By Our Staff Reporter
Dehradun, 30 Nov: A symposium on “The Quest of Life in the Universe” was organised today at the Senate Hall by School of Biological Science (SoBS), Doon University, here.
The event was inaugurated by Vice-Chancellor Prof Surekha Dangwal. Addressing the symposium, the Vice Chancellor highlighted the university’s achievements, its various courses and facilities available in the School of Biological Sciences. She also emphasised the significance of quality scientific education in the University.
The welcome address was delivered by Dr Achlesh Daverey, Coordinator, SoBS. He highlighted the importance of the symposium and its potential towards developing the scientific temperament of the students. Addressing the symposium Prof Surendra Singh Suthar (Dean, SoBS) discussed the origin and evolutionary history of mankind.
The symposium delved into the fascinating realms of life’s emergence, evolution and extinction. Renowned keynote speaker Dr Sohan Jheeta, Founder & Chairman of NoRCEL, Leeds, UK, captivated the audience with his insights into the formation of organic molecules under simulated space conditions. He elaborated on the intricate chemical reactions that paved the way for life’s genesis and its subsequent development on Earth.
Dr Ram Karan Sharma, Assistant Professor in the Department of Microbiology at Delhi University, enriched the symposium with his enlightening presentation on extremophiles and extremozymes. He shed light on the remarkable ability of micro-organisms to thrive in extreme environments, such as halophiles in high-salt conditions, acidophiles in acidic environments, and thermophiles in extreme heat. He also emphasised the commercial significance of enzymes derived from extremophiles, highlighting their applications in bioremediation, medical science, and agriculture.
The Symposium was organised by the faculty of School of Biological Sciences, Dr Babita Saroha, Dr Vivekanand Bahuguna, Dr S Bhopen Singh, Dr Charu Thapliyal, Dr Vijendra Shah and Dr Jyotsana Singh. The vote of thanks of the symposium was given by Dr S Bhopen Singh. The event was attended by the academicians and BSc students of Biological Science, Doon University. The symposium provided a stimulating platform for exploring the profound mysteries of life’s origins and the resilience of organisms in the face of extreme conditions.
