Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru, Jan 6: State minister for higher education Basavaraj Rayareddy on Saturday January 6 inaugurated the five-day 'Sahyadri Conclave' at Sahyadri campus here. The science, technology and management conclave included interation sessions with Nobel laureates, renowned scientists and industriates during the course of the event.

The one-of-its kind event, which will culminate with the valedictory ceremony on January 10, also includes a technical exhibition, science project exhibition, air shows, drones, mathematics exhibitions and Vedic science on river bank. The event is being held in association with the government of Karnataka, VTU, Mangalore University, Ramaiah Institute of Technology, Bengaluru and other government bodies. The Conclave aims to popularise science and techonology among the masses and create awareness for a sustainable, inclusive development of the nation.

Addressing the gathering after inaugurating the Conclave, Basavaraj Rayareddy said, "Today in this 'Sahyadri Conclave' Nobel laureates, renowned scientists, industrialists and students have come under one roof. This encourages and motivates the young minds. This Conclave is unique with a innovative theme and over 32 interactive sessions. The development of the country depends on the development of science and technology. This interaction will definitely pave the way for the future of students.”

President of Ramakrishna Math Jithakamandaji said, "Sahyadri is a special campus and it is known for imparting quality education and for its student-centric programmes. Manjunath Bhandary is passionate about imparting quality teaching to students. He has inspired students to open up their minds and today’s Conclave is a proof of this, where great minds from across the globe have come to interact with the students. This will enhance the knowledge of the students."

Minister for science and technology M R Seetharam said, "It is a great pleasure to be part of this programme. It is commendable on the part of Sahyadri College to take up this initiative. Sahyadri has taken big strides in enhancing the quality of technical education. This is a rare opportunity for the students where they get a chance to interact with Nobel laureates and renowned scientists, and it definitely will be a lifetime experience for them. Our government has also brought in mobile planetariums which will be assembled in government schools and students can make use of them. By February 2018, a 3D digitalized planetarium will come up at Pilikula."

Founder and chairman of Al-Cargo Logistics Shashi Kiran Shetty said, "Nobel laureates are a gift to mankind because the amount of time spent by them in research to fulfil their dreams and reach their goals is incredible. Now they are sharing their thoughts with the rest of the world and helping them to excel. You are the most talented and god-gifted, and you are fortunate enough to have discovered it. I challenge the students of Sahyadri to become Nobel laureates in their field."

Nobel Prize winner in chemistry Ada E Yonath said, "I feel honoured and privileged to be part of this Conclave. I want to focus on one of the great Indian scientists G N Ramachandra who was humble and recognized my research work when I was a student. This inspired me a lot. I visited India in 1970 and I loved the temple here and I still love India.

Nobel Prize winner in physics Serge Haroche said, "To become a scientist you need to be passionate and be driven by curiosity and you need to discover things. Basic science is needed as mankind is facing several challenges like global warming and many more. Today most of the young talents not only in India but also abroad prefer to go for trade and business and do not opt to be scientists because of position and salary. So it is the duty of the politicians to improve the condition of the science field in the country and abroad."

Chairman of Bhandary Foundation Manjunath Bhandary, principal Sahyadri College of Engineering Management Umesh M Bhushi and others were present.