National Conference – Celebrating the Vision, Mission and Persona of Prof. M.N. Saha as a Physicist and a Nationalist

Invitation

Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA) in association with Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology (MNNIT) Prayagraj, National Academy of Sciences (NASI) Prayagraj, Indian Institute of Information Technology Allahabad (IIITA) Paryagraj, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj, Vigyan Parisar, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Uttar Pradesh Section IEEE UP and Ministry of Culture welcomes you all to the National Conference, “Celebrating the Vision, Mission and Persona of Prof. M. N. Saha as a Physicist and Nationalist.”

A stage has been set for the youth to come forward, indulge, and be a part of several competitions.The only thirst which even the mightiest ocean cannot quench is the thirst for knowledge. So come all and drench yourself in the ocean of knowledge where exciting prizes await you…
Cash Prizes worth Rs. 5000 and other attractive gifts.

Fasten your seatbelts and get going for the exciting rides.

About Conference

As India celebrates the Amrit Mahotsav of its Independence, the Prime Minister’s direct exhortation for “Jai Anusandhan” from the ramparts of Red Fort outlines a new developmental dynamics for the nation. Modern India undoubtedly is an epitome of Scientific and Technological Development and is one of the key elements for economic growth. The scientific leaders at the time of Independence were sincerely aware that “Science could neither be borrowed nor bought” and developing scientific abilities and outlook was the answer to several societal problems. Prof. Meghnad Saha’s words are now resonating across the entire nation, “Science and Technology are as important for administration as law and order.”
Prof. Saha was a renowned Indian Physicist who holds a unique place in the history of Astrophysics and modern science. Through Prof. Saha’s epoch making, “Thermal Ionization Theory”, which explained the origin of stellar spectra, India significantly contributed to the world science during 20th Century. It was marked as the twelfth most important landmark in the history of astronomy. Saha’s transition from a Scientist to a Nationalist was a remarkable process. Science for the nation and for national liberation were major motivation for him throughout his life. He is also known to be a great institution builder; some of the institutes he founded are Indian Science News Association at Calcutta, National Academy of Sciences, India at Allahabad and Indian Physical Society, Kolkata. He was also an active member of the National Planning Committee constituted by Indian National Congress in 1938.
The life of Prof. Saha was an integral part of the growth of scientific research and progress in India. The stage of this conference is, therefore, dedicated to revisit his vision, mission and persona that would be felt in coming time in every aspect of nation building.
The International Conference, to be held in University of Allahabad, is expected to be one of the largest gatherings of scientists and researchers in India, with participants discussing and debating the Vision, Mission and Persona of Prof. Meghnad Saha as a Physicist and Nationalist. Aligned with the 129th birth anniversary of Meghnad Saha, who was born on October 6, 1893, the conference is dedicated to him to celebrate his immense contributions. The conference will discuss about his role as a physicist, teacher, nationalist, industrialist and philanthropist. Professor Saha is the role model for the scientific community, serving as a source of inspiration and guidance for the next generation.

Conference Themes

The challenges of nation building through the perspective of Prof. Meghnad Saha.
Prof. Saha’s patriotic reforms of Indian culture, society and industrialization.
One Nation-One Calendar: Prof. Saha’s Contribution in reforming the Indian Calendar
New horizons in Astrophysics: A dream for independence India by Professor Meghnad Saha, FRS.
Life and achievements of Professor Meghnad Saha as Scientist, patriot and his association with his contemporaries.
Prof. M. N. Saha: The Institution builder for the dissemination of Science across the Society.
Influence of Life and Vision of Prof. M. N. Saha’s on NEP 2020.

Events

Exhibition

During each event, it is proposed to have a thematic exhibition showcasing the life and works of the scientists and their contributions to the freedom struggle of India. It will exhibit the posters, banners, charts etc. explaining the various aspects of the freedom struggle as well. The exhibit panels are proposed to be bilingual in nature (Hindi and English). It is also proposed to develop the content in the regional languages of India.

Puppet Show (28th October 12:30 PM-1:30 PM)

The puppet show will be presented to the general public to introduce the life of the great Indian scientist Meghnad Saha ji and the various scientific researches done by him, making the mysterious world of astronomy simple and understandable.

