In a one-of-a-kind gathering of the who’s who of science, the Indian Institute of Information Technology, Allahabad (IIIT-A) hosted a week long Science Conclave, in its sixth edition from 8^th December-14^th December .

At the Conclave, eight Nobel Laureates shared their experiences and knowledge with over 2000 strong audience comprising of young students, teachers and scientists.Apart from the visitors from various science and technology institutions across India, there were delegates from South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and from various African countries.

In the inaugural session, Professor Ivar Giaever, Nobel Laureate in physics, 1973 spoke about the future of science. He said that science is not infinite but the application of science can be boundless. He also said that in order to win something as prestigious as the Nobel Prize one should first have a good idea and then work hard to pursue this idea to its end. He also mentioned luck as a key factor.

In the second lecture, Professon Walter Kohn who won the Nobel Prize in chemistry in 1998 ,spoke about using science to solve practical problems in his talk titled ‘Prospects for a World Powered Predominantly by Solar and Wind Energy’.

The audience also had a chance for some candid chat with the Nobel laureates in the post-lunch interactive sessions. For instance in one of the sessions, Professor Douglas Osheroff, Nobel laureate in physics, 1996,said that apart from being a physicist, he is a passionate photographer and how with the Nobel Prize money he bought his first Hasselblad camera.

“Our field of study is purely research based so interacting with the Nobel Laureates, who are the best in the profession, gives us important insights into the subject. We learn the do’s and don’t's and how to take our research career forward,” said Jyoti, an M.Sc student from Vellore Institute of Technology.

“Events like the Science Conclave are highly inspirational. I want to pursue a research career in chemistry and meeting and exchanging ideas with Nobel laureates and students from all over the world widens your outlook on the subject,” said Kriti Chaurasia, a second year B.SC student from Lucknow University.

“We want this Conclave to emerge as the Lindau of the east,“ said Professor Goverdhan Mehta, Chancellor, IIIT-A, referring to the Lindau Nobel Laureate’s Meeting-one of the biggest annual scientific congregations in the world.

“The Conclave provides a lot of visibility to the Institute as well as to Indian science in general,” he added speaking about the importance of hosting such a conference.

Running alongside the Concalve at IIIT-A were the Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) events. INSPIRE is an initiative of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) to generate awareness and interest in science among young students.

In one of the INSPIRE sections called ‘Mathematics Made Simple’ Itemalla Chandraiah, popularly known in Andhra Pradesh as ‘Number Uncle’, explained simple tricks which can make mathematics simple to students of Class 11 and 12, who had assembled from different towns of Uttar Pradesh, in order to remove the phobia of the subject among them. The students appeared highly fascinated by these new methods of learning.

The Conclave has mostly been supported by the Ministry of Human Resource Development and DST, Government of India.

“In the near future we would like to invite Nobel Laureates in literature and peace as well. We are taking measured steps towards it,” explained Mehta.

Padmashri Kiran Karnik, ex-chairman, NASSCOM and member of Scientific Advisory Committee to the PM was the chief guest on the occasion and said that IT & ICT have unlimited potential to transform our economy into a knowledge economy.

“India in rich in natural resources which are the basic need for manufacturing, industrial and agricultural growth. IT and ICT have, so far, played a rather limited role in these areas, but there is great scope to do a lot more. In sectors like banking, financial services, telecommunications and logistics, IT/ICT is already a major contributor.Transformations in the less-explored areas, as also in e-governance will require young and talented technocrats,” he said.

Padamshri Prof. Goverdhan Mehta, former director, Indian Institute of Sciences, Bangalore and chancellor of IIIT-A presided over the convocation. He said apart from being a nucleating institute of excellence in teaching and research in IT and allied areas, he was very glad to see the steps IIIT-A has taken for the cause of popularizing science among the young minds in the form of conducting a series of Nobel laureate science conclaves. Prof G C Nandi, director in-charge of IIIT-A, said alumni meet would soon be made an annual phenomenon.

Around two dozen medals were also awarded to meritorious students from the last two academic sessions.

Professor Nandi lighted the ceremonial lamp to inaugurate the first ever sports meet organised by Students’ Gymkhana, at Sports Ground on Tuesday morning. He congratulated the students for organising the first ever sports event at IIT Allahabad.

Hundreds of student participated in the march past which was followed by 200 metre boys/girls heats, Shotput (girls/boys/ faculty-staff), Biscuit Race and Spoon Marble Race (50 mtrs), 1,600 m (girls/boys/faculty-staff), 200 m finals(Girls/boys), 400 m(heats) (girls/boys/faculty-staff), 4×100 m Relay(Heats) (girls/boys/faculty-staff) and 4×400 Relay(Heats) (girls/boys/faculty-staff) events. Dr Manish Singh, sports coordinator conducted the event along with the Gymkhana office bearers.