THE BRICS NATIONS – PRESENT SENARIO AND WAY FORWARD - Chandrika Yadav, Amity University, Gurgaon

      THE BRICS NATIONS –PRESENT SENARIO AND WAY FORWARD

BRICS-is the acronym for an association of five major emerging national economies: BRAZIL, RUSSIA,INDIA, CHINA and SOUTH AFRICA. The grouping was originally known as ‘BRIC’ before the inclusion of South Africa in 2010.The BRICS nations are all developing or newly industrialised countries, but they are distinguished by their large , fast growing economies and significant influence on regional and global affairs.

BRICS –Brazil, Russia, India, South Africa and   China – these countries have become a rage in the past decade and the darlings of the investors aboard. But, if we see these countries` current growth rates then  the picture seem to be changing and the prognosis is in fact not very good .Some eminent personalities like Mr. Ruchir Sharma , head of the emerging markets equity and global macro at Morgan Stanley Investment Management company has tagged the term ‘BRICS’–“AS A MERE MARKETING PLOY”. He also opines that the clubbing of these economies together is also something which is peculiar in its own sense. These countries have their own objectives and goals to achieve and sometimes even contradictory for that matter and hence clubbing them together is not a very good idea but rather a gimmick to affect people`s /investors expectations.

The problems concerning BRICS are many. The most prominent one are crowding out of private investment and a formation of a state that is no longer affordable with a weak infrastructure through excessive state intervention in Brazil .In India, policy paralysis, corruption, crony capitalism, high fiscal deficit and current account deficit are some of the problems. In China, unlike the other BRICS nations, state intervention has up till been very honest and intelligent but we see state intervention in every corporation. In case of, Russia, the instability of an authoritarian regime with Putin as its leader is one of the dangers looming over it. In South Africa, there`s a sense of complacency that is keeping the government from triggering reforms. During 1980-90, SA developed an economy heavily under state control and rest in the hands of cartels. Sadly, the situation is pretty much the same even today.

BRICS will need to simultaneously deal with their capacity constraints, the inflation pressures and the effects of financial markets volatility on the capital flows and exchange rate .As Oliver Blanchard (Chief Economist at the International Monetary Fund since September 1, 2008) made clear, “these countries will not grow at the rate they did before the (financial) crisis.”

*Student, MA (Economics) mobile: 9910401654 & Asst. Professor, Amity School of Economics, mobile: 9910772084

According to Fitch(Fitch Rating Inc. is a jointly owned subsidiary of Hearst Corporation and FIMALAC ) India will be the only BRICS country where growth picks up in 2014, to 5.6% with an expected further increase to 6.5% in 2015 and 2016 due to expected business improvement.

On the other hand, the rating agencies see the Chinese economy witnessing a slowdown in the years to come. Fitch expects China`s GDP growth to moderate to 7.2% in 2014,6.8% in 2015 and 6.5% in 2016.Where as Brazilian economy is expected to annually change by 2.5%(2013) and that of South Africa is of 1.9%(2013) and Russia 1.3%(2013).

The present situation of BRICS nations is somewhat not –so-suprising.Between2003-2011, GDP in current prices grew by 35% in the US, 36% in Great Britain where as during the same time period and the GDP of BRIC nations witnessed a tremendous increase. For example China’s GDP expanded by 346%,Brazil by 38%, India at 203% and Russia by around 331%.But this expansion in nominal GDP did not happen only in BRICS but also in other countries as well which did not enjoy as much limelight as the former. The hidden fact behind these astounding statistics is that expansion induced by real increase in output was really meagre in these nations. For example, in case of Brazil, only 11%of the nominal GDP expansion could be attributed to increase in real output.

One of the problems common to these nations is lack of financial deepening and naturally financial illiteracy. For instance, in India there is staggering 80% of the population outside the ambit of its banking system. China has reached that level of per capita income where it has to establish more and better financial institutions for better appropriation of funds. The same goes for other countries too!

