West Bengal Academy of Science and Technology

Activities

Report on the Outreach Program #4 in 2024
Venue: Barsole Vidyatan (HS), Barsole, Benasuli, Jhargram
Date: 20th September 2024
A seminar on “Journey of Science towards Self-Reliant India” was organized by the West Bengal Academy of Science & Technology jointly with the Barsole Vidyayatan (HS) at the school premises on 20th September 2024. The seminar was conducted by Prof. Chinmay Chowdhury, Chief Scientist & Deputy Head, Organic & Medical Chemistry, CSIR - Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata. Prof. Chowdhury gave a valuable lecture on Energy Swaraj, climate change and the adverse effect of green-house gas. He discussed elaborately on various topics related to sustainable energy like the use of solar energy, green hydrogen gas, wind energy etc. He also gave a short lecture on space science. The students and teachers actively interacted and appreciated the lectures and discussions on the stated topics.
The WAST was supported by M/s Neo-Teletronix Pvt Ltd in the organization of this event.

The Inaugural session on 10 February 2024 — "Engaging talk by the speaker"

Participants during the inaugural session — "A section of the audience "

Report on the Outreach Program #3 in 2024
Venue: Sadhu Ram Chand Murmu University of Jhargram
Date: 20th September 2024
A one-day seminar titled "Science Motivational Program: Journey of Science Towards Self- Reliant India" was organized by the West Bengal Academy of Science and Technology jointly with the Sadhu Ram Chand Murmu University of Jhargram on 20th September 2024, at the university premises. The event was chaired by Prof. Kallol Paul, Hon'ble Vice-Chancellor of Sadhu Ram Chand Murmu University of Jhargram.
The keynote speaker for the seminar was Prof. Chinmay Chowdhury, Chief Scientist and Deputy Head of Organic & Medicinal Chemistry at CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology (CSIR- IICB). Prof. Chowdhury delivered an insightful lecture on the topic "Journey of Chemical Science Towards Sustainable Development”. He highlighted the role of chemical sciences in driving innovations for sustainable development and how it can contribute to India’s journey towards becoming a self-reliant nation. His talk covered various aspects of scientific advancements in the field of chemistry and their impact on industrial and societal development.
The seminar witnessed active participation from around 100 attendees, including faculty members, and students. The interactive nature of the session provided participants with an opportunity to engage with Prof. Chowdhury, asking questions and sharing insights on the future of scientific research in India.
The seminar concluded with a vote of thanks to the speaker, participants, and organizers, with a focus on the importance of such initiatives in motivating and inspiring the next generation of scientists to contribute to India's self-reliant vision.
The WAST was supported by M/s Neo-Teletronix Pvt Ltd in the organization of this event.

The Inaugural session on 10 February 2024 — "Warm welcome to the keynote speaker"

Participants during the inaugural session — "Presentation of the memento to the keynote speaker"

Participants during the inaugural session — "A section of the audience"

Participants during the inaugural session — "Concluding session"

Report on the Outreach Program #2 in 2024
Date: 25th July 2024
Venue: Uttarpara Government High School
The West Bengal Academy of Science and Technology organized an outreach program on “Artificial Intelligence: Genesis to Future” in collaboration with the Hub of Learning, Hooghly and Uttarpara Government High School, at the school campus on Thursday, 25th July 2024.
Students from classes IX to XII of 17 schools of Hooghly, affiliated under WBBSE, listed below, attended this program with their teachers.
Uttarpara Government High School

Bhadrakali Deshapriya Balika Vidyamandir

Bhadrakali High School

Bhadrakali Sri Saradamoni Girls’ High School

Konnagar Hind Girls’ High School

Konnagar Rajendra Smriti Vidyalaya

Kotrang Adarsha Balika Vidyalaya

Kotrang Adarsha Vidyalaya

Kotrang Bhupendra Smriti Vidyalaya

Makhla Debiswari Vidyaniketan for Girls

Nabagram Vidyapith

Nabagram Hiralal Paul Balika Vidyalaya

Raghunathpur Balika Vidyalaya

Uttarpara Amarendra Vidyapith for Boys

Uttarpara Amarendra Vidyapith for Girls

Uttarpara Girls’ High School

Uttarpara Union Girls’ High School
Prof. Anupam Basu, Former Professor, Computer Science and Engineering Dept, IIT Kharagpur, and Former Director, NIT Durgapur, was the speaker of the day. His insightful presentation elaborated on how artificial intelligence was originated and subsequently grown into a powerful tool for the benefit of the society. He also stressed upon the ethical use of it in future or otherwise how it may harm the society than bringing benefits to it. Students and teachers present had a lot of interactions with many queries after his presentation.
Prof. Sivaji Chakravorti, President, West Bengal Academy of Science and Technology, introduced the talk along with motivating students to learn new things. The program was streamed live on YouTube.
Overall, the outreach program was a resounding success, with the participation of more than 120 students and teachers, providing valuable insights and fostering a deeper appreciation of the impact of artificial intelligence on everyday life.

