On 28th February 2022, Vishwakarma University, Pune celebrated the National Science Day on the theme of ‘Integrated Approach in Science and Technology for a Sustainable Future.”
The celebration was marked with an insightful session delivered by our Chief Guest, Prof. G.S. Mani, Former Director and Dean, IAT, DRDO, Pune. Prof. Mani, alumnus of MIT Chennai and IIT Delhi, has worked as a scientist with DRDO for over 39 years and has been part of various key projects connected with radar, electronic warfare, and missiles. He is recipient of numerous awards in the field of Science and Technology which include awards from DEMA for encouragement and guidance to manufacturers, Excellence in Education/R&D Trophy by the Governor of Maharashtra, and an award from the President of India.
Prof. Mani, in his session underlined the importance of an integrated approach in science and technology for building a sustainable future. In a very interesting way, he toured the audience through the evolution of the concept of ‘Sustainability’ and its relevance in the current times. He further emphasized that ‘Sustainability’ transcends all disciplines and that it must be the focus in 21st Century than mere industrial developments.
Further the highlight of the session was the interaction with Mr. Nagesh Kini - Chief Technology Officer and Co-founder of Vimano EWA Pvt. Ltd. Mr. Kini presented a unique perspective on curiosity and illuminated that how science has been omnipresent in our lives since childhood. Student had a fascinating question-answer round with him.
Vice president of Vishwakarma University Dr Wasudev Gade revisited the discovery of the ‘Raman Effect’ by mentioning that Dr. C V Raman conducted his research in bare minimum resources. Hence, with the development and access to so many resources, the student researchers must keep their goals high and strive to achieve them.
Dr Nitin Satpute, Dean-Faculty of Science and Technology, Prof. Maya Kurulekar, Head-Department of Engineering Scinces, Prof. Mrunmai Ranade and Prof. Sonali Botkar convened and coordinated this celebration. Poster Making Competition, Inustry 4.0 based Quiz Competition were also organized to encourage student engagement. Despite being a digital event, National Science Day received an enthusiastic response from students and academia.