Popularising Chemistry among youth

The post-graduation Department of Chemistry at St Agnes College organised a one-day State-level fest AgnEsya - 2016 on Monday for undergraduate and post-graduate students of various colleges. Ten UG and 10 PG colleges had registered for the competitions.

Dr Fr Praveen Martis, director of the Loyola Centre for Research Innovation and Kaushal Kendra, St Aloysius College, motivated young scientists by giving examples of famous scientists like Faraday – who transformed himself from a book binder to great scientist and inspired all the participants. Further he gave a note on six C’s – which include Curiosity, Consciousness, Competence, Collaboration, Commitment and Compassion – that every individual must follow to reach his or her goals.

The objective of the fest was to popularise Chemistry and to encourage students to take it up as a research subject. The programme aimed at creating an interest in Chemistry in young minds and to generate enthusiasm for the creative future of Chemistry. It hoped to act as a platform to transform the participant students’ theoretical and practical knowledge of Chemistry to a creative level – and, thus, gain public appreciation to Chemistry for world-need.

Parichay (ice-breaker), Prasthuthi (UG seminar), Khul Ja Sim-Sim (treasure hunt), Avadhaan (stress interview) Nach Chem Nach (Chemistry, U Can Dance) and Rasanveshan (lab event) were held as a part of the fest.

Dr Sr Maria Roopa, joint secretary of St Agnes Institutions, Dr Geetha Nazareth, head of Chemistry Department and others were present.