Presenters: Dr. Vikas Mishra, Dr. DP Singh and Mrs. Pooja Virmani.
(Indian Science Communication Society, Lucknow)

Nukkad Natak (28th 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM)

Street plays/Nukkad Natak creates social awareness about the current or the burning topics in our society. Its primary goal shall be spreading a social massage to a large group of people. The program will be designed at the outlay of topics which include, Science and Struggle for Indian Independence, Life and achievements of Professor Meghnad Saha as Scientist, Socialist, his association with his contemporaries, his role as a freedom fighter during India’s independence movement. The Nukkad Nataks are proposed to be bilingual in nature (Hindi and English). It is also proposed to develop the content in the regional languages of India. The plays shall be evaluated by the organizers on different parameters and the awarded Nukkad Natak shall be allowed to be enacted on-stage during the birth anniversary celebrations at venue of the conference.

Sky Watching

It is also proposed to organize night sky darshan program by the Council of Science and Technology. In which observation of Saturn, Jupiter, Mars and Moon will be done through telescope. The rings of Saturn, the Galilean moon of Jupiter, and various craters, marias, mountains of the moon can be observed by the general public.This program will be conducted by the Uttar Pradesh Amateur Astronomers Club, run by the Indira Gandhi Constellation Council of Science and Technology Council.

Competitions

Poster Making

Model Presentation

Essay Writing

Blog Writing

Event Schedule

08:00 AM to 10:00 AM (27th October)

Registration of Participants

Registration kit + ID card Distribution

10:00 AM to 10:30 AM (27th October)

Invitation

Inviting the guests and participants to take seats in Seminar hall

10:30AM (27th October)

Chief guest arrival

Arrival of Honorable Chief Guest and Dignitaries at the Dias

10:35 AM (27th October)

Lamp lighting

Lighting of Lamp & Sarasvati Vandana

10:40 AM(27th October)

Introduction & Welcome

By Dr. Akhilesh Tiwari

10:45 AM (27th October)

Guest Address

Address By Guest of Honor Shri Praveen Ramdas, National Secretary,VIBHA

11:00 AM(27th October)

Guest Address

Address By Guest of Honor Padmashree Prof V K Singh, IIT Kanpur

11:20 AM (27th October)

Addressing

Presided by Prof. R S Verma, Director, MNNITA & IIITA

11:30 AM (27th October)

Chief Guest Address

Address by the Chief Guest, Honorable Deputy Chief Minister, Uttar Pradesh, Shri Keshav Prasad Maurya

12:00 PM to 12:30 PM (27th October)

Tea Break

Outside Seminar hall

12:30 PM to 1:30 PM (27th October)

Lecture 1

Speaker: Prof. K B Pandey
Former-VC & Chairman, UPPSC

1:30 PM to 2:30 PM (27th October)

Launch Break

Outside Seminar hall

02:30 PM to 3:30 PM (27th October)

Nukkad Natak

Outside at lawn

03:30 PM to 4:30 PM (27th October)

Lecture 2

Speaker: Prof. U C Srivastava, NASI

04:30 PM to 4:15 PM (27th October)

Tea Break

Outside Seminar hall

4:15PM to 05:00 PM (27th October)

Poster & Model Presentation

College Students/ Participants

07:30 PM to 9:30 PM (27th October)

Dinner

Outside Seminar hall

Starting at 6:30 PM (27th October)

Sky Watching

Outside at lawn

09:30 AM (28th October)

Competitions

Poster /Essay/Model/ Presentation

10:30AM to 11:30 AM (28thOctober

Lecture 3

Speaker :- Speaker: Prof Amit Roy, Former-Director, IUAC Delhi

11:30 AM to 12:00 PM (28th October)

Tea Break

Outside Seminar hall

12:00 PM to 01:00 PM(28th October)

Lecture 4

Speaker : Dr. Shantanu Maharaj

01:00 PM to 1:30 PM (28th October)

Puppet Show

1:30PM to 2:30 PM (28thOctober)

Launch Break

Outside Seminar hall

2:30 PM to 3:30 PM (28th October)

Nukkad Natak

Outside at lawn

3:30 PM to 04:30 PM(28th October)

Valedictory Show

Certification/ Prize distribution

04:30 PM to 5:00 PM (28th October)

Tea Break

Outside Seminar hall

Speakers

Prof. Amit Roy

Former-Director, IUAC Delhi

Prof. K B Pandey

Former UPPSC Chairman

Prof. U C Srivastava

National Academy of Science (NASI)

