National Science Day is celebrated in India every year on 28^thFebruary to celebrate discovery of the Raman effect by Sir C.V. Raman. The day also commemorates contributions of scientists towards the development of the nation. This year, the theme of National Science Day is "Empowering Indian Youth for Global Leadership in Science & Innovation for Viksit Bharat."

On this occasion, the AcSIR Science Club of CSIR-IIP organized an event “AAGAZ 3.0”. The event was graced by Shri Gopal Joshi, ED & Head, KDMIPE, ONGC as Chief Guest and Dr. Bharat Newalkar, Chief General Manager (R&D), BPCL as Guest of Honour. The inaugural programme was initiated by lamp lighting followed by Saraswati Vandana. Ms.Ekta, Student Coordinator-Science Club gave an overview of the activities of the AcSIR Science Club of CSIR-IIP. Dr. Sanat Kumar, Chairman, Organizing Committee of AAGAZ 3.0 welcomed all on this occasion and informed about the importance and significance of National Science Day.

Dr.Harender Singh Bisht, Director CSIR-IIP, informed the august gathering that this year's theme focuses on encouraging young minds, recognizing ground-breaking contributions, and celebrating India's scientific achievements towards the Viksit Bharat. He mentioned that this required a different thinking way beyond laboratory-bound scientific research if we have to go and serve society and deliver a sustainable solution for the planet.

Dr. Bharat Newalkar, Chief General Manager (R&D), BPCL, the Guest of Honour of the event, mentioned societal challenges like health issues, climatic change, clean and efficient energy, security, etc., and the role of every citizen to take the societal challenges as we all are eligible, capable, responsible. He also mentioned that Womenshould be given more opportunities to participate in research and innovations.

Shri Gopal Joshi, Chief Guest of the event addressed audience and emphasized need of three qualities in our scientific endeavours: persistence, deep observation and revalidation. He gave the example of WD-40, anti-dust spray, which was successfully launched after 40 attempts. He also discussed the oil and gas exploration and well drilling in the Himalayas, West Bengal, and across India which requires a lot of persistence and adaptability. While discussing current energy scenario, he remarked that Petroleum is going to stay for a long and stressed the importance of buddingyoung scientists in solving nation`s problem and leading towards Viksit Bharat.

On this day the doctorate students showed immense enthusiasm in the celebration. More than 200 students participated in different events like Rangoli on Visksit Bharat theme, photography based on natural beauty of Uttarakhand, graphical abstract competition based on lab safety theme, etc.

Later in the day, the Oil Marketing Companies (OMC) organized the valedictory function of the 15-day SAKSHAM programme in the CSIR-IIP auditorium. SAKSHAM programme, initiated by Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas is aimed at creating awareness among masses for conserving petroleum resource. On this occasion, Hemant Rathore, ED, IOCL, stressed upon the need for circular economy, Dr H S Bisht, Director , CSIR-IIP expressed that the requirement of fossil fuel is bound to increase in coming years and there is a dire need to improve energy efficiency while simultaneously focusing on renewable energy. The chief guest of Valedictory session Mr Amit Kumar Sinha, IPS and ADG (UK police) stressed upon the importance of the general masses in driving energy conservation efforts. The Chief Guest also administered an energy conservation pledge on this occasion. This was followed by a Nukkad Natak depicting the need to save energy and prize distribution to the Winners of the Energy Conservation Quiz conducted at CSIR-IIP by SAKSHAM team.

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NKR/PSM

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