44th Annual National Conference of Indian Council of Chemists Inaugurated at KLE Technological University, Hubballi
Hubballi, December 22, 2025: The prestigious 44th Annual National Conference of the Indian Council of Chemists (ICC) commenced today with a grand inaugural ceremony at the KLE Technological University Auditorium, B.V. Bhoomaraddi Campus, Hubballi. Hosted by the School of Advanced Sciences, KLE Technological University, this three-day national conclave has drawn over 400 eminent scientists, academicians, researchers, industry professionals, and students from across India, marking a significant milestone in advancing chemical sciences research and collaboration.
Inaugural Address by Union Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi
The conference was formally inaugurated by Shri Pralhad Joshi, Hon’ble Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution & New and Renewable Energy, Government of India. In his inspiring inaugural address, Shri Joshi highlighted India's position as one of the world's fastest-growing economies and paid rich tributes to Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray, revered as the Father of Indian Chemistry, for his pivotal role in nation-building through scientific innovation and institution development.
He commended the Indian scientific fraternity for their extraordinary contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing that science and innovation were instrumental in navigating the global health crisis. Turning to energy sector achievements, the Minister noted that India has attained self-reliance in power generation well ahead of schedule. He called upon the scientific community to prioritize research in energy storage solutions and grid stability technologies, particularly for renewable energy sources, to support India's ambitious clean energy transition. Shri Joshi also underscored India's vision to emerge as a global manufacturing powerhouse under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, bolstered by unprecedented infrastructure development including comprehensive railway electrification projects.
Keynote by Prof. Ashutosh Sharma, INSA President
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Ashutosh Sharma, President of the Indian National Science Academy and former Secretary, Department of Science & Technology, Government of India, outlined the pressing need for chemistry research aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He raised alarm over the escalating environmental crisis posed by microplastics and advocated for innovative bioremediation strategies to mitigate this threat.
Prof. Sharma emphasized the 3R principle – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle – as foundational to sustainable chemistry practices. He identified chiral chemistry, carbon sequestration, and antimicrobial resistance as frontier research domains demanding urgent attention from the scientific community. "Innovation and technology remain the primary engines of economic growth and societal progress," he asserted, urging chemists to lead transformative solutions for global challenges.
ICC Leadership and Awards Ceremony
Prof. Rajesh Dhakarey, Secretary, ICC, extended heartfelt gratitude to KLE Technological University for hosting this landmark national event and highlighted the significance of ICC awards in celebrating scientific excellence. Prof. Ranjit Verma, President, ICC, stressed the increasing relevance of multidisciplinary research approaches to tackle complex societal and technological challenges in the modern era.
Lifetime Achievement Award to Prof. Tejraj Aminabhavi
In a momentous highlight, the Lifetime Achievement Award was conferred upon Prof. Tejraj Aminabhavi, Director of Research, School of Advanced Sciences, KLE Technological University, recognizing his pioneering contributions to polymer science. An ACS journal cover page dedicated in his honour was unveiled during the ceremony. In his address, Prof. Aminabhavi traced the evolutionary journey of polymer science and its profound global impact across industries, inspiring young researchers to pursue excellence and make meaningful contributions to science and society.
Key Releases and Presentations
The ceremonial proceedings featured the release of the ICC Souvenir and presentation of ICC Awards to distinguished scientists for their exemplary contributions across various branches of chemistry – inorganic, organic, physical, analytical, and environmental.
Presidential Remarks
Presiding over the function, Prof. Ashok Shettar, Pro-Chancellor, KLE Technological University, emphasized the indispensable role of scientific research in driving societal development. "Science and technology must advance in tandem to propel the nation's holistic progress," he stated, reaffirming KLE Tech's commitment to fostering cutting-edge research ecosystems.
The inaugural session was graced by Prof. Prakash Tewari, Vice Chancellor, KLE Technological University, and Prof. Manoj Kumar Rawat, Treasurer, ICC. Prof. Nagaraj P. Shetti, Conference Convenor, proposed the formal vote of thanks.