Mangaluru: The UG & PG Departments of Chemistry, St Aloysius College (Autonomous) in association with Dakshina Kannada District PU College Chemistry Lecturers’ Forum organized a one-day Chemistry Programme “CHEMERGENCE – Uniting Young Chemists” for the Pre-University Students on September 13, 2022, in the LF Rasquinha Hall, LCRI Block of the College. The aim of Chemergence is to create interest in Chemistry among young minds and hence to generate enthusiasm for the creative future of Chemistry.

Dr Indani Karunasagar, Eminent Researcher and Director for Research and Development, Nitte Deemed-to-be University was the Chief Guest. Rev. Fr Melwin Pinto, SJ, Rector of St Aloysius Institutions; Rev. Dr Praveen Martis, SJ, Principal, Dr Alwyn D’Sa, Registrar & Controller of Examinations, Dr Ronald Nazareth, HoD of Chemistry & Coordinator for STAR College Scheme, Dr Richard Gonsalves, Director, LCRI Block, Dr Narayana Bhat, Director, Xavier Block and Crystal Vivita Menezes, Convenor were present on the dais.

Chief Guest Dr Indrani Karunasagar in her inaugural address said, “St Aloysius College has produced BIG stalwarts who have attained big posts in various capacities around the globe. It should be noted that chemistry plays an important role in the present world. From toothpaste to household articles, they all have chemical additives. Chemistry is an incredibly fascinating field of study. Because it is so fundamental to our world, chemistry plays a role in everyone’s lives and touches almost every aspect of our existence in some way”. She further said, “Chemistry is essential for meeting our basic needs of food, clothing, shelter, health, energy, and clean air, water, and soil.

Chemical technologies enrich our quality of life in numerous ways by providing new solutions to problems in health, materials, and energy usage. Thus, studying chemistry is useful in preparing us for the real world. Chemistry is often referred to as the central science because it joins together physics and mathematics, biology and medicine, and the earth and environmental sciences. Knowing something about chemistry is worthwhile because it provides an excellent basis for understanding the physical universe we live in. For better or for worse, everything is chemical.”

Rev Dr Praveen Martis SJ in his presidential remarks said, “Chemistry is important because everything is made from chemicals but there are a lot of other reasons why chemistry is a big part of daily life and why everyone should understand basic chemistry. Many things that are in our environment are made of chemicals, and many things that we observe in the world are made of chemical effects”. He further said, “With the help of chemistry, we are able to cure most deadly or dangerous diseases. Chemistry is a path of creativity and is a subject of logic and it creates a new way of thinking. Chemistry is important because everything around us is made of chemicals.”

Chemergence included interactive sessions followed by various competitions related to Chemistry such as Ice-breaker – “Molecular Kick Start”; Quiz – “The Panel Game”; Seminar – “Chem Forum”; Photograph – “Chemistry Around Me”; Turncoat – “Spin Change”; Interactive Chemistry – “Frolic in the War of Reactions”; Chem Rangoli – “Chromo Chemistry”; Mock Press – “Celebrity Scientist”; Video Juggling – “Chem Play”; Creative Writing – “Chemigraphy”; Documentary – “Capture the Colour”; Mad Ad – “Chem Masti”; Treasure Hunt – “Star of Chemergence” and Singing – “Chem Music”.

Dr Ronald Nazareth welcomed the gathering and briefed us about the programme. Crystal Menezes proposed the vote of thanks. Chemergence was meticulously compered by Yuktha, II M.Sc. Chemistry.

The valedictory programme was held in the evening. Jayananda Suvarna- President of DK Chemistry Lecturers Association was the chief guest. Rev. Fr Vincent Pinto, SJ, Finance Officer, St Aloysius College presided over the programme.