Garhwal Post Bureau
Ranikhet, 7 May: The Department of Chemistry, Government PG College, Ranikhet, organised a Virtual Lab Workshop for BSc and MSc students today. Students participated enthusiastically in the workshop, completed their registrations on the Virtual Lab platform, and also performed different chemistry experiments virtually through the IIT Bombay Virtual Lab initiative.
While interacting with the students, Dr Bharat Pandey, Nodal Coordinator of Virtual Labs at the college, explained the importance of Virtual Labs in today’s education system. He spoke about the difference between physical and virtual laboratories and said that Virtual Labs are proving very useful for students studying in rural and hilly regions where advanced laboratory facilities are not always easily available.
He especially encouraged girl students from rural areas to make full use of such digital learning platforms. He said that Virtual Labs are helping students gain practical knowledge, confidence, and better exposure to science and technology without the limitation of distance and resources.
The workshop was conducted by Dr Nidhi Sharma, Departmental Virtual Lab Coordinator, Department of Chemistry, who demonstrated each chemistry practical in a simple and practical manner. She guided students through different experiments and explained how Virtual Labs can help students understand chemistry concepts more effectively. During the workshop, students performed experiments related to Thin Layer Chromatography, Saponification Value of Oil, Synthesis of Aspirin, and Conductometric Titration.
Principal Prof Pushpesh Pandey appreciated the collaboration with IIT Bombay and congratulated Dr Bharat Pandey and Dr Nidhi Sharma for their sincere efforts in promoting Virtual Labs in the college. He said that, in the present time, virtual learning has become an important part of science education and is highly beneficial for students from remote regions.
Manish Nagoshe from Virtual Labs, IIT Bombay, also appreciated the efforts of Dr Bharat Pandey and his team for continuously promoting Virtual Lab activities among rural students, especially girls, and helping them connect with modern scientific learning.
The workshop ended with active participation and interaction from students, showing their growing interest in digital and practical science learning.