Brazil has managed its interest rates , exchange rates and foreign funds flows along with diversification of commodities it export to avoid vulnerability, build better infrastructure to increase efficiency in the system. If Russia also invests in infrastructure diverting funds from altruistic state welfare expenditure, its productivity will hopefully increase. If India can rein in its never ending scams, bring back the black money from tax havens, let its central bank work independently, it still has a big role in global economy. Government of India has already started taking reform measures like providing 100% access to bank accounts the people, trying to bring black money back etc. China is already shifting its focus from investment induced to consumption based growth. It is also keeping its currency from appreciating which until now has been the biggest of all factors in driving its exports up. South African government has encouraged more savings and investment, liberalisation of product market regulation, easier access to credit for small businesses as a measure to its problem.

Brazil, Russia and South Africa have witnessed growth rates heavily dependent on external commodity demand. Today, with China investing heavily in alternate sources of energy, global slowdown and other factors have probably put a halt to their growth stories.

One thing that is very much evident is that the BRICS economies have increased their real productivities and are also tackling their domestic issues. In fact whenever crisis hit hard, they do the “cleaning up” of the mess by dealing the situation with proper set of reforms and before it’s too late. Take for instance; situations did worsen in India till the famous economic reforms salvaged the economy from collapse in 1991.

 Economists like Swaminathan S.Ankaleshwar Aiyar (prominent Indian journalist and columnist) have portended of a next Asian Financial Crisis but has admitted that the impact would not going as hard as the earlier crisis faced by the global economy.

We can conclude by saying that the party is not over for these countries and it is the time that BRICS nations take a central stage on the international platform, to reflect them as a growing and stable economies. If the BRICS tackle problems of the respective economies, by channelizing potential and resources with the help of each other, the chances of success will be more.

The bust of a boom can only be delayed by ahiatus !

.       -ChandrikaYadav

-Dr.Meenal Sharma*

AMITY MEDICAL SCHOOL MEDICAL CAMP REPORT (PADA VILLAGE, 13 JAN 2015)

AMITY MEDICAL SCHOOL

MEDICAL CAMP REPORT (PADA VILLAGE, 13 JAN 2015)

1. Medical camp at Pada village was organised on 13 Jan 2015 by dept of Public Health under the aegis of AMS, Amity University Gurgaon.

Following departments of AMS participated:-

- Dept of Optometry
- Dept of Audiology
- Dept of DAN
- Dept of Medical Lab Technology

No. of patients screened:-

- Dept of Optometry                                       106
- Dept of Audiology                                         67
- Dept of Public Health                                  Medical pts- 73, Dental pts- 60
- Dept of Medical Lab Technology               25

2. Patients were examined for their ailments by team of doctors from the dept. of Public Health including dental Surgeons (students of MPH)
3. Patients requiring blood tests and other investigations were directed to report to the lab test by dept of Medical Lab Technology.
4. Group discussion / lectures were organised for pts and the family members accompanying them on following health related topics,

• Health hygiene and sanitation, prevention of water n food borne diseases.
• Prevention of life style diseases n food hygiene.
• Dental hygiene and dental care.
• Talk on balanced diet. Dietary supplements.
• Talk on care of eyes.

5. Pts requiring vision testing/ refraction were examined n disposed of by dept of optometry. Pts requiring further interventions were adv to report to the optometry clinic, Amity University.
6. Dept of Audiology carried out hearing test and those requiring further inv were adv to report to Audiology clinic in the University.
7. Pts requiring further investigation / intervention / referral to district hosp were referred / advised accordingly.

