Day 1 - National Conference of Indian Council of Chemists Inaugurated at KLE Technological University, Hubballi
The 44th Annual National Conference of the Indian Council of Chemists (ICC) was formally inaugurated today at the KLE Technological University Auditorium, Hubballi. The three-day national conference is being hosted by the School of Advanced Sciences, KLE Technological University, and has attracted eminent scientists, academicians, researchers, and students from across the country.
The conference was inaugurated by Shri Prahlad Joshi, Hon’ble Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution & New and Renewable Energy, Government of India. In his inaugural address, Shri Joshi highlighted that India is one of the fast-growing economies in the world and recalled the contributions of Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray, regarded as the Father of Indian Chemistry, who played a pivotal role in nation-building through science and institutions development. He lauded the Indian scientific community for its remarkable contribution during the COVID19 pandemic, stating that science and innovation were central to overcoming the crisis.
Referring to India’s progress in the energy sector, Shri Joshi noted that the country has achieved self-reliance in power generation ahead of the targeted deadline. He called upon scientists to develop solutions for energy storage and grid stability, particularly for power generated from renewable energy sources. He also emphasized India’s vision to become a global manufacturing hub under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, supported by robust infrastructure development, and recalled the significant advancements made in railway electrification, which have accelerated national progress.
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Ashutosh Sharma, President, Indian National Science Academy, stressed the urgent need for research aligned with sustainable development goals. He expressed concern that microplastics have emerged as a environmental threat and called for effective bioremediation strategies. Emphasizing the importance of the 3R approach—Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle, he highlighted chiral chemistry, carbon sequestration, and antimicrobial resistance as emerging and challenging research areas. He noted that innovation and technology remain the key drivers of economic growth.
Prof. Rajesh Dhakarey, Secretary, ICC, expressed gratitude to KLE Technological University for hosting the prestigious national event and underscored the significance of ICC awards in recognizing scientific excellence. Prof. Ranjit Verma, President, ICC, emphasized the growing importance of multidisciplinary scientific research in addressing complex societal and technological challenges.
A major highlight of the inaugural ceremony was the conferment of the Lifetime Achievement Award to Prof. Tejraj Aminabhavi, Director of Research, School of Advanced Sciences, KLE Technological University, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to polymer science. On the occasion, an ACS journal cover page released in his honour was unveiled. In his pre-conference address, Prof. Aminabhavi traced the evolution of polymer science and its global impact, and urged young researchers to pursue excellence and contribute meaningfully to science and society.
The ICC souvenir was released during the event, and ICC awards were presented to scientists for their significant contributions to various branches of chemistry.
Presiding over the function, Prof. Ashok Shettar, ProChancellor, KLE Technological University, stressed the critical role of scientific research in societal development and emphasized that science and technology must progress hand in hand for the nation’s overall advancement.
The inaugural session was attended by Prof. Prakash Tewari, Vice Chancellor, KLE Technological University, and Prof. Manoj Kumar Rawat, Treasurer, ICC. Prof. Nagaraj Shetti, Convenor of the ICC Conference, proposed the vote of thanks.
The conference will continue over the next two days with technical sessions, symposia, invited talks, and research paper and poster presentations across major disciplines of chemical sciences.