Students with a scientific bent of mind had a fun and informative week on their hands, as colleges in the city arranged for discussions on energy, its efficient use and conservation of nature. If that's not everyone's cup of tea, worry not! Pre-Holi festivities and the opportunity to showcase talents were also on the checklist last week.

Energy use

Energy was the focal point of discussion at Magadh Mahila College on Saturday when the institution's science and IT society celebrated National Science Day on the campus.

National Science Day is celebrated in India every year on February 28 to mark discovery of the Raman Effect by Sir CV Raman.

Sir CV Raman won the Nobel Prize for physics in 1930 for his discovery of the phenomenon called the Raman Effect - change in the wavelength of light that occurs when a light beam is deflected by molecules.

Magadh Mahila College principal Dolly Sinha and National Institute of Technology, Srinagar, associate professor Seemin Rubab inaugurated the programme by lighting the ceremonial lamp. While the principal spoke on the importance of the National Science Day and the lack of appreciation for scientists, Rubab spoke on the efficient use of energy.

Sinha said: "It is sad that people are more affectionate towards movie stars and cricketers, whereas scientists who contribute so much for the welfare of mankind and nation-building hardly get any appreciation."

In her talk on energy, Rubab laid special emphasis on solar cells and discussed with the students various approaches to improve the efficiency of solar cells. She said: "Energy is one of the basic needs for human survival and sustenance. In our modern society, fossil fuels are being used in domestic, commercial, transport and agriculture sector. As the population is increasing exponentially, the limited fossil fuel can't meet the energy demand in future. The combustion of fossil fuel also releases carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, in the atmosphere for which the earth's temperature has risen by 5°C in the past 100 years. It has been estimated that it would rise by another 1-6°C in the next 100 years.

"As remedial measures, efficient utilisation of fossil fuels can be improved at all levels. The other option is use of alternative sources such as solar energy," she added.

Rubab sensitised the girls on the various research areas in solar energy and elaborated on the third generation solar cells which employ various approaches of nano-technology.

Save dolphins

On the eve of National Science Day, Patna Women's College organised a seminar on science and nature conservation. Senior scientist at the Zoological Survey of India Gopal Sharma, the chief guest at the seminar, spoke on the need to ensure the survival of Gangetic dolphins.

He said: "If the number of dolphins increase, it will be a positive sign for a clean Ganga and if the numbers decrease, it will imply a rise in pollution. The Ganga is already highly polluted and its ecosystem is under threat. Immersion of idols create more trouble for dolphins and those people dependent on the river for drinking water."

Sharma's lecture was followed by an exhibition inaugurated by the college principal, Sister Marie Jessie. Various models were prepared by the students to highlight ways to save the environment and curb pollution.

Festive fever

Patna Women's College organised a Holi milan and a Holi dance festival on Saturday to ring in the festival of colours a week early.

The students brought the mood of Holi alive on campus with performances on songs such as Rang Barse and Holi aai re. The girls also smeared each other with every colour they could lay their hands on.

For some, the day was bittersweet as it was their last Holi celebration on campus. Arpita Singh, one of the second-year students present at the Holi milan, said: "This year's Holi celebration was the best. It was the last time we celebrated Holi at college. We will really miss these days."

Sister Marie Jessie, the college principal, also extended her greetings to the students, teachers and their families. She said: "Forgiveness is the essence of this festival. So, we must reconcile with all those who have hurt us in the past."

Talent on stage

Talent was the keyword on St Xavier's College of Management and Technology campus on Sunday as the institution organised its fifth annual day programme with St Xavier's College.

The students enthralled everyone with their performances on the theme "Education for social change". Qawwalis, pantomimes to show the ill-effects of drug addiction and cellphone use and dance performances were put up to emphasise women's empowerment. We, the People, a nukkad natak, was also put up by the first-year students.

Narmadeshwar Lal, secretary, animal and fish resources, the chief guest at the programme, appreciated the dynamic performance of the students and extended his gratitude towards the college administration for their warm hospitality. Also present were Women's Training College principal Jessie George Modi and Nari Gunjan founder president Mary Sudha Varghese.

Study and earn

Reputable IT company Wipro Technologies came to Cimage College on February 27for a campus placement. College director Neeraj Agrawal said 200 and odd students of final-year bachelor of computer applications and BSc (IT) sat for the placement interviews.

Agrawal said: "It's a golden opportunity for information technology students because Wipro Technologies is selecting candidates for an integrated programme. The students will get a chance to work and study for masters at the same time."

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