Report on the Program titled “Joyful Learning of Science through Experiments and Analysis” Venue: Garh Haripur Gajendra Narayan Higher Secondary School, Paschim Medinipur Date: 05 April 2025
An enriching Science Motivational Program took place on Saturday, the 5th April 2025, from 12:00 PM onwards at the Garh Haripur Gajendra Narayan Higher Secondary School.
This event was organized by the West Bengal Academy of Science and Technology (WAST) in collaboration with the Science Communicators’ Forum, Kolkata, aiming to spark scientific curiosity among young minds at the school level.
Mr. Susanta Kumar Sahoo, the Teacher-in-Charge of the host school welcomed the dignitaries and the participants to this event. The program commenced with a warm inauguration by Prof. Sivaji Chakravorti, President of the WAST.
In his address, he urged students to nurture a scientific mindset by honing their observational skills and reinforcing them with logical reasoning and experimentation. Prof. Chittaranjan Sinha, FAScT,
a senior faculty member of Jadavpur University and an alumnus of the school, graced the occasion and highlighted the vital role of science education in shaping students' future growth. Dr. Damodar Maity,
Professor at IIT Kharagpur and also a former student of the school, encouraged students to develop a scientific outlook to tackle real-life challenges, emphasizing that such an approach can greatly benefit the wider community.
The event focused on “Joyful Learning of Science through Experiments and Analysis,” offering students a hands-on approach to understanding scientific concepts. Speakers and instructors, including
Mr. Abhijit Bardhan engaged the audience with live demonstrations and insightful discussions.
This dynamic program created an inspiring environment where students could explore the wonders of science in an interactive and accessible way, promoting enthusiasm for learning and discovery among the large number students, who participated in this program.
"Inaugural address by the President, WAST""Felicitation of the President, WAST, by the School HM""Participants of the program""Speakers at the 100 year old premises of the school"
Report on the outreach event in the form of Science Motivational Program Venue: Chhatri Vivekananda Vidya Bhavan, Purba Medinipur Date: 04 April 2025
On Friday, April 4, 2025, a vibrant Science Motivational Program was organized at the Chhatri Vivekananda Vidya Bhavan,
which was aimed at fostering curiosity and enthusiasm for science among school students. The program was organized by the West Bengal Academy of Science and Technology (WAST)
with the help of the Science Communicators’ Forum, Kolkata. Distinguished guests, educators, and large number of students took part in the program.
The program featured engaging demonstrations and talks focused on "Joyful Learning of Science through Experiments and Analysis”. Eminent speakers included Prof. Chittaranjan Sinha, FAScT, Professor of Chemistry,
Jadavpur University and an alumnus of the school, Mr. Abhijit Bardhan, Mr. Asitbaran Das Mahapatra, and Mr. Pradip Kumar Dash, the Headmaster of Chhatri Vivekananda Vidya Bhavan.
A major highlight of the event was the unveiling of a statue of Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray, the revered father of modern Indian chemistry, symbolizing inspiration for future scientists.
The event was inaugurated by Prof. Sivaji Chakravorti, President of WAST. Subsequent to the inauguration, Prof. Chakravorti delivered an inspiring and highly motivating address to the participating students.
The initiative not only celebrated scientific learning but also honored the legacy of great Indian scientists, encouraging students to pursue knowledge with creativity and critical thinking.
The school community welcomed this inspiring program with enthusiasm and active participation.
"Inaugural session of the event""The statue of Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray unveiled during the event""Hands on learning session in progress""Boys and Girls taking part in the engaging sessions"
Report on the Outreach Program on “Empowering Agricultural Transformation: Non-Conventional Practices for a Sustainable Tomorrow” Venue: Sidho Kanho Birsa University, Purulia Date: 20 March 2025
The aim of the program was to empower the under-graduate & post-graduate students and research scholars of the Purulia district for promotion of non-conventional agricultural practices and through them inculcate a kind of social awareness among common people,
local farmers and growers.
The program was organized by the Plant Sciences and Social Sciences Sectional Committees of the West Bengal Academy of Science and Technology (WAST) in collaboration with the Department of Botany, Sidho Kanho Birsha University, Purulia. Prof. Subrata Raha, SKB University, was the coordinator of the program.
The resource persons were (1) Prof. Samir Ranjan Sikdar (Convener, Social Sciences Sectional Committee, WAST), (2) Dr. Subrata Das, Senior Scientist, ILS, Bhubaneswar, (3) Prof. Sampa Das (Convener, Plant Sciences Sectional Committee, WAST), (4) Prof. Biswanath Chakraborti, Prof. Krishnendu Acharya,
Prof. Adinpunya Mitra (Members, Plant Sciences Sectional Committee, WAST), (5) Dr. Usha Chakraborti, Former Professor, North Bengal University, and (6) Dr. Anjan Kumar Sinha, Raghunathpur College.
