The one day UGC-sponsored National conference on Recent advances in Chemical Sciences RACS VI was organized by Post Graduate Department of Chemistry

The one day UGC-sponsored National conference on “Recent advances in Chemical Sciences” RACS VI was organized by Post Graduate Department of Chemistry, Khalsa College on 26-02-2020 at Khalsa College, Amritsar. The event   began   with   the recitation of college shabad by MSc Chemistry students. Then, Dr. Hardeep Kaur (Organizing Secretary) extended warm welcome to all the guests, faculty and participants. Then, she gave brief introduction about the theme of conference i.e Material Chemistry. Thereafter, the welcome address was given by Prof. B.K. Basra, Prof. and Head, Dept. of Chemistry. Professor Basra emphasized on the need of awareness of the students about the recent advances in basic sciences. Then, Principal of college Prof. Mehal Singh welcomed the chief guest Dr. Geeta Hundal, Head and Prof., Department of Chemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar and other renowned guest speakers. In this conference, graduate, post-graduate students, faculty members of the college as well as from various neighboring colleges, and Professors from different universities actively participated. Dr. Geeta Hundal in her address emphasized on the a few introductory remarks to the audience that we are in 21st century with more expectations which would be possible only by making use of the opportunities properly. No need to hesitate questioning whether it is right or wrong, that would sharpen your intelligence, and it is the first step of scientific aptitude that make you to go to the higher altitude. In the technical session, Dr. Kamaljit Singh from G.N.D.U. spoke about the material chemistry. They added that understanding the materials science and chemistry of natural materials can lead to significant advances in man-made materials. From nanomaterials and molecular devices to polymers and extended solids, chemistry is creating a world of new materials as catalysts, sensors, molecular transporters, artificial scaffolds, molecular filters, and light-emitting or electron-conducting ensembles They also highlighted the ongoing research in their lab.

Prof. H.K. Manchanda from NIT, Jalandhar shared his expertise on the ‘Relevance of 12 Principles of Green Chemistry’ and use of ionic liquids. He described the application of Green Chemistry in industrial and research areas that could help mankind to use renewable bi-products and non-volatile substances which will give an alternative source such as bio-diesel, bio-gas, non-hazardous solvent that will reduce pollution from our environment. They suggested how the attainment of sustainable development goal is necessary for the survival of civilization. They encouraged the students to consider the principles of green chemistry while designing processes and choosing reagents.

Prof S.K. Mehta from Punjab University, Chandigarh emphasized on the applications of nanoparticles. His talk was very simple, but enlightening. He talked about the long journey of substances from kilogram to nanogram. After explaining the basic things he moved on to explain how he has incorporated the nano material into his research work. He further added that its applications are vast and promising. He pointed out the importance of nanotechnology in therapeutics and molecular drug delivery, as nanoparticles has less size,but more surface area.

A valedictory function was held at the end of seminar. Dr. Amit Anand gave a brief introduction about the college and Chemistry Department. The Prizes and certificates for best posters were distributed by the dignitaries. Dr. Randhir Singh, Dr. B.K. Randhawa and Dr. Kultar Singh proposed a vote of thanks to all the delegates, Professors and students for their valuable cooperation in making this seminar a grand success.