St Aloysius College donates Chemical Kits for Govt. Schools

Mangaluru: Pilikula Regional Science Centre proposed a project to BASF India Limited for the donation of Chemical Kits to Govt. schools of the district, as the schools do not have chemicals to perform the experiments in the syllabus. The company agreed to support the project and the Dept of Chemistry at St Aloysius College, Mangalore undertook the responsibility of preparing the Chemical Kits. The program of donating 90 kits to Bantwal, Belthangady, Moodabiodre, Puttur and Sullia zones was organized at St Aloysius College where Rajesh Mishrikoti, Deputy Director of Factories & Boilers was the chief guest. Speaking on the occasion he said that Mangalore has many chemical industries and this is a very unique program carried out by BASF India Limited, jointly with Pilikula Regional Science Centre and St Aloysius College. This initiative under CSR will help teachers and students to have better learning opportunities. He also stressed the need for Safe Chemical handling practices.

Srinivas Pranesh, Site Director, BASF India Limited, Mangalore said that at BASF we create Chemistry. Whatever we use in our day-to-day life has the presence of one or another chemical, without which we cannot survive today. BASF has taken up this project with the intention to inculcate interest towards Chemistry in young minds. This will have an impact on students to opt for chemistry as the main subject in their higher education.

Dr Richard Gonsalves gave a brief insight into the project and requested the teachers to conduct the experiments to rekindle interest in chemistry among the students. Rev. Dr Praveen Martis, Principal presided over the function. In his address, he appreciated the uniqueness of the project in getting industry and academia in helping Govt schools.

Nagaraj H S, Manager – Safety & Environment, highlighted the safety aspect of handling Chemicals in the laboratory. Preema Pais, Faculty of PG Chemistry, welcomed the guests and participants. Dr K V Rao, Director, of Pilikula Regional Science Centre proposed a vote of thanks. The volunteers who worked preparing kits were felicitated by awarding certificates and mementoes. The program was compered by Crystal Menezes.