Inaugural address by the President, WAST — "Inaugural address by the President, WAST"

Prof. Anupam Basu delivering his talk — "Prof. Anupam Basu delivering his talk"

Participants during the inaugural session — "Inauguration of the school wall magazine in the presence of WAST Fellows"

Participants during the inaugural session — "Felicitation of the speaker by the WAST"

Participants during the inaugural session — "Felicitation of the speaker by the School"

Participants during the inaugural session — "A section of the audience"

Report on the Outreach Program #1 in 2024
Date: 19th July 2024
Venue: Garden High School, IISER Kolkata Campus
The West Bengal Academy of Science and Technology organized an outreach program on “The Impact of the Indian Space Research on the Common Man” in collaboration with the Garden High School, IISER Kolkata Campus, at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research on Friday, 19 July 2024.
Students from classes IX to XII of seven schools in and around Kalyani, affiliated under CBSE, ICSE and WBBSE, listed below, attended this program with their teachers.
Garden High School, IISER Kolkata Campus

Kalyani University Experimental High School, Kalyani

Techno India Group Public School, Chinsurah, Hooghly

Satish Chandra Memorial School, Chakdah

Kalyani Central Model School, Kalyani

St. Luke's School, Naihati

Julien Day School, Kalyani
Prof. Amitava Gupta, Department of Power Engineering, Jadavpur University, was the speaker of the day. His insightful presentation elaborated on how space research and its advancements have permeated various sectors, significantly improving the quality of life and contributing to national development.
Prof. Sivaji Chakravorti, President, West Bengal Academy of Science and Technology, delivered an engaging talk that shed light on the significant contributions of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) to everyday life and its far-reaching impacts on society. The program was streamed live on YouTube.
Overall, the outreach program was a resounding success, with the participation of nearly 200 students, providing valuable insights and fostering a deeper appreciation of the impact of space research on everyday life.

The Inaugural session on 10 February 2024 — "Dignitaries at the beginning of the program"

Participants during the inaugural session — "Welcome song by the school students"

Participants during the inaugural session — "Inaugural address by the President, WAST"

Participants during the inaugural session — "Felicitation of the speaker"

Participants during the inaugural session — "Prof. Amitava Gupta delivering his talk"

Participants during the inaugural session — "A section of the audience"

Report on the Annual Oration 2024
Topic: Progress and Innovations in India's Aerospace Technology
Venue: J.C. Ray Auditorium, IICB Kolkata
Date: 15 June 2024
The Annual Oration 2024 of the West Bengal Academy of Science & Technology was delivered by Dr. Tessy Thomas, former Director-General (Aeronautical Systems), DRDO. At the outset, the Secretary WAST invited Dr. Thomas to take her seat on the dais and the President WAST welcomed her with flower bouquet. Thereafter, the Secretary WAST introduced the speaker by delving into her illustrious career and exceptional achievements. Dr. Thomas in her illuminating talk outlined how during the past four decades our country has seen vast developments and advances in aerospace technologies. She highlighted the aerospace programmes in India, which are Government sponsored, with ISRO & DRDO in the forefront for the development of space & defence initiatives. She lucidly presented how ISRO has proven its technologies in the launch vehicles and established full capability in launching multiple satellites from single launch & milestone missions like Chandrayaan & Mangalayaan. She specifically brought to fore the fact that DRDO is dedicatedly working towards enhancing self-reliance in defence systems and has established capability in Light Combat Aircraft, Airborne Early Warning and Control Systems, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, Missile Systems - both tactical & Strategic systems. It was heartwarming to listen to the sustained efforts of Indian scientists and technologist, which have made our country an emerging power in many areas and propelled us to the elite club of Nations in Space and Defence technologies, thereby promoting Science & Technology, leading to Atma Nirbhar Bharat.
The talk was followed by an animated Q&A session. The President WAST presented Dr. Tessy Thomas a plaque as a token of appreciation on behalf of the WAST. In the end, the Secretary WAST proposed a formal vote of thanks.

