India has a long tradition of scientific culture. Acahrya P C Ray advocated 'We have reason to believe that ancient India was the cradle of Mathematical sciences'. Acharya's book, 'A History of Hindu Chemistry' gives detailed account of our scientific heritage and Indian contribution to science. In the pre-independence British period, some great scientists took giant efforts to revive our scientific tradition. Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray was pioneer among them.
India having the third largest number of scientific human resources and fast growing developing nation is at at the verge of many basic issues which can be addressed through the intervention of science and technology. In the world of scientific community India is going to contribute the biggest number of young scientists and technocrats. National Young Scientists' Conference at Kolkata is one of the largest conglomeration of Young scientists and students of India discussing and debating their research findings and the present scenario in the Indian Context. The need as well as the issues related to scientific research in many fields will be discussed in groups and together with the policy makers and the great scientists of the country.
Acharya PC Ray the( 2 August 1861) father of Indian Chemical Industry and a role model in the scientific world is a real inspiration and guiding force for the younger generation. This conference has been dedicated to Acharya PC RAY to commemorate his 150th Birth anniversary to highlight his contributions.
Acharya started his journey as teacher and scientist in Presidency College in 1889 and continued there till his retirement at 1916 and thereafter completed his journey and spent rest of his life from 1916 to 1936 in University College of Science, Calcutta University where he founded the department of Chemistry and breathed his last in a room at the campus. Both the Universities nourished and cherished by Acharya PC Ray's presence and contributions have joined together with Vivekananda Vijnan Mission (Bengal chapter of Vijnana Bharati) to organise this Young Scientists' Conference. This is the third National Young Scientists' Conference by Vijnana Bharati.
The 12th January, Swami Vivekananda's birth day is declared as National Youth Day by Govt of India. The 12th Jan,2012 is 150th birth day of Swami Vivekananda. Accordingly dates have been selected to observe this great occasion.
We are most privileged and confident in announcing this unique scientific meet at the premises of Presidency University and Calcutta University. The patronage and Support of Dr.T Ramasami, Secretary, DST, GOI and Prof SK Brahmachary, DG, CSIR and many other highly recognized institutions and individuals will truly create a new road map and high enthusiasm in the thought process of Indian Youngsters.