Little did we young Aryaanites know that the afternoon of the 16th of October would become so engaging to resemble a dream; thanks to Prof. BK Mishra and Prof. P Bahadur who gifted us with their experience in the field and their vision for the world. The talk that ensued captivated us for next 1hr and 30mins. Prof. BK Mishra spoke to us first. He narrated his journey from being a part of the townsfolk, to breaking the norms and becoming a IITian. Prof began by bringing to light the ambitious nature of his generation the way they were desperate to serve the society in their own ways and with their own talents. He also told the limited ambit of academic and educational opportunities which made them think twice before taking up any serious non-mainstream fields. And this made us realize the endless opportunities that our generation has access to. He also expressed on how his generation went ahead with the limited resources they had at their disposal to achieve the unprecedented. Further on he commended the present generation’s talent and expertise but also said that we were a little un-innovative and had to improve on it. Later, Prof. spoke about the latest plans for the IIT Goa which is very new. He said that the students who faced confusion over the working and life at IITs would be counselled regarding the same. The theme of IIT Goa as per the plans of Prof. BK Mishra is ‘think, learn and choose to become’, which is very rare and unique to see. With this Prof. passed the baton of presentation to Prof. P Bahadur who then took us inside molecules and showed us the world of nanoparticle and explained the various applications of the same. He began by telling us that the nanotech always existed but not recognized as an independent science until recently. He said nanotech would have more applications than any other science as today is about minimizing. Prof. focused on the application of nanotech in cancer treatment. He said that hyperthermia was an effective way of limiting the cancer from spreading to other parts the body.in this treatment he said that the area of the cancer was exposed to about 46oC which was correct temperature to weaken the cancer cells. He said the nanoparticles could be used to increase the efficacy of the anticancer drug. The nanoparticle for this purpose had to be a biochemical or a chemical that didn’t harm the human body. Hyperthermia coupled with nanotech could ensure excellent drug delivery. The nanoparticle first injected in the body with the drug which is administered separately and then the body is subjected to 46oC and this weakens the cancer and activates the nanoparticle and the magnetic properties of the nanoparticle pull the drug diffused in the blood to the cancerous site and destroyed it. Such a treatment entailed insignificant no. or no side effects which was a definite plus point. He later explained us the various experiments and their results and observations wrt this treatment. Later the maestros of science satisfied all our curiosities.
With this, another extraordinary session by the 2 of the many leaders of industries and academics came to a conclusion and I had the honor to propose the Vote of Thanks to these 2 men of brilliance.
Sessions like these not only complete our education but also give an insight into the life outside the books and schools,our Director sir VPD uses all his contacts to complete education making the ASC the best place to learn.
Nandini Rangnekar,
11th REG