The Inaugural session on 10 February 2024 — "Dr. Tessy Thomas delivering the annual oration 2024"

Participants during the inaugural session — "Dr. Tessy Thomas presenting the vast developments and advances in aerospace technologies"

Participants during the inaugural session — "Q&A session in progress"

Participants during the inaugural session — "Presentation of the plaque to Dr. Tessy Thomas"

Report on National Technology Day Lecture 2024
Topic: Energy Transition Towards Sustainable Development
Mode of Lecture: Online
Date: 11 May 2024
The West Bengal Academy of Science & Technology (WAST) organized the virtual presentation on ‘Energy Transition Towards Sustainable Development’ by Dr. Bibek Bandyopadhyay, Senior Adviser of Earnest & Young LLP, New Delhi, celebrating the National Technology Day. He was Adviser of the MNRE and Director of the Solar Energy Centre (SEC) of the Government of India too. At the outset, Prof. Sudipta De, FAScT, introduced the speaker, who is a rare combination of both research and policy issues with his profound technical knowledge and vast practical experience of implementing renewable energy systems in India. The presentation was quite exhaustive and thought provoking regarding the possible roadmap for a successful energy transition, specifically for India. The presentation was well attended with substantial interactions after his formal presentation.
In the end, Prof. Maitrayee Dasgupta, Secretary, WAST, proposed the vote of thanks.

The Inaugural session on 10 February 2024 — "National Technology Day Lecture 2024 organized by the WAST"

Participants during the inaugural session — "Dr. Bibek Bandyopadhyay delivering the lecture in online mode"

Report on Dr. Sunil Chandra Bose Memorial Lecture 2023
Venue: Dept. of Pharmacology, Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education & Research, Kolkata
Date: 20 March 2024
The Annual Dr Sunil Chandra Bose Memorial Lecture (2023) under the aegis of the West Bengal Academy of Science & Technology was hosted in the Dept. of Pharmacology, Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education & Research, Kolkata, on 20th March 2024. The lecture was delivered by Prof. (Dr.) Madhumita Dobe, Chairperson - FAITH (Foundation for Actions and Innovations towards health promotion), and Former Dean, Director-Professor & Head, Department of Health Promotion & Education, All India Institute of Health and Pubic Hygiene, Kolkata. Dr. Dobe’s talk was titled ‘Reflections on the history of public health in Kolkata; a journey from 1858 to 1911’. Dr. Sivaji Chakravorti, President, WAST, introduced the audience to Dr. Sunil Chandra Bose, an eminent cardiologist, who established the Cardiological Society of India, while Prof. Mitali Chatterjee introduced the speaker, who then took the audience through a fascinating journey of important public health related anecdotes/events that ranged from the introduction of small pox vaccination, usage of a cholera belt to name a view, as also landmark discoveries made during the period, e.g. Sir Ronald Ross’s discovery of mosquito based transmission of malaria, Haffkine’s cholera vaccine etc. As a token of appreciation, a plaque was handed over by the President, WAST, to the speaker, which was followed by a vote of thanks by Prof. Mitali Chatterjee.

The Inaugural session on 10 February 2024 — "Prof. Mitali Chatterjee introducing the speaker"

Participants during the inaugural session — "Prof. (Dr.) Madhumita Dobe delivering the lecture"

"The audience in rapt attention"

"Prof. Sivaji Chakravorti handing over the plaque to the speaker"

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Report on National Science Day Lecture 2024
Topic: Raman Spectroscopy: A Journey Towards Modern Biology
Mode of Lecture: Online
Date: 28 February 2024
West Bengal Academy of Science and Technology (WAST) invited Dr. Nakul C. Maiti, FAScT, Senior Principal Scientist, Structural Biology and Bioinformatics Division, CSIR Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, to deliver the National Science Day Lecture.
The Lecture was held on 28th February 2024, at 7 PM through online mode. The program was streamed live on the YouTube channel of the WAST and is now available in the channel playlist. Prof. Ranjan Ganguly introduced the speaker to the audience. Several WAST Fellows, post-graduate students, research scholars, and faculty members attended the Lecture.
The Lecture on "Raman Spectroscopy: A Journey Towards Modern Biology" delivered by Prof. N.C. Maiti was a comprehensive exploration into the revolutionary role of Raman spectroscopy in biological sciences. The Raman Effect, discovered by Sir C.V. Raman in 1928, has found remarkable applications in understanding the molecular composition, dynamics, and interactions within biological systems. The Lecture commenced with an overview of the Raman Effect, a phenomenon where light interacting with molecules results in a shift in the wavelength of the incident photons, providing a unique fingerprint of the molecular vibrations within a sample. Beyond the confines of laboratory settings, Raman spectroscopy has practical applications in different sectors. The Lecture touched upon how it can be used to detect, analyze and help patient suffering from diseases like Parkinson, Alzheimer and Diabetes.
The speaker highlighted certain challenges such as the need for enhanced sensitivity, resolution, and the development of user-friendly instrumentation. The speaker also introduced the Raman Spectroscopy Facility installed at CSIR-IICB. The facility is designed and built entirely (except the optics) using indigenous technology, which shows the appropriateness of 2024 National Science Day theme: "Indigenous Technology for Viksit Bharat". The Lecture on "Raman Spectroscopy: A Journey Towards Modern Biology" provided a captivating insight into the diverse ways this spectroscopic technique is revolutionizing biological sciences. From cellular imaging to disease diagnosis, drug development to environmental monitoring, Raman spectroscopy stands as a powerful tool at the intersection of physics, chemistry, and biology.
An intense interactive session followed the illuminating talk. Prof. Sivaji Chakravorti, President WAST, thanked the speaker for his enlightening talk. Prof Pradeep Sengupta appreciated the interesting content of the Lecture. Prof. Maitrayee Dasgupta, Secretary WAST, offered a formal vote of Thanks.

