Manipal, 5 May 2013: In a continuing tradition, Manipal Life Sciences Centre (MLSC), Manipal University celebrated its Annual Day 2013 on Saturday in the presence of two illustrious guests – one from the academia and one from the industry. In an eventful evening at the Fortune Inn Valley View, the guests of honour for the evening, Dr. Thuppil Venkatesh, Principal Advisor (Quality Council of India & National Referral Centre for Lead Projects in India) and Dr. Devashish Ohri, Managing Director, South Asia (Life Technologies) touched upon varying aspects of life sciences and its beneficial effects to the society.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Venkatesh, by taking the example of lead poisoning among children, showed the importance of basic research which led to the mandatory introduction of unleaded fuel. This formed the basis for his urging translational research to be important in the current scenario. He also suggested logic and clarity of thought as important for the budding scientists. In his address, Dr. Ohri gave an overview of the opportunities available for students in the biotechnology industry and spoke on the need for sense of adventure, team-work in the students.
Earlier, Dr. PM Gopinath, Senior Scientist (MLSC) welcomed an audience of repute that included Dr. H Vinod Bhat, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Manipal University), Dr. GK Prabhu, Registrar (Manipal University), renowned journalist and author Dr. MV Kamath, and the Heads of Institutions of the University, among others. Dr. Vinod Bhat, in his presidential address elaborating on the necessity for scientific findings translating to public health, said that the Manipal University has started a program to address this exciting area of work.
Dr. K Satyamoorthy, Director (MLSC) gave an overview of the academic and research activities of the Centre in the past year and its goals for the future, while Ms. Zainub Maderwala, President of the Student Council (MLSC) summarized the activities of the Council during the academic year. The event also saw the distribution of prizes by the dignitaries to deserving winners in various categories of academia, sports and cultural activities. Ms. Supriya Murthy of the Student Council proposed the vote of thanks. This was followed by an eclectic mix of entertainment program.