Shri. Shantanu Maharaj

About Organizers

VIBHA

Prayagraj is an integral part of Kashi Prant of Vigyan Bharati (VIBHA), which is a science movement with swadeshi spirit lead by eminent Indian scientists of Bharata. It was started as Swadeshi Science Movement under the guidance of Prof. K. I. Vasu at Indian Institute of Sciences, Bengaluru. In 1991 it was decided, to launch the Swadeshi Science Movement at all India level with the name, Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA). The founding principles of VIBHA are:

To establish a vibrant movement for the development of Swadeshi Sciences;
As a dynamic Science Movement with a Swadeshi Spirit, interlinking traditional and modern sciences on the one hand, and natural and spiritual sciences on the other hand;
As a Swadeshi Movement with modern sciences adapted to national needs.

Vijnana Bharati has units in all states across the country. It is working in 12 different areas through autonomous institutions, independent organizations & also as project entities.

University Of Allahabad, Prayagraj

The University of Allahabad is a collegiate Central University located in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India. It was established on 23 September 1887 by an act of Parliament and is recognized as an Institute of National Importance (INI). It is one of the oldest modern Universities in India. Its origins lie in the Muir Central College, named after Lt. Governor of North-Western Provinces Sir William Muir in 1876, who suggested the idea of a Central University at Allahabad, which later evolved to the present university. It was known as the “Oxford of the East”. Its Central University status was re-established through the University of Allahabad Act 2005 by the Parliament of India. The campus is spread around the city of Prayagraj across the area of Old Katra and Bank Road. It consists of major five faculties, namely Science, Arts, commerce, law, and management faculties with the arts faculty housing the Administrative Block of Chatham Lines. It has numerous residential hostels for students.

National Academy of Science(NASI), Prayagraj

The 1st World War and the world-wide economic depression caused a setback to scientific research globally – much more so in India whose scientists found it difficult even to publish their research work since they had to be almost entirely dependent on foreign journals. The post World War India also saw the rise of the freedom movement which incidentally also drew attention to the numerous problems of the Indian people like poverty, hunger, diseases, recurrent floods, droughts, famines etc. Patriotic scientists felt deeply concerned with these.

It was in this background that the idea of establishing a forum for scientists, which would bring them together to discuss and find scientific solutions to the problems of the country, was mooted in 1929 by Prof. Meghnad Saha, a great scientist, patriot and then Professor of Physics at Allahabad University. His views were published in December 1929 issue of the Allahabad University magazine in an article entitled ‘A Plea for an Academy of Sciences’.

Thus, the National Academy of Sciences, India (initially called “The Academy of Sciences of United Provinces of Agra and Oudh”) was founded in the year 1930, with the objectives to provide a national forum for the publication of research work carried out by Indian scientists and to provide opportunities for exchange of views among them. The Memorandum of Association was signed by seven distinguished and patriotic scientists namely Prof. Meghnad Saha, Prof. K.N. Bahl, Prof. D.R. Bhattacharya, Prof. P.C. MacMohan, Prof. A.C. Banerji, Prof. Ch. Wali Mohammad and Prof. N.R. Dhar. Of these, the Academy had the good fortune of having the continued association of Prof. N.R. Dhar until very lately when he expired on December 5, 1986 at the age of 96 years. Apart from being one of the founders of the Academy and taking continued interest in its welfare, Prof. Dhar also donated the piece of land on which the Academy building stands today.

The Rules and Regulations of the Academy were based on those of the Royal Society of England and the Asiatic Society of Bengal. These have since been revised and updated to meet the emerging challenges. Prof. Meghnad Saha was elected its first President. In the Inaugural address, Prof. Saha Said : “…..But the main function of the Academy should be towards cultural improvement by contribution to human knowledge”. Since then, the Academy has crossed many milestones, successfully serving the “Science & Society”. In its Silver Jubilee Session in 1955, Prof. Saha, further emphasized the role of the Academies in developing human scientific resources.