Altogether 131 students and faculty members from SKB University and nearby colleges, namely, Raghunathpur College, Jagannath Kishore College, Nistarini College, Achhruram Memorial College, Balarampur College, Panchokot Mahavidyalaya attended the day-long program.
Prof. Subrata Raha welcomed the participants and speakers warmly. Prof. Pabitra Kumar Chakraborty, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, SKB University, inaugurated the program. Prof. Sampa Das explained the aim of this particular seminar to the audience. The day-long event had thought provoking presentations from the resource persons.
In the end, a brief Quiz competition was conducted among student participants. The lively feedbacks received from the participants indicated that they have enjoyed the program.
Prof. Subrata Raha, coordinator of the program summed up in the end that most of the students here came from farming community. From today’s discussions they can convey the knowledge and ideas they received to the farmers and growers which will ultimately benefit the society.
The event was concluded with vote of thanks to all concerned specially to ‘Razor Group’ who extended partial financial support to this program.
"Resource persons with the VC, SKB University, Purulia, in the inaugural session""Group photo of the participants with the resource persons and the organizers""Prof. Adinpunya Mitra delivering his address""Dr. Anjan Kumar Sinha delivering his address"
Report on the Sunil Chandra Bose Endowment Lecture Venue: Meghnad Saha Auditorium, IISER Kolkata Date: 06 March 2025
The Sunil Chandra Bose Endowment Lecture, held on March 6, 2025, was jointly organized by the West Bengal Academy of Science and Technology (WAST) and the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Kolkata.
The Department of Biological Sciences, IISER Kolkata, hosted the event at the Meghnad Saha Auditorium as well as virtually via YouTube. The keynote address was delivered by Prof. P. Arun, CEO of Tata Medical Centre, Kolkata,
and a senior consultant in Head and Neck Surgery. His lecture, titled "The Surgeon as a Scientist: Negotiating Research in the Clinical Sciences?", focused on the evolving role of modern surgeons as both practitioners and researchers, balancing clinical expertise with scientific inquiry to drive medical advancements.
He elaborated on the challenges medical professionals face, including time constraints, funding limitations, and ethical considerations, while engaging in basic science research. He further emphasized the importance of bridging the gap between research and clinical practice to enable evidence-based, cutting-edge surgical procedures.
The event was hosted by Prof. Jayasri Das Sarma, Professor at the Department of Biological Sciences, IISER Kolkata. It was attended by over 120 participants, including faculties, research scholars and undergraduate and postgraduate students from across West Bengal. The Secretary of the WAST and the Head of the Department of Biological Sciences, IISER Kolkata, also graced the occasion with their esteemed presence.
The lecture was highly successful and well-received by the audience.
"Prof. Jayasri Das Sarma delivering the welcome address""Felicitation of the speaker Dr. P.Arun""Dr. P.Arun delivering his address""Group photo at the event venue"
Report on the Science Motivational Program on the National Science Day Venue: Shri Shikshyatan School, Kolkata Date: 28 February 2025
The Science Motivational Program to celebrate the National Science Day was organized by the West Bengal Academy of Science & Technology jointly with Shri Shikshayatan School, Kolkata,
in collaboration with Amity University, Kolkata. The theme of the event was "Empowering Indian Youth for Global Leadership in Science & Innovation". The event brought together esteemed speakers,
large number of students, and educators to inspire and motivate the next generation of scientists and innovators.
At the outset, Smt. Sangeeta Tandon, Principal, Shri Shikshayatan School, extended a hearty welcome to all the speakers, teachers and students to this program. In her welcome address,
she emphasised the importance of celebrating the National Science Day mentioning its genesis and significance. Thereafter, Prof. Sivaji Chakravorti, President, West Bengal Academy of Science & Technology,
delivered a thought-provoking talk on "Science Leading to Engineering Applications". Prof. Chakravorti highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary scientific work and its applications in real-world problems. Prof. Chittaranjan Sinha, FAScT, Secretary, Indian Photobiology Society,
presented a fascinating talk on "The National Science Day (NSD): The Nation Building Plan of Scientists in pre-independent India and implication at present". Prof. Sinha emphasized the significance of NSD and its relevance in recent times. Dr. Susmita Das, Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry, Amity Institute of Applied Sciences, Amity University Kolkata,
delivered an engaging talk on "The Role of Chemists in Society – Highlighting career opportunities and the impact of chemistry on health, environment, and industry". Dr. Das inspired the students to pursue careers in chemistry and showcased its vast applications.
