Bhanja Bihar, 18/12 – The two-days 24th Odisha Science and Environment Congress organized jointly by the Berhmapur University and Orissa Environmental Society has been inaugurated at the new conference hall of the University. The objective is to promote innovative research towards tackling the serious environmental challenges that are currently occurring at the global level such as global warming, climate change, various types of pollutions, deforestation, biodiversity loss, ozone layer depletion, etc., which are now questioning the future existence of mankind and all living organisms in the world. Science and Technology possess great potential to solve all these problems if implemented in right perspective. It is desirable that young researchers show commitment towards sustainable solutions to all human-induced problems while protecting the magnificence of this beautiful planet. Eminent scientists who joined the opening ceremony of the conference expressed their opinion that it is very much essential to protect and preserve the nature and environment and restore their qualities.
The Chief Guest of the inaugural session of the Congress was Dr. P. Krishnan and Guest of Honour was Prof. N. C. Gupta, former Dean of Indraprastha University, New Delhi participated in the function which was presided over by Prof. Geetanjali Dash, Vice-Chancellor of Berhmapur University. Four eminent scientists of the state were honored for their lifetime contribution to the field of Science and Technology: Prof. Ashok Kumat Mahapatra, former Director, AIIMS Bhubaneswar, Prof. Sunil Kumar Sarangi, former Director, NIT Rourkela, Prof. Gauri Shankar Tripathi, former HoD of Physics, BU and Prof. Malaya Kumar Mishra, former HoD of Botany, BU. On this occasion, an MoU was signed between the Berhampur University and the Bay of Bengal Programme, Chennai. Among others, Prof. Sundar Narayan Patro, President, Orissa Environmental Society, Prof. S. K. Baral, Chairman, PG Council, Dr. Jayakrushna Panigarahi, Convener of the Congress, Dr. B. Anjan Kumar Prusty, Convener and HoD of Environmental Science also spoke. Dr. Satyanarayan Sahu of Chemistry presented the vote of thanks. During the two days sessions, invited scientists and young researchers will make presentations of their research findings. The Congress is being attended by over 400 participants from various universities and Research Institutes of the State and also from outside.