Sharing of Scholarly Ideas

During the last two weeks, Dr. Barot has been attending a variety of scholarly conferences on the sciences. Here is his summary of those activities.

I. Conference in Kochi, Kerala: The Department of Applied Chemistry, Cochin University of Science and Technology, organized the National Seminar on Current Trends in Chemistry on March 4-5. I was chosen as a member of the organizing committee. Dr. Girishkumar and I were in charge of a reception to welcome invited guests from all over India. The program included invited lecturers, contributed oral communications, and poster presentations related to Chemical Sensors and Biosensors, Organic - Inorganic Hybrid Materials, Nano-materials and Supra Molecular Chemistry, and Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry. Some of the chemists shared their research on helping the environment by using the catalysts enhanced chemical processes.

II. Conference in Panaji, Goa: From March 7 to 9, we went to Goa. It is one of the most popular destinations for western tourists. It is blessed by many beaches and Western food joints. Since coming to India, I was able to eat, for the first time in four months, in a Gujarati restaurant. This conference was organized by Fulbright and USIEF (United States-India Educational Foundation) in Panaji, Goa. It was attended by Fulbrighters from India, Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Tajikistan. Presentations included issues related to the environment and energy, public health, science and technology, business and economic study of India, social history of the Indian national drink, arts and aesthetics, music and Indian classical dance. The most interesting aspect was to meet bright scholars and exchange emails and ideas.

III. Conference in Changanasserry, Kerala: To celebrate the International Year of Chemistry, P.G. Department of Chemistry of N.S.S. Hindu College of Changanassery and Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment organized two days of a national seminar on New Frontiers in Chemical Science & Technology. The activities and celebration commemorated the 100th year of anniversary of Marie Curie’s Noble Prize in chemistry, as well as founding of IUPAC included many technical sessions. I was invited as a speaker.

To reach the college in Changanasserry by 9 am, I had to catch Trivandrum Mail at 6:15 am from Ernakulum Town. It was too early to get any public transportation, so I asked a university employee, Mr. Somesh, to arrange a cab for me. I reached to the railway station just in time, but the train was late. When I reached the college, I was welcomed by a hot breakfast and tea. My presentation topic was “Educational System in USA through a Frame of Chemistry.” I was presented a nice wall clock as a token of gift. I enjoyed meeting other chemists from all over Kerala.