Category Archives: Education

Old is new at Geology dept museum at Lucknow University

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Records, All

GeologyLUCKNOW22apr2016

Lucknow:

From a 65-million-year-old fossil of a frog to a 5carat pure diamond and from a giant natural pearl from Basra to a recently formed basalt rock from Barren Island, the only living volcano in India, the Geology department of the Lucknow University (LU) has added 550 new rare exhibits to its rich collection at the museum. The collection will be on public display from Earth Day on Friday.

Other items include fossils of a 1,600 million year old alga, Grypania Spiralasis, which marked the evolution of earth, polished quartz; a Corundum mineral which produces gems like ruby, blue and yellow sapphires; unpolished, uncut and polished forms of garnet mineral of hessonite species (popularly known as Gomed) and a gallery of Stone Age tools collected from Mirzapur.

“Established in 1943 by Palaeobotanist Birbal Sahni, the museum already has over 2,000 specimens. The 500 new entries will not only help in research and education but will also be an attraction for visitors, particularly school children. Most important part is it will create awareness among people to preserve the earth to safeguard life in future generation,” said Vibhuti Rai, professor and head of the geology department, who collected new items for the museum in past two years.

Along with fossils, new additions to the museum include postal stamps on gem stones, fossils of extinct species, geomorphic features, etc, released from time to time.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> Lucknow / TNN / April 22nd, 2016

AU scholar turns flower waste into scented dyes

Agriculture, Business & Economy, Education, Science & Technology

Allahabad:

A research scholar of the Allahabad University (AU) has created scented dyes from the petals of marigold and rose dumped outside city temples. The dyes have been accepted for patent and the research could help check pollution in rivers where tons of flowers are thrown after puja.

The dyes — yellow from marigold and pink from rose — have been prepared by Manpreet Kalsy, a research scholar under head of the department Prof Sangeeta Srivastava. The patenting authority has issued temporary patent numbers 27/DEL/2015 and 253/DEL/2015 for dyes prepared from marigold and rose respectively.

“The two scented dyes have been prepared under controlled lab conditions and tested on silk. They could be used for a number of times after being prepared and the dyed fabric would retain the fragrance for over six months,” said Manpreet.

“Huge quantity of flowers are offered in temples daily and later dumped in rivers, adding to environmental pollution. This gave us the idea of utilising used flowers. Our research is aimed at extracting natural colour from this huge quantity of floral waste,” said Prof Srivastava.

Natural dyes are one which are eco-friendly, biodegradable and non-toxic in nature. Moreover, the dyes prepared by us are antioxidant and antimicrobial in nature, she added.

Manpreet, a junior research fellow (JRF) who has done this work along with her guide, said: “The samples for preparing these dyes were specifically collected from the major temples of the city besides the banks of the Ganga because it was this menace that we wanted to handle. We are confident that at least one of the major sources of river pollution, ie, marigold and rose, could be used for colouring silk.”

Silk could be the fabric of choice as it is used for bridal dresses and scented dye would add to the fragrance, she added.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> City> Allahabad / Raveev Maini / TNN / April 12th, 2016

Kanpur-based young business entrepreneur meets Princess Kate

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Education, World Opinion

Kanpur:

A city-based young business entrepreneur got a chance of meeting Prince Williams and Princess Kate at a party hosted by the British high commissioner in India on Monday evening. The party had been thrown at the official residence of British High Commissioner in Delhi to celebrate the upcoming 90th birthday of Queen Elizabeth II.

Utsav Kasera, an alumnus of University of Edinburgh, was one among very few alumni of the UK-based universities who had been invited to take part in the pompous party. Utsav not only got a chance to shake hands with both Prince Williams and Princess Kate but also was lucky when the Princess interacted with him.

“I started off the conversation by mentioning before Princess Kate that I am your neighbour to which she asked me how. I then told her that while I had studied in University of Edinburgh and she had studied in University of St Andrews both of which are situated in Scotland,” said Utsav while talking to TOI.

He said that Princess Kate replied that Edinburgh is a beautiful city and further questioned him that how many times he had been there. “I replied that I had been to Edinburgh city many times,” said Utsav, a 34-year-old young entrepreneur.

He also mentioned that Princess said that she really miss her university days.

