Chandigarh April 10, 2023
One day seminar on “Role of Indian Scientists and Scientific Institutions in Pre-independent India” with special emphasis on the life and contributions of Shri Ruchi Ram Sahni under the aegis of Ministry of Culture and Chandigarh Vigyan Parishad was conducted successfully on 10th April, 2023, at the Department of Biotechnology, Panjab University, Chandigarh. Professor Kashmir Singh, Convenor for the seminar, welcomed the distinguished guests, speakers and participants. The seminar was graced with the special presence of our honourable guests, Professor Ashok Sahni (Grand-son of Shri Ruchi Ram Sahni), former Dean University Instructions (DUI), Panjab University; Prof. R. C. Sobti, former Vice-Chancellor, Panjab University; Prof. K. N. Pathak, former VC, PU; Prof. Arun Grover, former VC, PU, Prof. S. K. Tomar, VC, JC Bose University; Dr. Rita Jain, Principal, DAV College, Principal Arya; Dr. Jayanti Datta, Deputy Director, UGC-Human Resource Development Centre. The book on the life of Shri Ruchi Ram Sahni was released by the dignitaries.
Dr. Jayanti Datta, Deputy Director UGC-Human Resource Development Centre, introduced the theme of the seminar. Prof. K. N. Pathak, former Vice-Chancellor, Panjab University talked about his reminiscence of how the south campus of Panjab University was developed by the collective efforts of VCs of PU.
Prof. Arun Grover, former VC, Panjab University, also shared his experience that how they made joint efforts to provide recognition to the glorious contributions of Prof. Ruchi Ram Sahni by releasing the postal Stamp on his name at Panjab University. Prof S. K. Tomar, VC, JC Bose University, talked about the long history of Indian science and its scientific contributions at the global level. Prof. R. C. Sobti, former VC, Panjab University, delivered a lecture on the history of scientific discoveries and development in India from the Vedic era to modern age. Professor Ashok Sahni, former Dean University Instructions (DUI), Panjab University, gave a brief history on his grandfather Shri Ruchi Ram Sahni and also talked about his contributions as a scientist, an educationist and a social reformer during the pre-partition era.
Invited dignitaries from institutions like IMTECH Chandigarh, INST Mohali and Faculty and students from different departments of Panjab University, attended the event. After the seminar, debate, declamation and quiz competitions were also organized among the students on the contributions of Indian scientists in science and technology.
