Young scientists told to ‘co-create’ with farmers at IISER Tirupati

Samir Somaiya, chairman and managing director of Godavari Biorefineries Limited and Chancellor of Somaiya Vidyavihar University called for the urgent transition of India from an ‘oil-based’ economy to a ‘soil-based’ one. An expert in biorefining, Mr. Somaiya’s observation came as a clarion call towards conserving the environment.

Delivering the chief guest’s address at the sixth convocation of Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Tirupati, on Tuesday, he encouraged the young scientists to ‘co-create’ with farmers, hinting at the need to adopt an approach that integrated modern agricultural practices with traditional wisdom. Mr. Somaiya spoke on the importance of knowing one’s heritage and its connection to scientific pursuits.

Jhillu Singh Yadav, Chairperson, Board of Governors, IISER, called upon the graduates to transform into catalysts for change, urging them to tackle pressing issues in agriculture, sustainable chemistry and the manufacturing of semi-conductors and enzymes.

His emphasis was on identifying manufacturing processes that do not pollute the environment, stating that such innovations would help in the nation’s advancement. Referring to ‘Viksit Bharat’, he called upon the graduates to become ‘good scientists’ and use their knowledge for the country’s development.

IISER Director Santanu Bhattacharya gave away 22 PhDs, eight Integrated PhDs, three MS degrees, 141 flagship BSMS dual degrees, 69 professional Master’s degrees, six BS degrees and six B.Sc degrees. The convocation concluded with a unique trilingual vote of thanks delivered by the Registrar Inderpreet Singh Kohli in Hindi, Telugu and English.