The Inaugural session on 10 February 2024 — "National Science Day Lecture 2024 organized by WAST"

Participants during the inaugural session — "Dr. Nakul C Maity delivering the lecture in online mode"

"Future directions in the application of Raman Spectroscopy"

"Participants in the online mode"

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Report on the Two-day Training Course on Introduction to Programming for Internet of Things (IoT)
Venue: Dept of Instrumentation and Electronics Engg of Jadavpur University, Salt Lake Campus
Date: 10-11 February 2024
Internet of Things (IOT) is a new and advanced technology, which involves a collective network of connected devices. A large pool of trained manpower in this frontier technology is required for the Indian Industry. Understanding this need, the Engineering Sectional Committee submitted a proposal to the Council of West Bengal Academy of Science and Technology to conduct a two-day training course on Introduction to programming for Internet of Things (IOT) for the Engg. and Science students, which was duly approved. A Kolkata based company Xconics, who are experts in this field of IOT, was approached to formulate and conduct this course and they agreed to the proposal without any cost involvement. The venue was identified at the Dept of Instrumentation and Electronics Engg of Jadavpur University, Salt Lake Campus. For sponsorship, Tata Steel Ltd. was approached and they also readily agreed to sponsor the course. A few fellows and associates of WAST and the faculty members of Jadavpur University in consultation with the personnel of M/s Xconics formulated the course content and prepared the brochure. An army of 8 student volunteers and 3 faculty members were deployed to take care of the participants and ensure smooth functioning of the logistics during the two-day event.
The dates of the course were decided as Feb. 10-11, 2024. The course was fully based on hands-on with the IOT kits and devices, and thus the total number of participants was limited to 30. The course brochure was circulated to several engg. and science institutions and the interested applicants were asked to submit their applications through a Google Form. In total, 136 applications were received from which candidates were selected from different colleges, disciplines and level of studies. Students of the following institutions were finally selected, who took part in the training course:

Aliah University

Jadavpur University

Heritage Institute of Technology

Netaji Subhas Engg College

St Thomas College of Engg.

Gargi Memorial Institute of Technology

Haldia Institute of Technology

Jalpaiguri Govt Engg. College

MCKV Institute of Engineering

During the course on 10-11 Feb, twenty-four candidates attended the course from the disciplines of Electronics and Communication Engg, Electrical Engg, Information Technology, Mechanical Engg, Instrumentation and Electronics Engg and Information Technology from the above-mentioned nine institutions.
The course was inaugurated on 10th Feb at 9:30 AM with the welcome address by Prof. Rajib Bandyopadhyay, Course Co-coordinator. The Chief Guest of the inaugural program was Prof. Anupam Basu, Former Director, NIT Durgapur. He addressed the students and mentioned the use of IOT and the future of this technology. On behalf of the WAST Council, Prof. Sivaji Chakravorti, President, and Prof Amit Ghosh, Vice President, were present and addressed the participants. Prof. Swarnendu Sen, Joint Course Co-coordinator presented the vote of thanks. Special thanks were given to Mr. Sandip Sarkar, Chief Technology Officer, Xconics, for the support in conducting the course with the hardware kits and Tata Steel for financial sponsorship.
The participating students were divided into six groups and each group was given the IOT kits for programming. The course was conducted in the Electronics Laboratory of the Dept. of Instrumentation and Electronics Engg and the students received adequate hands-on experience to learn the intricacies of IOT programming. It covered microcontroller (ESP32) programming, interfacing digital devices, sensors and connection to cloud through wi-fi.
At the end of the course on 11th Feb, the valedictory program was held. The program was graced by Prof. Ratna Ghosh, Head, Dept of Instrumentation and Electronics Engg and Prof Amit Ghosh, Vice President, WAST. Feedback form was given to the students and the responses were collected. The participating students were awarded with the certificates by Prof. Amit Ghosh, Vice President, WAST. Both the inaugural program and the valedictory program were streamed live in YouTube.

