The Departments of Physical and Biological Sciences, St Aloysius College (Autonomous) organized a unique National Level Interdisciplinary Conference “Physics of Living Matter and Medical Equipment” on 18 and 19 December 2018 in the LF RAsquinha Hall. Prof B.B. Sunil Kumar, Director, IIT Palakkad inaugurated the Seminar. Rev Fr Dionysius Vaz, SJ, Rector, St Aloysius Institutions presided over the programme. Rev. Fr Praveen Martis, SJ, Principal, Dr A.M. Naharahi, Registrar, Mr Lawrence J.M. Pinto, HOD of Physics, Dr Narayana Bhat, Convenor and Dr Vinola Rodrigues, Organising Secretary were on the dais.

There were lectures by Prof Madan Rao of  National institute for Biological Studie s(NCBS) , Bangalore, Prof Gautham Menon from the Institute of Mathematical Science, Chennai, Prof MRN Mutty from  Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology, Bangalore and Dr Ramgopal from Poorna Prajna Research Institute Bangalore. They spoke on the theoretical aspects of physics of living matter.

Prof B.B. Sunil Kumar in his inaugural address focused on the need to promote innovation among the young minds to bring about research in the field of science and technology and congratulated the organizing team for organizing a unique programme of this kind. He also explained the scope of such conferences to learn and understand the new way of technology.

Rector, Fr Dionysius Vaz, who upheld the four motives of Jesuit Education that includes competence, compassion, creativity and conscience. He expressed that this programme would serve as a platform to learn more rather than what is taught in the classrooms. He expressed his wish saying that this kind of a programme could contribute immensely towards interdisciplinary research in the near future.

Addressing the gathering Rev. Dr Praveen Martis, said that the nature is an exciting platform for the youngsters to explore. Illustrating the examples of the most prominent personalities who had excelled in various fields such as Alexander Graham Bell, Helen Keller and so on. He also gave a call to work on the inventions of science and encouraged the participants to take up research.

Dr. Ronald Nazareth, the Cordinator of Star College scheme focused on the activities held at the college level and the progress made by the college under the sponsorship of Department of Biotechnology, Govt of India. He highlighted the role of Star College Scheme in enriching the staff and the students by multidisciplinary activities.

Dr. Narayan Bhat, Convener of the programme welcomed the gathering, Prof. Lawrence pinto, the HOD of UG Physics introduced the chief Guest. Dr. Vinola Rodrigues, Organising Secretary proposed the vote of thanks and Ms. Preema Cealla Pais, Department of PG Chemistry compered the programme.