Srinagar, May 28: The ongoing five-day International Conference on Nanotechnology entered its fourth day with a solemn tribute to two eminent scientists who played a pivotal role in advancing the frontiers of science and engineering.
The conference organizers organized memorial lectures in honour of Padmashri Prof Kasturi Lal Chopra and Prof A R Chesti, paying homage to their remarkable contributions and indelible legacies.
During the conference, Prof M A Shah, the Head of the Department of Physics at NIT Srinagar, took the opportunity to shed light on the profound impact left by Prof Chopra and Prof Chesti in their respective fields. Their names, he proclaimed, would forever be etched in the annals of scientific history.
Prof Kasturi Lal Chopra, born on 31 July 1933 in Chahal Kalan, Gujranwala district of the pre-Independence state of Punjab, distinguished himself as a materials physicist and former director of the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur.
As the founder of the Thin Film Laboratory at IIT Delhi and the Microscience Laboratory at IIT Kharagpur, Prof Chopra held numerous US and Indian patents, making significant contributions to the field of nanotechnology.
Prof Chopra was renowned for his expertise in thin film technology, authoring several influential books on the subject.
The accolades he received during his illustrious career included the prestigious Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize, India’s highest award in science and technology.
In 2008, the Government of India bestowed upon him the Padma Shri, the country’s fourth highest civilian honor, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to science and engineering.
Prof Shah highlighted Prof Chopra’s impressive track record, which included supervising 60 PhDs, publishing over 430 research papers, and transferring 10 know-hows to the industry.
Turning the spotlight to Prof A R Chesti, Dr Shah emphasized his significant accomplishments as a distinguished scholar, educator, and administrator who left an indelible mark on the fields of engineering and education.
Prof Chesti served as the principal of the erstwhile Regional Engineering College Srinagar, which is now NIT Srinagar.
He also held the position of Chairman of the Institution of Engineers (IEI) J&K State Centre from 1985 to 1988. His leadership and vision contributed to the growth and development of engineering education in the region, inspiring countless students and fostering excellence in the field.
The memorial lectures held during the conference served as a poignant reminder of the immense contributions made by Prof Chopra and Prof Chesti. Their pioneering research, invaluable teachings, and influential roles as mentors have shaped the present and future of nanotechnology and engineering.
The international scientific community gathered at the conference expressed deep gratitude for their dedication, passion, and profound impact on the world of science.
As the conference progresses, participants and attendees continue to engage in discussions, and presentations, furthering the frontiers of nanotechnology and harnessing the knowledge imparted by these exemplary scholars.
The memorial lectures, Prof Shah said, will undoubtedly inspire generations of researchers, scientists, and engineers to carry forward the legacies of Prof Chopra and Prof Chesti, as they strive to push the boundaries of human knowledge and innovation.