Industrial Visit – The Westin, Gurgaon

Event Organized by        :  ASH/CRC

Coordinated by                : Ms. Pooja Iyer / Mr. Akshay Nain

Name of Event                  :  Industrial Visit

Date & Time                     : 20 January 2015, 10:00am to 03:00pm

Venue                                : The Westin, Gurgaon

Participants                      : Students of B.Sc HM 2^nd Semester and BATA 2^nd Semester

Brief Description of the Event:

1. The visit started from Amity University Gurgaon at 10:00 am on Tuesday, 20^th January 2015.
2. All the students were gathered at the campus, attendance was taken and grooming was checked, and were then allowed to board the traveller along with the 2 Faculty Members.
3. It took almost 1 hour to reach the The Westin, Gurgaon.
4. The entry was permitted from the back office and and everyone was asked to fill the Visitor’s Log Book. 
5. After the Security Check, everybody was seated at the Presentation Room were an introductory round was held by Mr. Musab (Asst. Training Manager, HR).
6. Then all the students were taken for a property round by Mr. Musab.
7. They were shown all the core areas of a hotel and were very well explained about the functions taking place in the respective departments by the departmental representatives.
8. Once the property round was completed, again everyone was seated in the presentation room.
9. A Question/Answer Round was held and the visit ended with a thank you note from both the sides.
10. The time out entry was made in the Visitor’s Log Book.
11. A group photograph was taken in the end.
12. Areas shown were:

• Time Office
• Receiving Bay
• Food Production (Kitchens)
• Housekeeping ( Laundry, Uniform and Linen Room, Control Desk, Executive Housekeeper’s Cabin, etc)
• F&B Service ( Restaurants)
• Front Office ( Entrance, Reception, Lounge, Reservations, etc)
• Other Areas ( Sales, Marketing, Finance, Human Resource, etc)

Nutrition for Approaching Winters - Asst. Prof., Amity University, Gurgaon

The approaching winters can succept an individual to catch colds and fevers more often. Now there are certain steps one can take to minimize the risk of getting infected to any disease.

1. Vitamin C supplementation has shown to make colds milder and shorter. The foods rich in Vitamin C and which are beneficial are Amla, Lemon, Guava, Oranges and sprouted pulses.

2. Another tip is to eat plenty of probiotics, healthy bacteria that can protect the body from infection. Probiotics are added to some brands of yoghurt, (Yakult) a good food to include as snack or for breakfast, or use it as a healthy base for vegetable dip made with dry dressing and dip mix for example :  mix with white sauce used for pasta making or mix all vegetables such as broccoli + lettuce leaves + black grapes + tomato + green chillies + PROBIOTIC CURD. This is very tasty and healthy salad. This salad contains all the antioxidants, phyto -chemicals and Vitamin C that boost your immunity.

3.  Another tip to help moms and kids boost their immune systems is to eat foods that are rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C and beta-carotene. These are found in foods such as cabbage, broccoli, citrus fruit, sweet potato and spinach.

4. Increasing your zinc intake can also help you fight off infections. Foods rich in zinc include fish, poultry, eggs, milk and unprocessed grains and cereals.

Dr Luxita Sharma

Asst Professor and HOD,

Dietetics and Applied Nutrition, 

Amity Medical School, 

Amity University Gurgaon

Day-5 of INSPIRE Five Day Internship Programme Organized By Amity University Gurgaon

Amity University, Haryana

Inspire

(Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research)

 Five Day Internship Programme: December 16 – 20, 2014

DAY 5: A Report

The fifth day of INSPIRE programme started by 10:15 AM with a session on ‘Optometry’. The session was conducted by Prof. Geetanjali Asthana and Prof. Sushant, faculty Optometry Amity University, Gurgaon.

They showed a presentation on the ‘wonders of human eye’ by Bosh and Lomb. Then Prof. Geetanjali discussed on the human eye. She says ‘eyes works like a camera’. She told retina is at the back of the eye and is known ‘Film of the eyes’. She further discussed common eye diseases that are as follows:

 Refractive errors

 Squint

 Cataract

 Glaucoma

 Night Blindness

She focused on symptoms of eye diseases.

