Special Edition

January 3-7, 2011 The campus newspaper of SRM University

Private Circulation only January 4, 2011 Volume IV Number II Manmohan tells scientists to think big and out of the box India will soon have Navaratna universities, says Sibal A Spectrum Reporter

Maintaining the ideas of science and scientific research must always be linked to the betterment of the people of India, the Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh, called on the community to think ahead of the times.

“The time has come for Indian Science Congress Indian science to once at SRM University. again think big; think The Prime Minister out of the box; and think argued that scientists ahead of the times. The should develop a code of time has come for India conduct on the application to produce the Ramans of their discovery. and Ramanujans of the 21st Century,” Dr. Singh “The question is whether said while delivering the scientists should step The Prime Minister releasing the Plenary Proceedings of the 98th ISC Inaugural Address of the 98th beyond their discipline and at least guide the modern nor liberal. It “This year, as we usher can never hope to extend social discourse on the use is true that products of in the New Year, we also the height of the pyramid of scientific knowledge. science have been put to usher in the ‘Decade of of excellence,” the Prime 2012-13 to be ‘Year Should they develop a code illiberal uses. I sincerely Innovation’. There is no Minister added. of conduct that defines believe we must guard better way to do that than Dr. Singh stressed the of Science in India’ within which they will work against such tendencies, to salute the creativity need for better higher on the application of their especially in our own and the genius of our A Spectrum Reporter education in India and discoveries? Should there country,” he added. scientists and engineers, claimed that the government be a collegial process for our professionals, our Prime Minister Manmohan Singh announced The Prime Minister is already moving ahead deciding difficult cases? I workers, our scholars and that he has directed the Ministry of Science and praised the role and in that direction. leave these as questions students, gathered here Technology to undertake a national celebration of commitment of Tamil Nadu because the very idea of today,” Dr. Singh said. “Our government has the birth centenary of Professor S. Chandrashekar, in the realm of science and ethics for science needs paid special attention to the one of the outstanding Indian scientists of the research while pointing to “I have always believed further discussion,” Dr. growth of our University 20th century. the eminent personalities that a university is the Singh told the over 7000 system. In the past five like the first Indian Nobel vital link in the chain “The year 2012-13 will be the Centenary delegates gathered at the years our government Laureate Dr C V Raman, of science teaching and Year of the Indian Science Congress. I would Kattankulathur Campus. has established eight Professor S Chandrashekar research. We must never like the Ministry of Science and Technology new Indian Institutes “… it is true that science and one of the greatest forget that. Unless we to designate 2012-13 as the ‘Year of Science of Technology and five in India’,” he said. has made strides even in mathematicians the late strengthen the base of our

societies that were neither Srinivasa Ramanujan. educational system, we A P2 • Challenges to science policies - P3 • Nobel Laureates - P 6-7 • Interview with VC - P 8 2 2010 | Spectrum | Volume IV Number II

Ratnika Sharma during the Kerela meet, where the torch travelled from the North Vigyan Jyot - spreading The Vigyan Jyot or the torch to South of the state, covering of knowledge completed its a distance of over 1000 Kms. It second run when it reached defines the complete spectrum the light of knowledge the Kattankulathur campus of of science and technology, and SRM University on the eve of presents the various aspects of the Indian Science Congress. life through the perspective of The torch started its journey on science and technology. December 22, 2010 from Sri Venkateswara College in Delhi “Vigyan Jyot symbolises and travelled through Jaipur, national integrity as it passed Gwalior, Jhansi, Bhopal, Nagpur, through the 10 major states of Hyderabad and Bangalore before the country,” said the Chancellor reaching Chennai. It covered of SRM University, Dr. T. R. a distance of over 3000 Kms Pachamuthu, on the occasion. to signify the importance of Dr. K. C Pandey, General science and technology in President, ISC, added that it was people’s daily lives. something truly unique that has The Indian Science Congress spread across the country and Association (ISCA) conceived congratulated SRM University the idea of Vigyan Jyot last year for being a part of it. Vigyan Jyot being brought to SRM University ...think big and out of the box...

