the points said by President Obama who stated “In no area will innovation be more important than the development of new technologies to produce, use and save energy”.

Professor Shukla gave a brief synopsis on objectives, types of storage and from where the concept of storage originated.
Dr Ivan Pinto, HOD of chemistry department welcomed the gathering. Viola D’Mello compered while Ronald Pinto, vice principal delivered the vote of thanks.

Richard Gonsalves, PG head, Ronald Nazareth, organizing secretary, Dr Narahari, registrar among others were present.