Then Prof. Shantanu discussed the treatment to cure the ‘Refractive errors’. Later he discussed types of spectacles. He also discussed how to protect the spectacle lenses. He discussed computer vision syndrome (Headache, Blurry vision, Burning eyes, Eye fatigue, Eye irritation etc.) Then he discussed ways to prevent computer vision syndrome.

Prof. Geetanjali discussed about contact lenses and different types of it. She even differentiated between contact lenses and spectacles. She focused on tips to maintain good eye vision.

In the end she told all about optometry and how one can be an optometrist. She even talked about courses in optometry at Amity.

After this session there was short tea break.

By 11:30 AM a session on ‘Nanotechnology’ was conducted by Prof (Dr) MP Srivastava, Department of Physics and Astrophysics University of Delhi. He talked on discovery of ‘Higgs boson’. He says ‘cosmos is full of energy’. Further he talked on ‘Nano particles’. He said ‘Nano particles were used early in ancient times’. He told Carbon-Nano particles were found on the sword of Tipu Sultan and sculpture of Khujrao. He later discussed the meaning and need of Nano-technology. He said ‘Nano-technology is the study of 100-1000 atoms or 1-100nm’. He focused on the benefits from Nano-technology. Then he talked on the correlation between technology & culture. He said ‘Nano-technology will lead to increase in integrated research of IC’s’. He discussed on various microscopes that can capture Nano particles like Scanning electron microscope, Scanning tunnelling microscope and many more.

He explained the Cartesian equation for first, second & third dimension. He talked on Nano fabrication usage in labs and industries. He asked the students about plasma and said ‘the fourth state of matter with overall charge neutrality’. He also asked the five states of matters to which the students replied with confidence. He showed the charged particles manipulation by electric and magnetic field. 

He showed dense plasma focus device which is at Delhi University that produces plasma high density. He showed advantages of plasma Nano Fabrication. He later discussed the application of Nano particles.

He talked on Hazards of Nano particles as how they can harm us (Asthma, Chronic pulmonary diseases, Cancer and Neurogenerative diseases). In the end of his lecture he gave his email to the students to clarify their doubts.

In the end Prof (Dr.) MP Srivastava was felicitated by Mr. PK Madhwa 

After this session the students were escorted to visit around the lush green campus of Amity University, Haryana.

Then the students gathered back in the ‘B’ block for Lunch.

After the Lunch by 2:45PM Prof (Dr.) PB Sharma, Vice-Chancellor, AUH welcomed the guest of honor Prof (Dr.) Ajit Verma and chief guest Er Anuj Sinha with flowers.

Dr. PB Sharma introduced the chief guest to the students and welcomed everyone to the valedictory function of INSPIRE programme Dr. Sharma said that after a successful learning sessions all of the students should be curious who will desire to develop technology and new capabilities. He asked the students to be the shadow of God and don't be a monster & destroy the environment.

He said that to understand science- physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics is not different all are inter dependent after all the world is created by all these elements.

He says ‘Everything in the world follows the laws of physics, math’s , chemistry & biology’

He explained how our former President APJ Abdul Kalam designed so much with the help of science and engineering.

Dr. Sharma further said ‘at Amity University Haryana we engage in interdisciplinary between science and engineering by developing, researching and achieving goals. He asked the students to break the barriers of technology and make a better sustainable world. In the end he wished all the students a successful career ahead.

By 3:10 PM a brief report on INSPIRE programme was given by Prof (Dr.) Vikas Madhukar, Director Admissions and Dy. Director Amity Business School, AUH. He introduced how Amity University Haryana started the INSPIRE programme and how this five day programme gave the opportunity to students to interact with the highly skilled scientist of the country.

By 3:25 PM the Guest of Honor Prof (Dr.) Ajit Verma, Distinguished Scientist & Professor of Eminence, Amity Institute of Microbial Technology, Vice Chairman Amity Science, Technology & Innovation Foundation, AUUP addressed the gathering.

