By Najam Gilani, TwoCircles.net
Patna: Bombs, bullets, wails, cries, explosion and extortion have been a constant companion of North East region. Courtesy: separatists. This year being no different, the militants once again shook the region and country on first day itself while we stepped in New Year. But these horrendous acts of terror have not become an impediment in the path of Indian Science Congress Association (ISCA) and North–Eastern Hill University (NEHU) Shillong.
For the first time in the history of North East 96th Indian Science Congress (ISC) Conclave will begin here starting 3rd of January and scientists from across the country will participate in it.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is expected to inaugurate the Science Congress on the sprawling NEHU campus. It was established in 1973 by an Act of Parliament. The university is one of six scheduled universities that can affiliate any minority educational institution in the country. In this five day event (3-9 Jan 09) more than 3,500 delegates are expected to participate including few scientists from abroad as well.
The first meeting of the Congress was held from January 15-17, 1914 at the premises of the Asiatic Society, Calcutta and annual meeting has been held ever since. The Indian Science Congress Association was set up with the aim of stimulating scientific research in India by organising annual meetings of researchers, publishing journals and popularising science.
The focal theme for ISC-2009 is ‘Science Education and Attraction of Talent for Excellence in Research’.
Besides deliberations on the latest developments in science and technology, forging industry-institute linkages, the Science Congress offers scope for discussion on local action for stimulating Indian science education and seeking excellence in research.
Prominent personalities who will address the conclave include former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, space scientist M.G.K. Menon, M.S. Swaminathan and Chandrayaan scientist G. Madhavan Nair.
For five days there will be special sessions at the inaugural pandal, guest lectures at the Convention Centre of the university, children’s science congress at Nehu Indoor and technical sessions at the department of technology building.
On the sidelines of Science Congress a mega science exhibition “Pride of India” will also be organized which will showcase emerging technologies in the field of scientific world from Agriculture, Nanotechnology to Space exploration. This five day event witness large number of visitors from the field of science, academia and corporate sector.
It is also a platform for best Indian states to showcase their various initiatives, progress, core competencies and market themselves as the ideal destination for various industry segments.