Birthday of Russian chemist celebrated
Patiala: Birthday of famous Russian chemist and inventor Dmitri Ivanovich Mendeleev was celebrated at Multani Mal Modi College with enthusiasm by organising a special function. Dr Rajeev Sharma, Dean (Research) of the college, expressed that Mendeleev discovered the periodic table, which is the backbone of modern chemistry. College principal Dr Khushvinder Kumar welcomed the chief guest and speaker Dr Mourad Harir, a scientist, Helmholtz Zentrum from Munich, Germany, and Prof Ashok Malik from Department of Chemistry, Punjabi University. While welcoming the guests, he explained the need for scientific research, particularly in chemistry, by calling it the mother of all sciences in society. Dr Mourad Harir delivered a talk on natural organic matter analysis by using FT-ICR mass spectrometry. He said man had caused havoc to the environment, but techniques such as mass spectrometry could be used for detection of environmental pollutants in the environment produced due to burning of biomass. Prof Ashok Malik explained that how excessive and non-judicious use of chemical fertilisers, pesticides and insecticides had polluted air, water and food items. He discussed the use of simplified techniques for estimating these pollutants and role of chemistry in eradication of pollution. Dr Meenu Arora proposed the vote of thanks. Dr Anupama Parmar, Dr Harjinder Singh, Sanjeev Kumar, Chitrangna, Chitranshi, Kashish Jain, Manpreet Kaur, Ravneet Kaur, Milanpreet Kaur and Priyanka were also present. — TNS
