Gunupur:(Correspondent) :- A three-day international symposium on “Engineering Functional Materials for Sustainable Societal Application” was inaugurated today at GIET University, organized by the Department of Basic Sciences and Humanities. Sponsored by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) under the Government of India, the event began with a welcome address by Dr. Biswajit Dalai, the Convenor of the symposium who outlined the significance of the symposium.
Dr. Prativa Kar, HoD of the department of Basic Science and Humanities, shed light on the department’s ongoing research initiatives, while the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Dr. A.V.N.L. Sharma, emphasized the necessity of fundamental research in functional materials. Pro-Chancellor Dr. L.M. Pattnaik, joining virtually, highlighted the broad applications of functional materials across various fields and urged efforts to establish the university as a leader in research.
Dr. Chandra Dhwaj Panda, Vice-president of the university, spoke about the importance of integrating knowledge into practice through such symposiums. Senior Vice President of Reliance Industries, Dr. Virendra Kumar Gupta, addressed the event virtually as a guest speaker, discussing the role of functional materials in fostering innovation.
Dr. Saroj Kumar Singh, former senior scientist of CSIR and IIMT Bhubaneswar, delivered a keynote address, illustrating the effective utilization and applications of advanced materials with vivid examples. The event also saw the ceremonial release of the symposium souvenir by esteemed guests.
Postgraduate and research students from the university showcased various poster presentations. Dr. N.V.J. Rao, the Registrar of GIET University, oversaw the event, attended by faculty, students, and research scholars.
The symposium featured virtual presentations from distinguished professors and scholars from India and abroad, contributing their insights on the subject. The inaugural session concluded with cultural performances by university students, and Dr. Pushpanjali Sahu, Associate Professor at Bhadrak Autonomous College, proposed a vote of thanks.
The symposium, spanning three days, aims to foster collaboration and exchange of ideas, strengthening the university’s position as a hub of innovation and academic excellence.