Indian Institute of Information Technology Allahabad(IIITA),Prayagraj

The Indian Institute of Information Technology Allahabad (IIIT-A) was established in 1999, as a center of excellence in Information Technology (IT) and allied areas. The institute was conferred the “Deemed University” status by the Government of India in the year 2000. It was declared as an “Institute of National Importance” by the Act of the Parliament, Govt. of India in 2014. The Institute has been conceived with the objective of developing professional expertise and skilled manpower in IT and areas of allied research. As an apex institute in the area of IT, IIIT-A has been contributing towards strengthening the indigenous capability necessary for exploiting profitably and harnessing multi-dimensional facets of IT and allied areas at all levels, and attaining expertise to enable the country to emerge as a leading player in the global arena.

The beautiful 100-acre campus, situated at Deoghat, Jhalwa, designed meticulously on the Penrose Geometry pattern, is being further topped by fine landscaping to give an all round soothing effect to create a stimulating environment. The campus is envisaged to be a fully residential one, with all its faculty, staff, and students housed in different pockets. All academic and residential areas are connected to the Institute network. The campus is envisaged to be a fully residential one, with all its faculty, staff and students housed in different pockets. All academic and residential areas are connected to the Institute network.

Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology (MNNIT), Prayagraj

Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology, Prayagraj (MNNIT) is an Institute with total commitment to quality and excellence in academic pursuits. It was established as one of the seventeen Regional Engineering Colleges of India in the year 1961 as a joint enterprise of Government of India and Government of Uttar Pradesh, and was an associated college of University of Allahabad, which is the third oldest university in India.

For a short duration of two years (2000-2002), the Institute was affiliated to U.P. Technical University. With over 45 years of experience and achievements in the field of technical education, having traversed a long way, on June 26, 2002 MNREC was transformed into National Institute of Technology and Deemed University fully funded by Government of India. With the enactment of National Institutes of Technology Act-2007(29 to 2007), the Institute has been granted the status of institution of national importance w.e.f. 15.08.2007.

In the year 1972, the Institute initiated a self employment project and established an industrial estate with 68 sheds with the objective of encouraging entrepreneurs and creating additional employment avenues. The Institute was selected as a lead institution in the Design theme under Indo-UK REC Project (1994-99). Under this scheme a Design Centre was established. The Institute has been selected as a Lead Institution under World Bank funded Government of India Project on Technical Education Quality Improvement Programme (TEQIP) (2002-2007). Two state level institutions are networked with MNNIT under the project.

Vigyan Parishad

Vigyan Parishad is located in Prayag , Allahabad and it is one of the oldest institutions in India working in the field of science publicisation . The Science Council was established in the year 1913 and the main objective of its establishment was the propagation of scientific ideology in India . In this direction, a monthly magazine named Vigyan is also published from this institution, which has been working continuously since 1913 . This magazine was first published in April 1915 and since then it has a record of being published continuously till date.

The following are the main areas of work of the Science Council.

To create scientific literature in Indian languages
spread of scientific ideology
Promotion of scientific study and scientific research work
Discussion and consultation on the scientific problems of the country

The foundation stone of the main building of the Vigyan Parishad was laid on 4 April 1956 by the then Prime Minister of India, Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru . Presently the President of Science Council is Dr. Shivgopal Mishra

Supporting Organizations

Indian Association of Physics Teachers

IEEE UP Section

Core Organizing Team*

Advisory Board*

Dr. Arvind C Ranade, Executive Director, Indian National Science Academy (INSA), New Delhi
Dr. N.P. Shukla, Former Chairman Madhya Pradesh Pollution Board (MPPCB), Bhopal
Dr.SomdevBharadwaj, VijnanaBharatiKashiPrant
Dr. U. C. Srivastava, National Academy of Sciences (NASI), Prayagraj
Mrs Priyanka Chandra, Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India
Mr ShriyankaBasu, Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India
Padam Bhushan Dr. Vijay P. Bhatkar Chancellor of Nalanda University & Former Chairman of Vijnana Bharati
Prof. Anupam Dikshit, President, Vigyan Bharti KashiPrant

Prof. Jayant Tripathi, Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj
Prof. K. N. Uttam,Dept. of Physics, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj
Prof. N.K. Shukla, Registrar, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj
Prof. Shekhar C. Mande, Ex Director General, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
Prof. Shekhar Srivastava, Dean, Science Faculty, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj
Prof. Vivek Tiwari, Head, Dept. of Physics, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj
Shri Praveen Ramdas, Secretary, Vijnana Bharati

