news and pics by Gerald Pinto
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)
Udupi, Jul 18: A University Grants Commission sponsored state level seminar on chemistry and environment, held at the Silver Jubilee Hall of Kallianpur Milagres College, was inaugurated by Kuvempu University vice chancellor Dr B S Sherigar on Friday, July 18 2008.
In his address, Sherigar expressed happiness over the fact that awareness about the need to protect our environment has now spread among the general public. Electricity can be generated through hydel power, by burning coal and by utilizing nuclear power. Each of these sources have their own advantages and disadvantages. In France, 70% of power is generated by using atomic power but in India only 4% is generated through nuclear power. In future, coal and oil resourses will dry up and the only alternative available to us will be atomic power, since we have a lot of Thorium resourses. At the same time, we should continue out efforts towards harnessing wind power and solar power which are cleanest sources of energy, he opined.
Fr Fred Mascarenhas presided over the programme. Prof Subramanya Joshi, head of the department of chemistry in the college and co-ordinator of the programme, welcomed the gathering. Prof Joseph Peter Fernandes proposed vote of thanks and compered the programme.
Dr Balakrishna Kalluraya, head of the department of chemistry in Mangalore University spoke on the subject of green Chemistry and Dr Nityananda Shetty of NITK Suratkal dealt with the subject of the role of chemistry in environment rescue.
Staff members and students of colleges from Kodagu and D K district are partcipating in this two days seminar.