The thirteen budding authors and aspiring scientists of the school embarked on a journey in the early morning of February 20, 2023, to CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Pune,(a research, development, and consulting organization with a focus on chemistry and chemical engineering), to present to the renowned scientists at NCL their treasure, Preserving Our Perishing Pals, the book authored and published by them.

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The NCL team warmly welcomed the students and the teachers accompanying them. They were then introduced to Dr. Ashish Lele, an Indian chemical engineer, rheologist, and the Director of the National Chemical Laboratory, Pune. He is known for his research on the micro and mesostructure of polymers and is an elected fellow of the Indian Academy of Sciences, and the Indian National Academy of Engineering. The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, the apex agency of the Government of India for scientific research awarded him the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize for Science and Technology, one of the highest Indian science awards in 2006 for his contribution to Engineering Sciences. He received the Infosys Prize in 2012. Dr.Lele addressed our students and introduced to them the team members such as Dr.Wafia Masih, Dr. Amol Kulkarni, Dr. Vincent Paul, Dr. Satyam Vasireddy, Dr. Anu Raghunathan, Dr. Chetan Gadgil. He also shared with the students the history of NCL and its present structure. After the introduction, the beaming authors presented the autographed copies of the book to the team members. They read some of the prominent excerpts from the book for the members to ponder upon.

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The thirteen students were no doubt blessed as they had the good fortune of displaying their presentation on carbon Sequestration before the eminent scientists who observed it and were in awe of the potential of the junior youth. The students were appreciated by the audience for the conviction and confidence they portrayed in the presentation and interaction. It was asserted that such a standard is witnessed in presentations prepared by scientists or Ph.D. students. The forum and exposure that these students have received clearly is evidence of Divine Confirmation.

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The last phase of their journey to the NCL was the tour through the Fuel Cell Laboratory where they were spellbound by the technology and mechanism of the Hydrogen Fuelled Bus. They had the great opportunity to observe the details of the newly invented alternative, Green Fuel.

Their day finally came to a close with the briefing of CSIR – Jigyasa Student Scientist Connect Programme, which encourages young minds to have a Scientific approach and a thirst for learning about the mysteries of the universe.

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The students returned to school with a firm resolve of achieving their higher goals and contributing to the betterment of humanity.

The NCL team expressed their appreciation for the students in an email stating the following:

1. By Dr.Wafia,

On behalf of our Director, we thank you for your heartfelt appreciation. We reciprocate the same.

The students are bright and we admire the teachers who are guiding and encouraging them for bringing out the book and working on science-based case studies like carbon sequestration.

Our best wishes to all at NEHS and the young dynamic cohort that came to meet us.

2. By Dr. Ashish Lele

It was refreshing to meet young boys and girls who have so much interest in science! Thank you for giving me the opportunity to launch the book and also for donating a copy to us. We will display it in our library. And I will cherish this memory.

I join Wafia in complimenting you and your teacher colleagues who mentored and guided the students in this journey. This batch of students has set a new trend and set a high standard. I hope the future batch of students will also continue to do interesting science projects.

 

Thank you for inviting me to the school. I will certainly make it a point to visit the school the next time I plan a trip to that region.