Utkal University’s Physics Department To Help Odisha Navigate Next 25 Yrs, Says Union Minister

Bhubaneswar: Physics should not be confined to being an instrument of intellectual culture. Rather it should become a medium of development and well-being, said Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday.

Inaugurating the two-day golden jubilee celebrations of Physics Department of Utkal University in Bhubaneswar, Pradhan said, “In next 13 years, Odisha will complete 100 years of statehood. In next 25 years, India will complete 100 years of Independence. This period is important for all of us. Physics Department’s repository of last 50 years will help us identify ways to navigate next 25 years.”

The university’s Physics Department has played a stellar role in global scientific development in the last five decades. It has the potential to contribute in a big way towards the growth of science and innovation in the country, he added.

He further said today’s world has big expectations of India. “Our responsibilities are much bigger. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has the answer to meet global challenges,” the minister said.

Vice-Chancellor of the university Prof Sabita Acharya presided the function. Professor Emeritus of Physics in IISER, Pune Prof Sunil Mukhi released the Vision Document and souvenir of the department on the occasion.

President of Vani Vihar Physics Alumni Association Prof Lambodar Prasad Singh also spoke. Head of Physics Department Prof Prafulla Kumar Panda and vice-president of Alumni Association Prof Durga Prasad Mohapatra also spoke. Senior Scientist of IMMT Dr Manas Kumar Dalai, who is an alumnus of Physics Department, moderated the function.