He explained what is microbe. He said ‘Microbes can make u smile or laugh’. He told that 99% of microbes are health microbes example ‘Dahi’. He said ‘90% microbes in the soil are unknown’. He told that he published a book on ‘Mycorrhiza’.

He explained the Anatomy of root. He said that he travelled around the world but the Indian scientists are the best, intelligent and clever. He also talked about his new discovered fungus ‘Piriformospora Indica’. He told his story how he struggled to get his work patented. He talked how he made advancement with the fungus by using Nano-technology and got it patented. In the end he said ‘Microbes can make you laugh, Microbes can make you cry’ and wished all the students a bright future ahead.

After this the Guest of Eminence Dr. W Selvamurthy, President, Amity Science, Technology & Innovation Foundation at Amity University & Ex-Distinguished Scientist &Chief Controller R&D addressed the gathering. He says ‘Science and Technology is the key to development’. He said that India has the world’s third most economic power (Military power & Knowledge power). He promised that India can be a developed nation by year 2020. He said ‘science is beautiful and exciting’. He explained the role of science and technology in history of India. He later showcased Indian Missiles such as BRAHMOS (supersonic cruise missile), combat battle weapons such as ARJUN tank and various soldier health innovations. He discussed the space science in India. In the end he gave a message to the students he said ‘you can contribute to nation building by exceling in whatever career you choose’.   

After this the chief guest  Er. Anuj Sinha, Chairman of the Board of NCSTC- Network and ex-head NCSTC, Ministry of science and technology addressed the gathering. He asked the students to study well and appealed the students to make the most use of INSPIRE programme. He says ‘every lecture is just giving you a small trailer of every field but which field you have to choose is your call’. He explained the students that they are fortunate to have the opportunities that they have got because everyone is not fortunate in life. He says Math’s is essential in life and he knows as he is an engineer. He says ‘science is a human enterprise which is very unique and helps you to work across continents’. He asked the students to make friends with science and scientists. In the end he says ‘INSPIRE logo inspires you to grow’.

In the end Dr. PB Sharma felicitated Er. Anuj Sinha, Dr. W Selvamurthy and Dr. Ajit Verma with saplings.

There after Mr. Sachin Juneja and Dr. PB Sharma felicitated all the school coordinators.

To end the programme Maj Gen GS Bal, Dean Student’s welfare, Amity University Haryana gave the vote of thanks. He talks about the introduction of INSPIRE programme in 2012 when there were 200 students who participated which counts about 4000 students who got inspired to date.

He says ‘keep your feet grounded with good values’. He says INSPIRE is possible by the active efforts of the Science & Technological Department of India. 

Around 50 students stayed in the campus of Amity University, Haryana. These students were from DPS Alwar, SA Jain modern school Ambala, and Tagore school Pehowa. The students enjoyed the campus life. They had all the sports & adventure activities. And learned what it is to be in a university campus. 

All the students had an interaction with the Prof (Dr) PB Sharma, Vice-Chancellor, Amity University, Gurgaon. He said ‘Students should focus on research and innovation’.

The students were happy to have such a wonderful experience at Amity and were enthusiastic to pursue with science’s and do best in their career.

Faculty Coordinator - Mr. Gaurav Arora

Student Coordinator - Meenakshi, Aditya, Karan Pratap Singh

Day-4 of INSPIRE Five Day Internship Programme Organized By Amity University Gurgaon

Amity University, Haryana

Inspire

(Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research)

 Five Day Internship Programme: December 16 – 20, 2014

DAY 4: A Report

The fourth day of INSPIRE programme started with a session on ‘Forensic Demonstrations’ by Dr. G.S. Sodhi, Associate professor, University of Delhi, Department of Chemistry.

He spoke about the Nano particles and how Nano technology helps in research of CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation). He told how the ‘Khalsa College’ tried to use Nano technology to study ‘Nano particles of alumina’. He discussed about finger prints as how it is important for forensic science.