“I could not interact with Prince Williams but we shook hands. It was a pleasant meeting them both,” said Utsav, who is a resident of Vishnupuri locality in the city and runs his family business of chemicals.

He said that Prince Williams recalled that his grandmother had visited India thrice and emphasized how important India is for them.

The party which started off at 5.15pm lasted for about three hours. The party was attended by a small but decent gathering of politicians, diplomats and alumni of UK-based universities. Utsav also got a chance to meet Dr Farooq Abdullah, former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir.

SK Kasera, Utsav’s father was also an excited lot that his son had met the Prince and the Princess and that he was among very few who could attend the party.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> City> Kanpur / by Abhinvan Malhatra / TNN / April 13th, 2016

History department of Allahabad University celebrates 60th anniversary

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Records, All

Allahabad :

The department of Ancient History, Culture & Archaeology of Allahabad University celebrated the completion of 60 years of its foundation, on Saturday. Former DG of ASI (archeological survey of India), Prof Professor Gautam Sengupta of Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan was the chief guest of the function.

The function, attended by retired teachers, faculty members, research and PG students of the department and scholars from colleges and other departments, was presided over by AU VC, Prof RL Hangloo who also inaugurated the Kausambi Uddyan, at the department.

The special feature of this celebration was an invited lecture delivered by Prof Sengupta, a renowned archaeologist and art historian, who also served the Archaeological Survey of India, New Delhi as Director General (2010-13).

His lecture, titled, Raja Rajendralal Mitra and his ideas of archaeology highlighted his untiring contestation with empiricist approach to Indian history and culture, especially James Fergusson’s biased projection of Indian art.
The programme was introduced by Prof UC Chattopadhyaya, the head of the department.

Earlier, Prof Hangloo, after welcoming the chief guest, mentioned the importance of Prof Sengupta’s theme of presentation. He also described department’s museum as one of the best museums in India. He encouraged students to make use of the opportunities being provided to them.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> City> Allahabad / Rajeev Mani / TNN / April 09th, 2016

Prof develops cheap ‘sindur’-based technique to identify lip prints

Education, Science & Technology, World Opinion

Moradabad:

A professor from a dental college here has claimed to have devised a cheap technology to identify individual lip prints using vermillion and indigo powder, a development that may prove helpful in criminal investigations.

Narendra Nath Singh, oral pathology professor at Kothiwal Dental College, presented his study at the 4th International Conference on Forensic Research and Technology in Atlanta in 2015.

Singh said that his technology was tested and recognized by leading experts, following which he was hailed by the forensic community.

Speaking with TOI, Singh said that during the criminal identification, print evidence (such as finger and lips prints) is often key to solving a crime. “Also the prints can be used as a DNA source as skins cells can be retrieved from them to double their identifying value.

It has been documented in western forensic sciences that lip prints, either visible or latent, could be developed successfully for study purpose using lysochrome and fluorescent dyes such as Nile red,” he said.

But the professor’s research reveals that the use of vermilion and indigo dyes can also be helpful in the process of the criminal investigation to detect the lip prints samples collected from the crime scenes. According to Singh, the use of vermilion and indigo dyes is much cheaper than other chemicals used in the world for ascertain the lips prints. Vermilion powder is commonly used by married Hindu women on the parting of their hairs.

The result of Nath’s research signify that vermilion and indigo dyes being natural, non-toxic, and cost-effective can replicate the already existing chemical reagents like Sudan Black and Sudan III, which are very costly. “The use of natural dyes for studying lip prints can be a landmark in the field of forensic odontology,” Singh said.

“University of Forensic Science of Ahmedabad, Gujarat has also introduced my latest research into the department of forensic odontology and my lab is continuously providing assistance to the investigating agencies and giving opinions on various samples and specimens collected from the crime scene,” he said.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> City> Bareilly / by Nazar Abbas / TNN / March 29th, 2016

Country’s second Bhojpuri study centre opens in city

Education, Records, All

Lucknow :

Dr Shakuntala Misra National Rehabilitation University became the second university in the country to start a centre for Bhojpuri studies. The centre, to be operational from this academic session, will promote Bhojpuri literature and language, besides showcasing the lively elements of Bhojpuri culture and civilization across areas of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh.