A P2 private initiatives in the realm of education saying that there was Institutes of Science Education no reason why the private sector and Research to provide high should not enter the teaching quality education and carry environment. Prof Pandey spoke out research in frontier areas of the importance of teachers of science,” he said. stressing that teaching and research “The growth of our economy, are inter-related. In his prepared defense of our people and text, Prof Pandey argued that security of our people depends urgent steps should be taken to on scientific and technological establish /encourage /support competence,” the Prime Minister non-profit research laboratories added. at universities and elsewhere. The theme of this year’s Research laboratories for profit Science Congress is Quality should also be encouraged and Education and Excellence in be eligible for projects from the Science Research in Indian governments. Universities with as many as six “The prejudice against theory Nobel Laureates - Amartya Sen prevails in research laboratories Venkatraman Ramakrishnan, Ada and even universities. It is in Yonath, Thomas Steitz, Timothy The Prime Minister receiving a memento from Prof. Pandey the interest of R&D in the Hunt and - and country that the prejudice scores of distinguished Indian India will soon have Navaratna that will be 'unique institutions' status teaching and research at against support of theoretical scientists from within the country universities on the lines of and set benchmarks, in academics Indian universities. research should be given up; it the Ivy League institutions, and research with special focus and overseas participating “We have to substantially should be treated on par with in the five day meeting. And free of government control on hunger, water, poverty and increase the resources. We experimental work,” he said. as in the past there is also a and institutions that will get diseases through cutting edge should provide incentives to the “Eminent scientists should Children Science Congress, generous financial backing, science and technology. private sector to invest more on be supported to carry out which is to be inaugurated by including access to external Research and Development,” “At the same time there will research of their choice; the Nobel Laureate Ramakrishnan funding. Mr. Stalin said. The Deputy be emphasis on liberal arts field of research may change, on Tuesday, January 4. Chief Minister pointed to a “We are working on the and social sciences. These based on the opportunities. tendency among students to stay Calling for individual excellence concept of having Navratna Innovation Universities would be The quantum and quality of off subjects like mathematics in research the Union Minister universities or an Indian Ivy innovative in their governance, research and not the area, should and science due to scarcity of of Science and Technology League. We intend to nurture in their financial structure, in be the criterion of continued employment opportunities. and Earth Sciences, Mr.Kapil these select universities, like their academic and research support. Publications should Sibal, pointed to the ‘Decade the public sector Navratnas, structure, in their content and “We must therefore broad-base constitute the progress report. of Innovation’ theme stressed at by generous financial support, in every other way,” Mr Sibal career opportunities in private The support should be in the the last Science Congress and freedom in accessing external told the Science Congress. and public R&D, as well as in form of a block grant without maintained that the government funding and total autonomy so as the university system,” he said, need for detailed budgeting had lived up to it. The quality Indian universities and Indian to free them from the shackles of adding, there was a need to and financial report,” he said. of scientific research must be scientists are the most sought government control,” Mr Sibal raise the standard and quality “focused”, the Union Minister after, the Deputy Chief Minister In his closing remarks the said in his keynote address to of higher education in India. said with a clear accent on of Tamil Nadu, Mr. M K Stalin, Chancellor of SRM University, the Science Congress. quality assurance for higher said in his remarks going on In his welcome address, the Dr. T R Pachamuthu recalled education. The government On the research front, the to make the point that at this General President of the Indian the centrality of teaching and has been generous in financial government was planning to set Science Congress it was the Science Congress Association, research in the educational funding, the Minister maintained. up 14 'Innovation Universities' ‘right time’ to take stock of the Prof. K C Pandey called for system. 2010 | Spectrum | Volume IV Number II 3

