A one-day seminar on ‘Green Chemistry for Sustainable Future’ was organised by the Departments of Chemistry and Bio-Chemistry (UG) at St. Philomena’s College auditorium in city recently.

The seminar, sponsored by UGC, aimed at creating a sense of responsibility among students towards environmental issues and inspiring them to take action to spread awareness on mitigating the imminent threats.  

Prof. Syed Akheel Ahmed, former VC of Yenepoya University, Mangaluru and former Dean, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Mysore, inaugurated the seminar and explained the whole idea that swirls with ‘Green Chemistry’.

Pointing out that Green Chemistry is the design of chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the use or generation of hazardous substances, he said that Green Chemistry applies across the life cycle of a chemical product, including its design, manufacture, use and ultimate disposal.

Prof. Ahmed said that Green Chemistry helps in keeping hazardous materials out of the environment in the first place and added that with the advancement of Green Chemistry, a green path which can lead   to meet the need of the contemporary threatening issues can be overcome.

Prof. Ahmed’s address was technically insightful with several examples that can serve as instant ‘tip-off’ for the students and research scholars including the faculty in addressing some of their immediate environmental and effluent challenges.

Earlier, Dr.  Ruth Shanthakumari, Principal of the College, highlighted the importance  of Green Chemistry in our   day-to-day life.  

Rev. Fr. Leslie Moras, Rector of the College, who presided over the function, expressed  hope that the seminar would have a positive impact on the academic atmosphere and also widen the horizon of students.  

Dr. Alphonsus D’Souza, Head, Department of Chemistry, welcomed. Agnes S. D’Souza, Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry, introduced the guest. Lydiya Vandana, HoD of Bio-Chemistry, proposed a vote of thanks.

Sessions were conducted by Dr. A.S. Prakash, Senior Scientist, CECRI, Chennai and  Dr. Dattatri K. Nagesha, Head, Department of Pharmaceutics, JSS University, Mysuru.  

The valedictory session was held on the same day with both resource persons as the guests. Fr. Leslie Moras presided.