A session on hands-on experiments was coordinated by Dr. Maya Gupta, Assistant Professor, Department of Education, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, along with Dr. Bandita Datta, Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry, and Dr. Debosreeta Bose, Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry,
Amity Institute of Applied Sciences, Amity University, Kolkata. This interactive session allowed students to participate in exciting science experiments, fostering their curiosity and creativity.
The event reinforced the importance of science and innovation in shaping the future of our nation.
"Inaugural Session of the program""Large number of students attending the program""Hands-on session in progress""Students actively taking part in the hands-on session"
Report on the Prof. J.C. Sengupta Endowment Lecture 2024 Venue: Unified Academic Campus, Bose Institute, Salt Lake, Kolkata. Date: 15 January 2025
One of the three endowment lectures organized every year by the West Bengal Academy of Science and Technology (WAST) is in the memory of the great teacher cum researcher
Prof. J.C. Sengupta. Prof. Sengupta did pioneering studies on basic aspects of growth and metabolism of various plants.
In this year, the eminent plant scientist, Prof. Anjan Kumar Banerjee, FNA, FASc, FNASc, Rahul Bajaj Chair Professor, Biology Division, IISER, Pune, was invited for delivering the Prof. J.C. Sengupta Endowment Lecture.
The Lecture was held in collaboration with Bose Institute, Kolkata, on the 15th January 2025, at 2.30 PM in the Unified Academic Campus, Bose Institute, Salt Lake, Kolkata.
The endowment lecture was attended by many WAST Fellows along with large number of research scholars and post-graduate students. Live Streaming of the event was done on the YouTube channel of the WAST. Good number of Faculty members and researchers from various other academic institutions joined online.
At the outset, Prof. Anup Kumar Mishra, Acting Director, Bose Institute, addressed the gathering extending hearty welcome to online and offline participants. After the welcome address by Prof. Mishra, Dr. Amit Ghosh, Vice President, WAST, delivered his address on behalf of the WAST and described various activities of the WAST throughout the year as well as contributions of the WAST to the Society.
Thereafter, Dr. Pratip Kumar Palit, a Senior WAST Fellow, who is a student of Prof. J.C.Sengupta, elegantly outlined the biography of Prof. Sengupta as well as highlighted his contributions as academician, researcher and administrator. He also pointed out to the participants the history of the generation of funds for organizing this particular endowment lecture annually.
Prof. Maitrayee Dasgupta, Secretary, WAST, introduced Prof. Anjan Kumar Banerjee, the speaker of the event to the audience. She also expressed her sincere gratitude to the speaker for his acceptance of the invitation for this endowment lecture in spite of his busy schedule.
The title of the lecture by Prof. Anjan Kumar Banerjee was “Impact of mobile RNAs and proteins on plant growth and productivity: Potato as a classic example”. He started with a statement that every aspect of growth, development, response to different stresses by all plants starting from small herbs to large trees are controlled by long distant signalling from one organ to other. Plasdodesmata serves as the gateway for transmitting these signals.
He also highlighted the research results of the last twenty years demonstrated by different investigators how RNA, Proteins, small RNAs, long non-coding RNAs serve as mobile signals, which in turn regulate plants’ growth, development and ultimate yield. Research on well characterised floral signal “Florigen” has contributed immensely for the advancement of understanding of the intricacies of this area of research.
He also clearly explained how the mobile signals from distant parts of the leaves and stems contribute to underground tuberisation of potato. His vibrant and enthusiastic way of presentation kept the audience mesmerised.
The interactive session was lively and enjoyable. Lots of questions were asked by the participants and Prof. Banerjee responded with excitement. Prof. Sivaji Chakravorti, President, WAST, felicitated the speaker and appreciated his energetic way of explaining the complex knowledge in a simple way. Finally, on behalf of WAST the formal vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Anindita Seal, FNAScT.
"Dr. Pratip Kumar Palit highlighting the contributions of Prof. J.C. Sengupta""Prof. Maitrayee Dasgupta introducing the speaker""Prof. Anjan Kumar Banerjee delivering the endowment lecture""The lively Q&A session""Prof. Sivaji Chakravorti, President, WAST, felicitating the speaker""Dr. Anindita Seal proposing the vote of thanks"
Report on the seminar on 'Biochemistry: Then and now' Venue: Department of Biochemistry, University of Calcutta Date: 06 January 2025
The Centennial Celebration of Prof. J.J. Ghosh took place at the Department of Biochemistry, University of Calcutta, through an international seminar on 'Biochemistry: Then and now'.
