Chemistry Students Visit IICT, The Department of Chemistry continuously strives to provide ample opportunities for an all- round academic growth of its students by organising various activities beyond their classrooms that help them grow in knowledge and provide an exposure to the world of chemistry. In continuation with this practice, a study tour was organised by the department for its Third Year Chemistry students, wherein a group of 49 students and six faculty members embarked on a study tour to Hyderabad from 24th to 28th November 2019. The faculty members who accompanied the students for the study tour were Dr. Teotone Vaz, Dr. Tushar Anvekar, Ms. Flavia Travasso, Ms. Shivta Mhamal, Dr. Mira Parmekar and Dr. Andrew D’Souza. During this study tour, a visit was organised to the CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT), a national-level research centre located in Hyderabad. It was a golden opportunity for the group to visit the institute which conducts research in basic and applied chemistry, biochemistry, bioinformatics, chemical engineering and provides science and technology inputs to the industrial and economic development of the country. The research and development programmes of IICT are related to the development of technologies for pesticides, drugs, organic intermediates, fine chemicals, catalysts, polymers and value-added products from vegetable oils. The IICT laboratories’ tour arranged for the group by Dr. B. D. Sanjay, Senior Technician, IICT, included BEES, Synthetic Aviation Pilot Plant, Biodigester Plant, Membrane Separation Plant, SemioChemicals, X-Ray, Mass Spectrometry, NMR, Water Harvesting, National Mol Bank and a few other laboratories. The group got to learn about the working of some sophisticated instruments and an opportunity to interact with some of the renowned scientists. Dr. Sanjay also guided the students on the research avenues available at IICT and encouraged them to take a step towards doing quality research. Next, the group visited the Sudha Cars Museum, first and only handmade wacky cars museum in the world, a brain child of Guiness World Record holder, Mr. K. Sudhakar. At the museum, the group saw several of his designed cars on display like the Brinjal car, Computer car, Mug car, Sofa car, Dining Table car, Cricket Ball car, Helmet car, Ladies Handbag car, Burger car, Cage car, Lotus car, Suitcase car, Lipstick car, etc. A visit to the , an outstanding example of brilliant engineering and magical architecture was also a part of the tour. The visit to this regal symbol of history was an impressive one, as it not only surprised all with its sturdy structure and highly advanced techniques that were used back then, but also with an outstanding view of the city from the top.

The next place of visit was the NTR Gardens, which offered a breathtaking view of the natural surroundings along with ample of entertaining activities. On route to the , the group saw the famous massive standing statue of Lord Buddha in the middle of Lake, the largest artificial lake of Asia. The Musical fountain and the Laser show at the Lumbini Park were a scintillating display and an awesome attraction for everyone. Another place visited by the group was the , a monument and mosque known globally as a symbol of Hyderabad. While both historically and religiously significant, it is also known for the popular local markets surrounding the structure. Lastly, the group got a wonderful opportunity to visit the , certified by the Guinness World Records as the largest studio complex in the world. The group enjoyed touring the mesmerising film city which is a popular tourism and recreation centre, containing natural and artificial attractions including an amusement park. The study tour ended with myriad memories of the visit to IICT and the picturesque locations, which provided everyone with vast knowledge of Hyderabad’s rich educational and historical heritage. The study tour was coordinated by Ms. Janesline Fernandes-Head of Department of Chemistry, Ms. Flavia Travasso, Ms. Shivta Mhamal and Dr. Andrew D'Souza.