SOLAN, May 20
HistCon 2023, the first-ever national conference on Himalayan science and technology, was inaugurated today at Shoolini University. Prominent scientists, academicians and entrepreneurs came together to explore the rich potential of the Himalayan region.
HiSTCon 2023 was inaugurated by Chief Guest Prof V.P. Kamboj, former director CSIR-CDRI. On this occasion Himalayan Forum for Science and Technology Communication was launched by former Panjab University Vice Chancellor Prof. R.C. Sobti. The first volume of the International Journal of Science and Technology, titled “Shoolinivigyanuvach” was also launched at the occasion.
Chief Guest Prof Kamboj spoke on “Indian Vaccines for Global Health’. He talked about India’s positioning in the global vaccine production market as it is ranked as one of the largest global producers of vaccines, which has been observed especially during pandemics.
A special lecture was delivered by Prof. Alok Dhawan, who shared research on creating solutions for safe drinking water and recognising the applications and importance of nanomaterial toxicology. Later, Prof. Dulal Panda, Director, NIPER, India, shared his insights on spine poisons for cancer chemotherapy, a new approach to combating the increased number of cancer cases in India. Concerning the casualties and aftermath of floods in Uttarakhand, which had an environmental and economic impact on the state, Prof. Y.P. Sundriyal said in his speech that the rising number of anthropogenic activities and human introduced change are the main reasons behind sudden flash floods.
Prof . S.S. Kanwar, Director, Himachal Pradesh University, shared his research on the importance of lipopeptides and their applications not only as antimicrobial and anticancer agents but also in obesity management. Later on, a lecture session with some esteemed key speakers, Prof. Sanjay Kumar Bhadada, Dr. Shyam Masakapalli, Dr. Ravi Gupta, and Dr Varsha Gupta, was held.
Prof. Saurabh Kulshrestha, Dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences and Biotechnology, highlighted the abundant biodiversity of the Himalayas and stressed the need for its conservation.
Mr. Vishal Anand, Pro Chancellor of Shoolini University, shared his reflections on the university’s inception, which was rooted in the concept of sustaining the Himalayas. In the absence of Chancellor Prof. PK Khosla, Mr.Vishal Anand conveyed the chancellor’s message, emphasising the importance of India establishing its own identity rather than following Western influences.
Prof. Atul Khosla, Vice Chancellor of Shoolini University, outlined key objectives for an event like HistCon, including promoting tourism in the Himalayas, fostering economic development, and enhancing public relations for the region.
Dr. R. C. Sobti, former Vice Chancellor of Panjab University, Chandigarh, and Chief Patron of HistCon 2023, emphasised the need for a progressive mindset and consciousness. He introduced the Himalayan Forum for Science and Technology Communication, which aims to initiate a collective dialogue between scientific minds and the general public for the holistic development of the Himalayan region.
The conference also featured oral presentations and poster sessions by research scholars, judged by dignitaries at various locations on the campus. The first day concluded with a captivating cultural programme, allowing participants to unwind and appreciate the artistic expressions amidst the enchanting Himalayan surroundings.