This was organized by Prof. J.J. Ghosh Foundation jointly with the Department of Biochemistry, University of Calcutta, in collaboration with the West Bengal Academy of Science and Technology.
The welcome address was delivered by Prof. Sanghamitra Sengupta, HoD, Department of Biochemistry, University of Calcutta, followed by Prof. Mrinal Kanti Poddar, President, Prof. J.J. Ghosh Foundation.
The invited speakers were Prof. Sankar Mitra, Houston Methodist Scholar, UTMB, USA, Prof. Sankar Adhya, NCI/NIH, USA, Prof. Arun Dutta, NU, San Diego, USA, Prof. Dhrubajyoti Chattopadhyay, FAScT, VC, SNU, Kolkata, and Prof. Gouri Sankar Ghosh, UCSD, USA.
The memoirs of Prof. J.J. Ghosh at Prof. J.J. Ghosh Memorial Hall were inaugurated by Dr. P.K. Sarkar, Retired Scientist, CSIR, IICB. The whole session was chaired by Prof. N.C. Mandal, Retired Scientist, Bose Institute. There were approximately 250 participants. The seminar was a grand success.
The entire seminar was streamed live on the YouTube channel of the West Bengal Academy of Science and Technology and is also archived there for posterity. There was a Reminiscence session, which was coordinated by Dr. Aditi Nag Chaudhuri, former Associate Professor and HoD, Department of Microbiology, Lady Brabourne College, and Secretary, Prof. J.J. Ghosh Foundation.
The participants of the session were Dr. Chandra Chaudhuri, former Associate Professor, Asutosh College, Mr. Subrata Banerjee Department of Biochemistry, University of Calcutta, and Prof. Maitrayee Dasgupta, Secretary, WAST. The entire program was conducted by Dr. Rini Roy, Assistant Professor, Department of Microbiology, Bidhannagar College, and life member of Prof. J.J. Ghosh Foundation.
"Lecture by Prof. Dhrubajyoti Chattopadhyay""Lecture by Prof. Arun Datta""Lecture by Prof. Gouri Sankar Ghosh""Reminiscence of Prof. J.J. Ghosh by Prof. Maitreyee Dasgupta""Group photo of the speakers with the organizers and dignitaries"
Report on the Environmental and Health Awareness Program titled “Green Steps, Healthy Lives: Empowering Students for a Sustainable Future” Venue: 'Khejuri Adarsha Vidyapith', Khejuri - II, Purba Medinipur, Pin-721431 Date: 02 January 2025
An Environmental and Health Awareness Program titled “Green Steps, Healthy Lives: Empowering Students for a Sustainable Future” was organized jointly by the West Bengal Academy of Science and Technology and Khejuri Adarsha Vidyapith,
a well-known educational institution of Khejuri Thana, Purba Medinipur, on 2nd January 2025 on the occasion of the 79th birthday celebration of the school. Mr. Samudhav Das, an alumnus of the school and recently retired Assistant Headmaster, presided over the function.
Dr. Shivnath Maiti, former Chief Scientist, CMERI Durgapur, who is a distinguished son of Khejuri, inaugurated the event.
Prof. Sivaji Chakravorti, Professor of Electrical Engineering, Jadavpur University, and the President, West Bengal Academy of Science and Technology, was present as the Chief Guest. Prof. Chittaranjan Sinha, Dean, Faculty of Science & Professor of Chemistry, Jadavpur University, and also the Secretary,
Indian Photobiology Society and Mr. Tushar Kanti Jana, former student and recent retired teacher of the school, graced the event as special guests. The topic of discussion touched the minds of the students, parents and well-wishers alike. In this program, Prof. Sivaji Chakravorti and
Prof. Chittaranjan Sinha along with President of the program Mr. Samudhav Das and the Headmaster Mr. Vidyut Kumar Das and Special Guest Mr. Tushar Kanti Jana participated in the discussion.
The speakers motivated the students by discussing various topics of science in relation to environment and health issues. Important messages given during the discussion are i) Science will always help us, but we should never destroy anything in nature with science,
ii) Nature has to be protected as we depend on nature to live and
iii) A healthy environment should be provided to the next generation. The speakers opined that such discussion on science awareness should be held at various educational institutions all over the state of West Bengal. Thanking everyone and wishing everyone a Happy New Year, the President concluded the meeting.
"Felicitation of the dignitaries in the inaugural session""WAST leadership and the School HM paying homage to the founders of the school""Prof. Sivaji Chakravorti, President, WAST, speaking in the program""Prof. Chittaranjan Sinha, FAScT, delivering his lecture"