Inaugural Session:Youtube Link

Valedictory Session:Youtube Link

The Inaugural session on 10 February 2024 — "The Inaugural session on 10 February 2024"

Participants during the inaugural session — "Participants during the inaugural session"

"Hands on training session in progress"

"The valedictory session on 11 February 2024"

"Certificate distribution"

"Group photo at the venue"

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Report on the JC Sengupta Endowment Lecture 2023
Venue: Archana Sharma Memorial Hall, Dept. of Botany, University of Calcutta
Date: 30th January 2024
West Bengal Academy of Science and Technology (WAST) organizes every year Endowment Lectures in the names of well reputed Scientists/ Educationists. The great Teacher cum Researcher Prof. J.C. Sengupta having pioneering study on basic aspects of plant metabolism has been one of them.
This year the eminent plant scientist, Prof. Paramjit Khurana of Plant Molecular Biology Department of Delhi University, South Campus, was invited to deliver the JC Sengupta Endowment Lecture (2023).
The Lecture was held on 30th January, 2024, at 2 PM in collaboration with the Botany Department of Calcutta University in the Archana Sharma Memorial Hall of Botany Department of CU in Hybrid mode. The program was streamed live in the YouTube channel of the WAST and is now available in the channel playlist. A number of WAST Fellows including honorable Dr. Amiya Bagchi and many post-graduate students, research scholars were physically attended the lecture. Good number of faculty members and students also joined on line.
At the outset Prof. Rita Kundu, Head, Dept. of Botany, CU, extended her warm welcome to the Speaker as well as participants attending both in the online and offline modes. Prof. Amit Ghosh, Vice President of WAST, addressed the gathering and briefly described the biography and scientific achievements of Prof. J.C. Sengupta. Prof. Sampa Das, INSA honorary Scientist, introduced the Speaker. Prof. Maitrayee Dasgupta, Secretary, WAST, expressed her sincere gratitude on a personal note to the speaker for her acceptance of the invitation for this endowment lecture.
Then Dr. Khurana started her lecture on “Creating Climate Resilient Crops in the Era of Plant Genomics”. She initiated with their participation in Rice genome sequencing study as a partner of International collaborating team. Her Indian group sequenced Chromosome 11 and completely annotated. As the first attempt of Indian Scientists in genome project published in 2005, she described it as “Golden Standard” work, which inspired them to involve in another international project of Tomato genome sequencing. Tomato being a fleshy fruit the genome sequencing became challenging. The fruit have lots of diversity but genetic variability is low. Their investigation published in 2012 helped to understand other solanaceous genome organization like Brinjol, Capsicum etc, which are important with respect to adaptation and evolution of fruits. She also described her independent chloroplast genome, subsequently whole genome sequencing, of Mulberry. Industrially important crop Mulberry suffers from both biotic and heat and salinity stresses. She developed transgenic Mulberry with LEA protein gene, which showed heat and salinity tolerance. Those materials are transferred to Seiculture Institute and GKVK, Bangalore, for further advancement. Rising of temperature and falling of water table, two global issues of current days, are affecting the sustainable development of food crops. To increase the wheat productivity in the current scenario she is applying Functional genomic approach. Hexaploid nature, huge genome size and problem in segregation made her to apply haploid culture development followed by Diplodisation for transgenic development. As a proof of concept the transgenics exhibit temperature tolerance in controlled condition. She also described her efforts on improvement of photosynthetic efficiency of plants and exploiting soil microbes to increase productivity for affordable and sustainable food for everyone.
An intense interactive session followed the illuminating talk. Thereafter, Prof. Sivaji Chakravorti, President, WAST, felicitated the speaker with sincere appreciation and briefly talked about the ongoing activities and future mission of the WAST. Prof. Krishnendu Acharya, Department of Botany, CU, offered the formal vote of Thanks. The program ended with tea and snacks.

Youtube Link

Prof. Paramjit Khurana delivering the lecture — "Prof. Paramjit Khurana delivering the lecture"

A section of the audience — "A section of the audience"

President WAST speaking on the occasion — "President WAST speaking on the occasion"

Felicitation of the speaker — "Felicitation of the speaker"

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