Banaras Hindu University is the only other institution to offer the course.

The centre will have undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral courses.

“Bhojpuri is significant to a large population and has considerable international presence. This linguistic region has been the life line of north India. The study of regional Bhojpuri life, including agriculture, lifestyle, indigenous knowledge and cultural profiles is of immense significance both from epistemological and practical angles,” said university vice-chancellor Nishith Rai, the ex-officio chairman of the centre.

Apart from academic activities, the Centre for Bhojpuri Studies will house a cultural museum to preserve rare manuscripts, art forms. The centre will als provide training for print, electronic media and film production, organise national and international conferences and publish books and journals. The university VC, said officials will soon constitute a committee of experts to work out the modalities for making the Centre functional

Bhojpuri diaspora merits special significance. According to academic advisor to V-C, AP Tiwari, Bhojpuri has worldwide linkages. It is spread not only in metros like Mumbai, Kolkata and Delhi but also in erstwhile colonial Islands like Mauritius, Surinam, Trinidad and Fiji, besides USA and UK. “People with Bhojpuri clout are rich businessmen, successful bureaucrats, poor laborers or small shopkeepers but their languages are the same. Despite heterogeneous economic status of Bhojpuri people, it has built in tendency of integration. Hence, the Centre will explore Bhojpuri connections across the world,” said Tiwari.

The Centre, said Tiwari will also endeavour to bring out the philosophical world-view of the Bhojpuri community, its traditional eco-friendly practices and life style, its creative and aesthetic richness and fineness and most significantly its innovative genius. “Let the Bhojpuri (speaking ) people take pride in their language instead of being apologetic about it. It is a great tragedy that very little is known of a language which is the language of the heart for millions of people,” Rai said.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> City> Lucknow / by Isha Jain, TNN / April 01st, 2016

Guv felicitates six oldest city schools

Education, Records, All

Kanpur :

Virendra Swarup Education Centre (Kidwai Nagar) celebrated its silver jubilee function in the school premises here on Saturday.

Governor Ram Naik, who was the chief guest on the occasion, felicitated six oldest schools of the city for their outstanding services in the field of education.

The principals and representatives of Methodist High School, St Mary’s Convent College, St Aloysius’ School, Huddard High School, Sheiling House and Seth Anandram Jaipuria School received trophies from the governor.

Naik also felicitated teachers and staff of Virendra Swarup Education Centre in recognition of their 25 years of service to the school.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> City> Kanpur / TNN / March 28th, 2016

10 kg wood apple attracts all at AgriHorti Tech fair

Agriculture, Education, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Records, All

Kanpur:

A 10 kg wood apple, popularly known as bel, remained the centre of attraction on the second day of AgriHorti Tech international fair in Saifai, Etawah.

The wood apple has been displayed at the stall of Chandra Shekhar Azad Agriculture university of Kanpur.

The farmers visiting the fair also showed interest in ‘Rabi’ crop seeds, saplings, farming literature, agriculture equipment and new technologies, at various other stalls.

“During ‘Rabi’ season, the farmers should go for maize instead of sowing wheat crop as it’s yield is quite high as compared to latter,” said Dr Athar Husain Warsi, a scientist, Agriculrure department, Etawah.

Chief development officer Anil Kumar Singh said visitors are showing interest in farm machinery developed by various institutes and ‘chukandar’ and wood apple plantation, stalls of which have been put up by the CSA University of Kanpur authorities.

Scientists from the university said the seeds of the 10 kg wood apple are available at the university. Farmers are being trained on cultivating onion and garlic.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> City> Kanpur / TNN / March 29th, 2016

City boy youngest to earn royal astro fellowship

Education, Records, All, Science & Technology, World Opinion

Lucknow:

This 19-year-old has to his credit 23 research papers published in international journals. St Francis’ College, Lucknow alumnus Aadarsh Mishra holds the distinction of being one of the youngest Indians to be elected Fellow of Royal Astronomical Society in London.

Working as research and development engineer at Cardiff University, Aadarsh achieved the feat after he made a national record last year as ‘undergraduate with the most reseach papers published’, in the India Book of Records.

