Rigorous efforts needed for world-class research in STEM: BIT Mesra VC

National Science Day celebrated at CSIR-NML

Jamshedpur: CSIR-National Metallurgical Laboratory (NML) celebrated National Science Day 2025 on March 10 in collaboration with The National Academy of Sciences, Jharkhand Chapter, and the Indian National Academy of Engineering. The event was graced by Prof. Pratim Kumar Chattaraj, Distinguished Professor, BIT Mesra, and Asaad Ahsan Raza from the Geological Survey of India (GSI), Jharkhand. Dr. Abhilash (MNASc) moderated the program.

Delivering the welcome address, Dr. Sandip Ghosh Chowdhury, Director, NML, highlighted the contributions of eminent scientists in nation-building and the promotion of science in India. He also spoke about India’s rich scientific legacy.

Prof. Indranil Manna, Vice-Chancellor, BIT Mesra, and Chairman, NASI Jharkhand Chapter, emphasized the importance of advancing world-class research in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) to achieve the vision of Viksit Bharat. He discussed various facets of science, including energy conversion, materials science, metallurgy, and clean energy. He also recounted the contributions of Indian scientists since World War I and stressed the need for rigorous research efforts.

Prof. Chattaraj, in his theme lecture, delved into chemistry, physics, and metallurgy, citing the pioneering work of Sir C.V. Raman. He elaborated on Raman’s contributions to light scattering, Rayleigh scattering, and spectroscopy, highlighting his efforts in promoting Indian science on the global stage.

Asaad Ahsan Raza shed light on critical metals in Jharkhand and emphasized the role of CSIR-NML in lithium and rare earth element (REE) reserve exploitation.

The event saw enthusiastic participation, with 135 students and 75 researchers from NML attending the discussions.