The Hindu Business Line : Science Congress at Andhra University: Then and now

It was way back in 1976 that the Indian Science Congress was held for the first time in Andhra University and more than three decades later it is being held again from Thursday for five days in the university. Visakhapatnam — then a small port town — has now become one of the fastest-growing cities in the country in recent times and the prestigious annual event, therefore, assumes added significance in the context.

It was during the days of Emergency that the late Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, arrived here along with her son, Sanjay Gandhi, to inaugurate the congress. J. Vengal Rao, Chief Minister then, accompanied her. Prof L. Bullayya was the Vice-chancellor then and Prof B. Ramachandra Rao, Head of the Physics Department in the university and the convener of the congress, distinguished himself by overseeing the arrangements efficiently.

Impressed with his performance in organising the Science Congress, it is said, Mrs Gandhi nominated him twice to the Rajya Sabha and he was also made the Vice-Chairman of the University Grants Commission later.

The distinguished professor dreamt of setting up a space research centre in Visakhapatnam and prepared a blueprint for it. But unfortunately his dreams could not be realised.

Now, under the leadership of Vice-Chancellor Mr L. Venugopala Reddy, the Science Congress is being held here again. Prof R. Ramamurthi, president of the Indian Science Congress Society and former vice-chancellor of Sri Venkateswara University, is an alumnus of Andhra University.

According to Prof Ramamurthi, 500 scientists from abroad and 3,000 from different parts of the country are likely to participate in the Congress. Three Nobel laureates will give special lectures.

The celebrated trio

Prof Robert Curl Jr of Houston, considered the father of nanotechnology, will deliver a lecture on his subject. Prof Roger D. Kornberg of Stanford University (California), will speak on the topic titled ‘Beyond Genes’.

Dr Paul Nurse, President of the Rockefeller Foundation, will speak on great ideas of biology.

Prof M.S Swaminathan, eminent agricultural scientist, along with Prof Jefferey McNeely from Switzerland, will speak on global warming. Prof E.G.C. Sudarshan, University of Texas, will speak on ‘the substratum of the universe”.

Main theme

The focal theme of the Science Congress will be developing a knowledge-based society using environmentally sustainable science and technology, says Prof Ramamurthi.

“It is of great relevance in the Indian context at present, as the economy is growing at 9 per cent. Science and technology, which degrade and deplete the environment, should be discouraged in our quest to become a developed nation. Ecological sustainability is, therefore, the key question and the Congress will concentrate on it,” he explains.

Prof Venugopala Reddy is of the view that the Science Congress presents a great opportunity for the academics here and the general public as well to acquaint themselves with some of the greatest minds in different fields of science and technology.

“Besides, the university and the city stand to gain a lot, as it will open up several opportunities,” adds the Vice-Chancellor.

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