Cardiff School of Engineering had shared a Facebook post to highlight Aadarsh’s achievements. The post reads: ‘Cardiff School of Engineering is delighted to hear that our third-year (year in industry) mechanical engineering student Aadarsh Mishra has this week been elected Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society (FRAS). At 19, he is one of the youngest fellows in the society’s 196-year history, and also youngest Indian ever to become a fellow.’

A mechanical engineer from Manipal University, Karnataka, Aadarsh’s interest is in ‘material sciences’ which finds application in thermal, nuclear and biomedical fields. While in second year of his engineering, he started a research in ‘condensed matter physics’ and did significant work on ‘thin films of tin sulphide for use in solar cell devices’, the topic on which he later got a paper published.

His passion and work in condensed matter physics got him enrolled in a summer research programme at the coveted Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore. At IISc, his work dealt with titanium alloys which find significant application in the aerospace sector.

While at Cardiff University, Aadarsh published a book titled ‘Introduction to Wear’ which deals with wearing of materials. ‘Wear’ is one topic in tribology which is enjoying much attention of researchers and scientists , but has very few books focussing on it.

Besides, Aadarsh was also selected for a research project fellowship at the prestigious University of Oxford. Here, along with two doctoral scientists, he worked in the field of thermo-electricity. “I am working on a project which deals with eliminating surgical smoke during operations in an efficient and cost-effective way; and probably a patent will be filed on the same very soon,” said Aadarsh, adding that surgical smoke hinders the visibility during operation and it is hard for surgeons to operate during the same.

Styled as ‘Fellows’, members of Royal Astronomical Society-FRAS-are elected after the age of 18. The society acts as professional body for astronomers and geophysicists in the UK and fellows may apply for the Science Council’s Chartered Scientist status through the society.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> City> Lucknow / TNN / March 03rd, 2016

‘Principal who left such amazing memories to cherish for life’

Education, Leaders

Lucknow:

Shock, disbelief and old memories filled the social media pages as the sudden demise of La Martiniere Girls’ College principal Farida Abraham on Friday opened a floodgate of condolences on social media.

Sharing a unique memory on her daughter Aashrita Dass’s facebook page, an alumna Zoya Seth wrote, “You (Abraham) cut my hair when I was in Class 11, a memory that I share with all kinds of people I meet. They can’t stop being awed over the way we grew up in the boarding. And now, all of a sudden you are gone. The principal who left such naughty and amazing memories for me to cherish. This is unbelievable.”

Another Martinian Taroo Saxena who was part of the recently held Reunion wrote, “Words cannot express the loss of La Martiniere family today. Abraham was an amazing superwoman who had a midas touch. I was standing in school near LMGA office when the devastating news reached us. I find it strange that people should bring wreaths, talk about her body. I wanted to ask Ms Shaw won’t she (Abraham) get up and receive them herself, throwing one wisecrack, witty one-liners one after another for everyone to laugh and marvel at her razor sharp wit. She was such a powerhouse of positive energy.”

She continued, The Feb Reunion 2016 was an ode to her. It happened for a reason.”

Another student Bhavz Gupta wrote, “Your sudden demise has left a big void in the entire Mart community.

For educationists Mala Singh Mehra and Geetika Suri Kapoor, she was a motherly figure. Masm Farida Abraham was what ‘Heroes’ are made of! After mom passed away, she gently pushed me along in my journey. Standing by me in my every endeavour! Always her naughty child and yet she was so proud of me. Treated me like an equal and yet I was besieged with utmost respect for her! Maam you will remain ‘Iconic’ to Lucknow our education system. La Martiniere has lost a great leader. Her ideals shall live on and Aashrita shall take her legacy forward. Her last words to me via Whatsapp were ‘I am always there for you,” wrote Mala on her FB wall. Geetika wrote, In a state of shock, disbelief, sudden demise of Farida Abraham, an educationist par excellence, & a gentle human being.

UP IAS officer Amrit Abhijat wrote, I am at a loss of words. I shared a deep bond and had been working on a lot of things for the school and the city. She was very affectionate and loving towards me. I share your grief and pray to the almighty for peace to her soul and strength toy all of you to face this void she has left.”

A student, Spohiya Nitin Mehra wrote, No one could teach Shakespeare better than you.”

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> City> Lucknow / TNN / February 13th, 2016