He talked on how adhesive duct tape is used to stick bombs on the body and how Bengal rose is used to take the finger prints from them.

He told that blood flows in a dead body for six hours. He said ‘3% of cases in the world are solved by Forensic Science and 97% of cases are solved by 3rd degree methods’. He discussed on post-mortem lividity. And showed students how a real crime case was solved. In the end he gave his e-mail to the students so they can clarify their dilemmas regarding any type of courses.

In the end Dr. G.S. Sodhi was felicitated by Associate Prof. (Dr.) Seema Pathak. After the session there was a short tea break.

At 11:30 AM there was a session on ‘Mathematics & Fun’ by Prof. (Dr.) C.K. Goel, HOD Mathematics, AIAS Amity University Noida.

He started the session by describing what Mathematics is. He describes ‘Nature works with laws of mathematics’. He said ‘Maths is how we perceive it, if you think it's easy it will be easy and if you think it's tough it's tough’. He told that Math’s is given top rank in mythology. He focuses on the need and importance of Mathematics in life. He says ‘you cannot ignore mathematics in life’. He refers Math’s to be fun. He gave an activity to the students which everyone anticipated on doing it. He gave an idea of Modern mathematics and introduced Chinese remainder theorem. In the end of his lecture he encouraged the students to not be afraid of Math’s, as Math’s is the key to everything.

In the end Prof. (Dr.) C.K. Goel was felicitated by Prof. (Dr.) Vikas Madhukar. At 12:30 PM biology students were asked to move to a separate lecture theatre were a session on ‘Tools and Techniques used in Biology Lab’ was conducted by Associate Prof. (Dr.) Pratibha.

She described stereozoom microscope and electron microscope. She discussed different types of flowers and plants and told about their uses. Explained the Asexual reproduction in flowers and focused on ‘Invitro pollen germination’.

The session was short and in the end Associate Prof. (Dr.) Pratibha was felicitated by Sqd. Ldr. SK Singh. After this there was a Lunch Break.

At 2:15 PM our Vice-Chancellor, Prof. (Dr.) PB Sharma welcomed and felicitated Dr. Ashok K. Chauhan, Founder President, Amity Education Group. Dr. Sharma put a few words to welcome Dr. Ashok Chauhan.

Dr. Ashok Chauhan said ‘I was supposed to be present in the closing up ceremony of a meeting but I cancelled the programme to see the inspired minds’. He said that all the students present in the INSPIRE internship programme at Amity are 9 & 10 pointers who have chosen science stream.

Dr. Chauhan asked the students ‘why is it so that many students with same kind of opportunity, same study, same teacher but only few manage to achieve success?’

A girl from DPS replied ‘will power’.

Dr. Chauhan then shared an experience where he accompanied his son to an interview in Oxford University. Later a question was asked to Dr. Chauhan that if his son is an exciting child or not. He humbly replied that your question is interesting and wise and exclaimed if being exiting is a good thing or a bad. Answered the interviewer Of-course!

Then he answered ‘Yes’ his son is an exciting child and therefore he is expecting all the other students present here to be exciting in whatever they do.

In the end Dr. Ashok K. Chauhan said ‘value of ambition in today’s world is full of competition’.

After Dr. Chauhan’s speech a General Knowledge question Quiz was conducted. There were 4 rounds in the Quiz and each round had 5 questions. There were five teams in the quiz. Following were the names of the schools with their scores:

(70) Amity School sector-43, Gurgaon

(50) Ryan International School, Gurgaon

(40) KV, NSG, Manesar

(20) Amity Sector-46, Gurgaon

(0) Aggarwal Public School

Out of all the teams Amity School sector-43, Gurgaon won the quiz. Everyone was thrilled to participate in the quiz contest. The students were happy to have an informative day.

