The event started by a traditional inauguration of lighting the lamp by Prof. C.N.R. Rao, FRS National Research Professor; Linus Pauling Research Professor; Honorary President, JNCASR; Chairman, Science Advisory Council to the Prime Minister of India; Chairman, Vision Group on Science & Technology and Nanotechnology, Government of Karnataka, followed by Shri. Ashok Kumar C Manoli, IAS - Principal Secretary to Government, Dept. of Information Technology, Biotechnology and Science & Technology, Government of Karnataka, Prof. Yoshio Bando, Fellow, National Institute for Material Science (NIMS) & COO - International Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics (MANA), Japan, Prof. Ajay K Sood, President, Indian Academy of science and Institute of Science (IISc) and Mr. Arvind Jannu, IAS - Managing Director, KEONICS and Director IT & BT Government of Karnataka.
Giving the inaugural address Prof. C.N.R. Rao, FRS said, “The Bangalore Nano is a celebration in Nanotechnology. Karnataka has always been a pioneer state and has always led the country in science. He hoped the progress wouldn't slow down. He expressed pleasure and gratitude towards the Chief Minister for encouraging the inception and activities of Vision Group. He also appreciated Mr Manoli's efforts and encouragement in the field. JNCAR and IISc have greatly influenced the development of science in Bangalore. Moreover, Bangalore has the maximum number of Science institutions and scientists in the country. The future of Nano is very important and it is one of the most outstanding scientific fields. Tissue engineering and MRI are some of the important applications to alleviate human suffering, giving hope to scores of people. Nanotech will also create new waves in delivering cancer drugs. Nanotechnology will also find applications in the cosmetics. Electronic prototypes using nano circuits will create a new revolution in the future. There is lots of scope, but proper research is needed. Speaking on his personal experiences, Prof. CNR Rao said that after observing Quantum computing, one of a major developments in Physics, there is more hope today than there was three or five years ago. The success in the lab need to be translated into success in the real world. Government is also investing heavily in science.” He concluded saying “Hemmaya Kannadiga” a proud Kannadiga.
Shri. Ashok Kumar C Manoli, IAS Principal Secretary to Government, Dept. of Information Technology, Biotechnology and Science & Technology, Government of Karnataka welcomed all delegates from abroad and from different parts of our country to Bangalore, Asia’s Silicon Valley. Speaking on nanotechnology, he said, that nanotechnology is one of the most exciting areas of research which may lead to the greatest technological advances of the 21st century. It is understood to be the third technological revolution in the world, which will enable man to control matter at the atomic scale. Nanotechnology is going to pave the way for a revolution in materials, information and communication technology, medicine, genetics, electronics, energy, environment, biotechnology, agriculture, life style, textile, paintings and so on as it starts leaving the laboratories and conquering new markets. The global market for Nanotechnology based manufactured goods will be worth US$ 1.6 Trillion by 2013. He expressed pleasure over the fact that Karnataka was spearheading the nano-revolution in the country, propped up by its astounding success in the field of Information Technology and Biotechnology. The objective of the international conference was to bring together Scientists, Engineers, Technologists, Industrialists and academicians from different disciplines to a common platform he observed.
Prof. Yoshio Bando - Fellow, National Institute for Material Science (NIMS) & COO - International Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics (MANA), Japan., released the program document. In his brief address, he said that Nanotechnology is the key technology for innovative development in the next few years. It offers new approach to education and innovation. Speaking about the role of Naotechnology in Japan, he said that several innovative applications are being researched and encouraged especially in green areas. The Indian and Japanese governments have signed various collaborations lately. He observed that there were 55 Indian scientists working in their institute. He said that the efforts on research collaborations must be continued and wished the seminar all success.
Prof. Ajay K Sood, Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Science (IISc)., observed that Nanotechnology has more scope than other streams of science, but there should be a synergy between the academia and the business to reach the common goals. RICH will provide great opportunities to start ups, which is one of the key features of Bangalore Nano. A new feature has been added from this year on called 'National Lecture Series' to present research papers. Nano for the young is another important feature. Nano is a relatively young field and needs new minds for success, so it is imperative to encourage youngsters. The event has attracted a huge number of registered participants. The response for the poster presentation was overwhelming but could accommodate only 70 posters due to quality control. The program committee and the vision group on Nano are the guiding torch for science and nanotechnology, he concluded.
Accepting the 3rd Bangalore Nano National Award from Prof. CNR Rao, Prof. Ajay K Sood, remarked that it was a very pleasant surprise and privilege to be chosen for the award. He said it was an honour to be given this award. It was a privilege to have been associated with Prof. CNR Rao and the Vision Group. He also thanked all his students profusely on the occasion.
Giving the vote of thanks Mr. Arvind Jannu, IAS - Managing Director, KEONICS and Director IT & BT Government of Karnataka., said,it was a great privilege and honour to be in the presence of Prof. CNR Rao, Prof. Bando and Prof. Sood. He observed that Mr. Manoli has always led from the front and helped to form the Vision Group. Bangalore Nano was a great meeting place for various leading scientists, professors and speakers from the industry, he mentioned. The number of participants, exhibitors, posters, have been increasing year on year, he said.
* The previous recipients of the Bangalore Nano National Award were Prof. C.N.R. Rao in 2007 and Prof. Dipankar Chakravorty in 2008. Prof. Ajay K Sood is a renowned scientist in the field of Nano-Tubes.
