‘Sahyadri Conclave’ witnesses interaction between Nobel laureates, students

Mangaluru: The five-day science, technology and management ‘Sahyadri Conclave’ was inaugurated at the Sahyadri College of Engineering and Management campus here, on January 6, by State Minister for Higher Education Basavaraj Rayareddy. The conclave also included an interaction session with the Nobel laureates, renowned scientists and industrialists.

This event is being held in association with the Government of Karnataka, Mangalore University, VTU, Ramaiah Institute of Technology, Bengaluru and various other government bodies.

With the aim to popularise science and technology with the everyday man, the conclave will feature a technical exhibition, science project exhibition, air shows, drones, mathematics exhibitions and Vedic science on the river bank.

In his address to the gathering, after the inauguration, Rayareddy said, “Today, at this ‘Sahyadri Conclave’, Noble laureates, renowned scientists, industrialists, and students have come under one roof. This encourages and motivates young minds.” He added that the unique conclave has over 32 interactive sessions and hoped that the sessions would help pave the way towards the future for the students. Speaking about the impact of science and technology on a country, he said that the development of the country is influenced by the developments in science and technology.

“Sahyadri is a special campus and is known for imparting quality education and their student-centric programmes,” said the President of the Ramakrishna Math, Jithakamandaji. Speaking about the Chairman of Sahyadri College of Engineering and Management, Manjunath Bhandary, he said that Bhandary is passionate about quality education and has inspired and encouraged the students to open their minds. Stating that the conclave was proof of this passion, he said that this conclave was a great opportunity for the students to interact with great minds from the world over and enhance their knowledge.

M R Seetharam, Minister for Science and Technology said, “It is commendable on the part of Sahyadri College to take up this initiative. Sahyadri has taken big strides in enhancing the quality of technical education. This is a rare opportunity for the students where they get a chance to interact with Nobel laureates and renowned scientists, and it will be a lifetime experience for them.” Speaking about the government’s contribution to the development of science and technology, he said that mobile planetariums have been brought which would be assembled in government schools for students to make use of them. He also added that a 3D digitalised planetarium would be set up in Pilikula by February this year.

The Founder and Chairman of Al-Cargo Logistics, Shashi Kiran Shetty said that the Nobel laureates are a gift to mankind as they spent an incredible amount of time researching in order to fulfill their dreams and attain their goals. “They are now sharing their thoughts with the rest of the world and helping them to excel. You are the most talented and gifted, and you are fortunate to have discovered it,” he said, challenging the students of Sahyadri to also become Nobel laureates in their selected fields.

Ada E Yonath, Nobel Prize winner for her work in the field of chemistry, said, “I feel honoured and privileged to be a part of this conclave. I want to focus on one of the great Indian scientists G N Ramachandra, who was humble and recognised my research work when I was a student. This inspired me.”

Nobel Prize winner for his work in the field of Physics, Serge Haroche said that one needs to be passionate and driven by curiosity and needs to discover things, in order to become a good scientist. “Basic science is required as humans are facing several challenges, global warming being one of them,” he added. Speaking about today’s youth all over the world, he said that they now prefer to go into lines of trade and business instead of the sciences because of salary.

Chairman of Bhandary Foundation and Sahyadri College of Engineering and Management Manjunath Bhandary, Principal Sahyadri College of Engineering and Management Umesh M Bhushi and others were present.