Prelude to 11th edition of Bengaluru India Nano-2020 in March

Mysuru/Mysore:  The Faculty of Life Sciences, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, (JSS AHER), Mysuru, recently hosted ‘Nano Jatha-2020’ as a prelude to the 11th edition of ‘Bengaluru India Nano-2020.’ 

Over 200 High School and Pre-University College students participated. The objective of the event was to popularise and promote the importance of Nanotechnology among young minds. The event was sponsored by Karnataka Science and Technology Promoting Society (KSTePS), Government of Karnataka and Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), Government of India. 

In his inaugural address, Dr. Surinder Singh, Vice-Chancellor of JSS AHER, stressed on the importance of Nanotechnology, quoting examples from daily life. He explained how it is going to play a major role in every sector of human life in future. 

He lauded the role of  Karnataka’s Vision Group on Nanotechnology, chaired by Prof. C.N.R. Rao in reaching a large number of students through Bengaluru India Nano event which is held annually as part of the efforts towards fostering a business environment for the development of Nano-science and Nanotechnology Industry in India. 

Further, Dr. Singh elaborated on the applications of nanotechnology in cancer therapy. He added that delivering drugs at nano-scale which are tagged with monoclonal antibodies lead to reduced quantity of drugs with less side- effects without compromising on the efficiency of the drugs. 

Dr. P.A. Kushalappa, Director Academics, JSS AHER and Dr. K.A. Raveesha, Head, Faculty of Life Sciences (FLS), were the guests of honour. 

Following the inaugural session, students were exposed to a 30-minute video on the importance of Nanotechnology. There were two technical sessions. Dr. Pralay Santra, Scientist, CeNS, shared a presentation on “Nanotechnology, a source of light”  while Dr. Siddharth Joshi, Head, Centre for Nanotechnology, NIE, Mysuru spoke on the “Importance of Nanotechnology in Science and Engineering.” 

An exhibition was arranged depicting the importance of nanotechnology and how the field is being used in daily life. Some of the exhibits like “When gold is not golden,” “Today I am Faraday,” “Electricity from fruit juice” etc., attracted the attention of students.

The sessions were quite interactive and led the students to inquire about the current knowledge in the advanced field on nanotechnology. To further encourage the students, a quiz competition was held in the afternoon session and the winners were awarded with cash prizes. 

Dr. T.S. Gopenath, Associate Professor, FLS and Organising Secretary of the Nano Jatha, proposed a vote of thanks.

The 11th edition of ‘Bengaluru India Nano-2020’ will be held on March 2 and 3 at The Lalit Ashok, Bengaluru. This year’s theme is “New Dimensions in Nano-science and Nanotechnology for Industry 4.0.” The event, organised since 2007, has been receiving tremendous response from Research, Academia and Industry.