On November 30, 2024, the Department of Chemistry, in collaboration with the Directorate of Admissions, hosted ChemZeal 3, a flagship event that showcased the ever-expanding scope of chemistry in today’s world. The event was graced by prominent personalities, including the Chief Guest, Prof. Vijayamohanan Pillai, Dean of Research & Development at IISER Tirupati, and Dr Veerababu, Director of Cathode, GODI India Pvt. Ltd., Hyderabad, who served as the resource person.
The event began with a welcome address by the convener, Dr Satheesh Ellipilli, who provided an insightful overview of the programme and reflected on the immense success of the previous editions, ChemZeal 1 and 2. He expressed excitement about the growth of the event and its contribution to advancing the knowledge and application of chemistry in various fields.
Following the welcome, the Head of the Department of Chemistry delivered an inspiring speech, offering a comprehensive overview of the department. Dr Pardha Saradhi Maram, Associate Professor and Head highlighted the department’s commitment to academic excellence, research innovation, and fostering an environment where students can explore the transformative power of chemistry.
One of the major highlights of the event was the launch of the “Post a Q” portal by Vice Chancellor, Prof. Manoj K Arora. The portal aims to provide a platform for students and researchers to ask questions and seek solutions in the realm of chemistry. During the launch, Prof. Arora remarked, “Chemistry is such a wonderful science that, no matter what you think of, you will find chemistry in it.” This statement underscored the far-reaching impact of chemistry on everyday life and innovation.
The keynote address by the Chief Guest, Prof. Vijayamohanan Pillai, focused on generating and storing clean energy. He discussed the pivotal role that chemistry plays in developing sustainable solutions for energy storage and generation, from battery technologies to renewable energy sources. Prof. Pillai’s talk resonated with the audience, particularly in the context of the growing need for clean energy in the face of global environmental challenges.
The resource person, Dr Veerababu, shared valuable insights into cathode materials and their applications in the energy sector. His expertise in battery technology and his role at GODI India added depth to the discussions, providing students and faculty with a practical perspective on the industry’s current advancements.
ChemZeal 3 successfully fostered a spirit of collaboration and intellectual curiosity, highlighting the dynamic nature of chemistry and its potential to address some of the world’s most pressing issues. The event concluded with a vote of thanks, acknowledging the contributions of all the speakers, participants, and organisers who made the day a resounding success.