Faculty Coordinator - Mr. Gaurav Arora

Student Coordinator - Meenakshi, Aditya, Karan Pratap Singh, Nitika

Day-3 of INSPIRE Five Day Internship Programme Organized By Amity University Gurgaon

Amity University, Haryana

Inspire

(Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research)

 Five Day Internship Programme: December 16 – 20, 2014

DAY 3: A Report

Dr J P Dudeja, Director, Amity insitute of laser technology addressing students on laser technology

Dr Shubhra das,HOD,Renewal Energy department addressing students

The third day of the programme started with the Vice Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) PB Sharma, Amity University Haryana welcoming his ex-colleague Prof. (Dr.) SK Dube, Vice-Chancellor, Amity University Rajasthan& Ex-Director IIT, Kharagpur. Prof. (Dr.) Sharma spoke on the growing economy of the nation and also discussed that with the growing economy we don’t have the sufficient resources. He discussed on increasing environmental pollution that is causing Asthma and Cancer. He asked the students to work towards creating a civic sense in the country. He encouraged and motivated the students by saying ‘you can do it with science to make a better tomorrow’ as science can do anything and make impossible come true.

Around 10:15 AM a session on ‘Tropical Cyclones’ was given by Prof(Dr) SK Dube, Vice-Chancellor, Amity University Rajasthan& Ex-Director IIT, Kharagpur.

He thanked Prof. (Dr.) PB Sharma and Prof. (Dr.) Vikas Madhukar for inviting him for this auspicious event. He discussed on tropical cyclones. Told how cyclones are formed, how they affect and what the results are. He described tropical cyclone as ‘intense arm core vortex that develops over Warm Ocean’. He further differentiated between cyclones in Northern hemisphere and southern hemisphere and explained the structure of tropical cyclone. Later he explained the difference between severe cyclones and super cyclones. Focused on ‘Storm Surge’ and showed a small clip related to it. In the end he asked the students to develop interest in the field of coastal & oceanic sciences to explore more.

In the end Prof. (Dr.) SK Dube was felicitated by Prof. (Dr.) Vikas Madhukar.

After the session there was a short tea break.

At 11:45 AM a session on ‘Miracles in Biotechnology: achieved and awaited’ was conducted by Prof. (Dr.) SM Paul Khurana, Director Amity Institute of Biotechnology, AUH.

He started the session by discussing what bio-technology is and how it benefits us. He talked about the changes that he has seen in the world. He said ‘Bio-technology can easily meet the critical societal goals’. He focused on the importance of bio-technology and applications of it.

Showed his favourite sculpture ‘The thinking man’ as every second every person is thinking something. Discussed the Malaria eradication programme which started in India in the late 50’s. Focused on miracles developed by bio-technology few of them are

Ø DRACO’s magic spell death for virus. Used against HIV AIDS and can be used any other virus.

Ø ‘Intefen’ an anti-tumour drug.

Ø `‘Serial Killer’ will wipe out Leukaemia (blood cancer) within 3 weeks.

Ø A cousin chromosome acts as 47^th chromosome in human cells. etc

He talked on hunger issue in the nation. Focused on topics such as Green nano-technology, Bio-engineering bugs, Human cloning, Immortality and Bio-terrorism.

He said ‘Biotechnology is the main industry of 21^st century’. In the end he said ‘for science we say discover, design, deliver’. Later Prof. (Dr.) SM Paul Khurana was felicitated by Prof. (Dr.) Vikas Madhukar.

After the session there was a lunch break.

After lunch break around 2:00 PM Demonstrations & Experiments in various labs of the Amity University were conducted. The students were taken to Physics lab, AV AIDs, Nursing foundation lab, Nutrition lab, Computer lab, Biomedical Device lab and Electrical lab, where they were demonstrated with different experiments. The students were amazed to see all the labs as it was their first visit into a university laboratory. They were amazed to see high-tech equipment’s being used in the labs. The teachers conducted the experiments and made each student observe individually.

Faculty Coordinator - Mr. Gaurav Arora

Student Coordinator - Meenakshi, Aditya, Karan Pratap Singh