Media Release
Mangaluru, Mar 21: The department of chemistry, School of Physical Sciences, St Aloysius (Deemed to be University) successfully organized a one-day national conference on 'Chemical Innovations for Sustainable India' on March 16 at Eric Mathias Hall, Maffei Block. The inauguration ceremony commenced with an invocation by Departmental choir, seeking the blessings of the Almighty.
The conference was formally welcomed by the staff coordinator, Jyothi Simav Vaz, who greeted the dignitaries and participants. The chief guest for the event was Dr Beeraiah Baire, associate professor, department of chemistry, IIT Madras, who pursued PhD from IISc Bangalore and post-doctoral studies at the University of Minnesota. With 88 publications, an H-index of 23, and several patents, his research focuses on sustainable organic synthesis of alkynes and total synthesis of natural products. He is a recipient of the CRSI bronze and silver medals (2026). He was accorded a green welcome by Dr Ronald Nazareth.
The guest of honour, Bhaskar Naik, managing director, Petropath Fluids Ltd, is known for integrating chemistry with industry through innovative approaches. An environmentalist and multifaceted personality, he was welcomed by Dr Rachel Natasha Mary, head, department of chemistry.
The programme was presided over by Dr Ronald Nazareth, registrar, St Aloysius (Deemed to be University). Other dignitaries included Dr Asha Abraham (Director, LCRI Block), Dr Aruna Kalkur (dean of physical sciences and director, Xavier Block), Dr Vinola Z Rodrigues (assistant dean of physical sciences, PG programme co-ordinator) Dr Rachel Natasha Mary (head, department of chemistry), Jyothi Simav Vaz (staff convenor) and Dr Roshan D’Souza (staff convenor).
The conference was formally inaugurated with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp, followed by the release of the Book of Abstracts by the chief guest and the dignitaries.
In his address, Bhaskar Naik emphasized the importance of sustainable industrial practices and the role of chemistry in ensuring environmental protection. Drawing from his experience, he highlighted the need for a shift in societal mindset to achieve net-zero carbon emissions.
The presidential address by Dr Ronald Nazareth emphasized the role of chemistry as the central science and the importance of research culture in addressing global challenges.
The keynote address by Dr Beeraiah Baire focused on sustainable chemistry and the twelve principles of green chemistry, stressing waste prevention, atom economy, safer synthesis, renewable feedstocks, catalysis, and energy-efficient processes as essential strategies for environmental sustainability.
Technical session-I was delivered by Dr J Judith Vijaya, associate professor, Loyola College, Chennai, recognized among the world’s top 2% scientists in Materials Science. Her talk on biomass-derived carbon nanomaterials highlighted graphene-based materials and their biomedical and sensing applications. She discussed sustainable synthesis using biomass sources and emphasized their role in achieving Sustainable Development Goals.
Technical session-II was conducted by Dr Sudhakar Prasad, professor, Yenepoya Research Centre. His session focused on innovative diagnostic sensors for early disease detection, including paper-based and thermal sensors for leptospirosis. He also discussed sustainable energy solutions such as electrochemical water splitting for hydrogen production.
The conference also featured poster presentations with participation from around 30 teams. The posters were evaluated by Dr Sudhakara Prasad (professor, Yenepoya University) and Dr Richard Gonsalves (former head, department of chemistry).
The valedictory session was held at Sanidhya Hall. The conference concluded successfully, providing a valuable platform for knowledge exchange and promoting research in sustainable chemistry. All participants expressed that the conference was highly enriching and insightful.