Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (NM)

Mangalore, Sep 2: St Agnes College (Autonomous) in collaboration with the department of biotechnology, ministry of science and technology, Government of India organized a day-long seminar on the topic ‘Prospects and Challenges in Basic Sciences’ here in its premises on Saturday September 1.

Professor Patrick Tauro, managing partner, Mangalore Biotech Laboratory graced the occasion as the chief guest. In his key note address, he said, “Biotechnology is an interdisciplinary subject that covers wide aspects; however, today the interest over basic science is declining, thus affecting the research field.”

Stating the importance of life science, he said, “Teachers should motivate the students to study life science thoroughly”. Once in a week teachers should discuss issues going on around the world without sticking to the syllabus, thereby exposing the students to innovation and invention, he added.

 Pointing towards the immediate need for changes in the syllabus and evaluation structure of the university, he said that the changes should go according to the needs of the generation accepting the complex modern world.

Dr Sr M Prem D’Souza AC, principal of St Agnes College presided over the function.

The seminar included three sessions. The first session was on the topic ‘stem cells and its therapeutical applications’ by Dr Raviraj NS, centre head of Stempeutics Research Pvt Ltd, Manipal. The second session was ‘chemistry as a central science’ by Dr E N Prabhakarna from department of organic chemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. The third session was ‘Application of carbon nanotubes in bionsensors’ by Dr Ganesh Raikar, SDM Institue of Technology, Ujire.
As many as 200 delegates from 12 colleges took part in the session.

Dr Geetha welcomed and Dr Saraswathi, thanked the guests. Dr Geetha Nazareth, convener shared the dais.