Coordinators*

Dr. Alok Yadav, Forest Research Centre for Eco-Rehabilitation Prayagraj
Dr. Amit Pandey, Arya Kanya Degree College, Prayagraj
Dr. Anand Shankar Singh, Iswar Sharan Degree College, Prayagraj
Dr. Archana Pandey, CMP Degree College, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj
Dr. Arpana Pandey, University of Allahabad, Prayagaraj
Dr. Ashish Maurya, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology (MNNIT), Prayagraj
Dr. Ashutosh Kumar Shukla, ECC, Prayagarj
Dr. Atul Kumar Singh, Allahabad Degree College, Prayagraj
Dr. Deepika Singh, Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT), Prayagraj
Dr. Dheeraj, Iswar Sharan Degree College, Prayagraj
Dr. Dev Vrat Dwivedi, Vigyan Parisad, Prayagraj
Dr. Dharmendra Duriya, Iswar Sharan Degree College, Prayagraj
Dr. Ena Gupta, University of Allahabad, Prayagaj
Dr. G. S. Shukla, Rajashi Tandon Open University, Prayagraj
Dr. Hemlata Pant, CMP Degree College, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj
Dr. Jyoti Baskar, Mahakaushal University
Dr. Jyoti Verma, CMP Degree College, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj
Dr. K.K. Tripathi, Allahabad Degree College, Prayagraj
Dr. Kumud Dubey, Forest Research Centre for Eco-Rehabilitation Prayagraj
Dr. Monisha Singh, University of Allahabad, Prayagaj
Dr. Nilema Singh, S.S. Khanna Degree College, Prayagraj
Dr. Nilesh Kuamr Rai, CMP Degree College, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj
Dr. Neetu Mishra, University of Allahabad, Prayagaj
Dr. Pavitra Tandon, National Academy of Sciences NASI, Prayagraj

Dr. Piyush Mishra, University of Allahabad, Parayagraj
Dr. Poonam Jha, Iswar Sharan Degree College, Prayagraj
Dr. Poorendu Mishra, CMP Degree College, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj
Dr. Pramila Gupta, S.S. Khanna Degree College, Prayagraj
Dr. Rasbihari Lal, CMP Degree College, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj
Dr. Rupali Vigyan Parisad, Prayagraj
Dr. Sanjay Singh, Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT), Prayagraj
Dr. Santosh Kumar Shukla, National Academy of Sciences NASI, Prayagraj
Dr. Satish, IEEE, UP Section India
Dr. Satish Kumar, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology (MNNIT), Prayagraj
Dr. Satyandra SUATS, Naini, Prayagraj
Dr. Shailendra Mishra, Medical Officer, MNNIT, Prayagraj
Dr. Shalini Dikshit, Principal Kendriya Vidhyalaya, Bamrauli, Prayagraj
Dr. Shashi Kant Shukla, University of Allahabad, Prayagaraj
Dr. Shashi Kant Tripathi, Kulbhaskar Degree College, Prayagraj
Dr. Shishir Somvanshi, Forest Research Centre for Eco-Rehabilitation Prayagraj
Dr. Shivesh Sharma, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology (MNNIT), Prayagraj
Dr. Umesh Pratap Singh, ECC, Prayagarj
Dr. Vani Mishra, University of Allahabad, Prayagaraj
Dr. Vibhav Prakash Singh, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology (MNNIT), Prayagraj
Dr. Vivek Agrahari, Iswar Sharan Degree College, Prayagraj
Prof. Ajay Prakash Khare, CMP Degree College, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj
Shri Udit Narayan Shukla, Sanjivani Prayagraj

* The list is in alphabetical order

Contact

Dr. Akhilesh Tiwari, IIITA, Prayagraj 9450141862
Dr. AnubhavRawat, MNNIT Allahabad, Prayagraj 8800990759
Dr. Ashutosh Singh, IIITA, Prayagraj 7985212082
Dr. K.P. Singh, IIITA, Prayagraj 9918999926

Dr. Neetesh Purohit, IIITA Prayagraj 9451852922
Dr. Rohit Kumar Mishra, University Of Allahabad, Prayagraj 9305231487
Dr. Santosh Kumar Shukla, NASI 7985337078
Shri Shreyansh Mandloi, Sangthan Mantri, VIBHA 7566566187