Ratnika Sharma

The scientific community Kasturirangan sees challenges to science in India and the Planning Commission at large faces certain key challenges in the policies in a changing economy area of policy formulation for the holistic development of the nation. The main objectives of the 12th Plan are for the faster, sustainable and more inclusive growth of India and it must look at these challenges with respect to the changing economic outlook of the country, said Dr Kasturirangan, Member, Planning Commission and former ISRO Chairman, at the plenary session of the 98th Indian Science Congress. The theme of the session was Science Policy - agenda for next five years. Dr. Kasturirangan interacting with students. Statistics have it that at the beginning of the 11th Plan, of a poor economy to a middle projected change asked Dr. education and securing energy looking into areas of water, the economy was valued at $1 level economy. Kasturirangan. According to the for the future in India. The energy and health issues and billion. By 2020, it is expected eminent scientist some of the science and technology base the effective use of science in Against this backdrop how to be $6 trillion with a per capita key challenges are enhancing the should be expanded and should the areas along with creating income of $4500. The 12th will the scientific community capacity of growth, managing be more effective in order to linkages between Indian and and 13th Plans are expected to respond to the changing economy the environment, innovation, find social relevance of science global scientific communities transform India from the ‘fate’ and what is its role in the improved access to quality and this can be achieved by Dr. Kasturirangan added. Over 50 firms showcase their achievements at science expo What they said... The time has come for Indian science to once again think Siddhhant Bohara big; think out of the box; and think ahead of the times. The time has come for India to produce the Ramans and Over 50 organisations drawn Ramanujans of the 21st Century. - Dr. Manmohan Singh. from the government and private sectors showcased their scientific The question is whether scientists should step beyond achievements and futuristic plans their discipline and at least guide the social discourse on at the Pride of India - Frontiers the use of scientific knowledge. Should they develop a of Science and Technologies code of conduct that defines within which they will work Mega Expo (POI), one of the on the application of their discoveries? Should there be a many facets of the 98th Indian collegial process for deciding difficult cases? I leave these Science Congress being held as questions because the very idea of ethics for science here at SRM University. needs further discussion. - Dr. Singh. Mr. Manish Kumar Pandey, Senior Manager of MM Activ Communications, which co- I have always believed that a university is the vital link hosted the expo along with in the chain of science teaching and research. We must SRM University, said that the never forget that. Unless we strengthen the base of our expo is based on Scientific educational system, we can never hope to extend the height Research and Technology with of the pyramid of excellence. - Dr. Singh. the different organisations drawn from various sectors such as We are working on the concept of having Navratna Agriculture, Medicine, Defence, universities or an Indian Ivy League. We intend to nurture Space Research, Electronics these select universities, like the public sector Navratnas, by and Automobile Engineering. generous financial support, freedom in accessing external The main attraction of the expo funding and total autonomy so as to free them from the was the Hall of Pride. Mr. Ajay shackles of government control. - Mr Sibal Jhankar, Creative Director of glory to India and Tamil Nadu. battle tank Arjun were the the Pride and Prestigious Group, other highlights of the expo. said, “The Hall of Pride features Indian Space Research At the same time there will be emphasis on liberal arts those scientists who excelled Organisation (ISRO) demonstrating The Council of Scientific and and social sciences. These Innovation Universities would be from their native state.” For its research work in satellites, Industrial Research and the innovative in their governance, in their financial structure, example, this year Srinivasa the Defence Research and Department of Food Processing, in their academic and research structure, in their content Ramaujan, has been featured Development Organisation Council of Medical Research are and in every other way - Mr Sibal for his excellence and bringing (DRDO) boasting its main also participating in the expo. 4 2011 | Spectrum | Volume IV Number II 4 2010 | Spectrum | Volume IV Number II Photo Feature ... 2011 | Spectrum | Volume IV Number II 5 2010 | Spectrum | Volume IV Number II 5 Photo Feature ...

Edited and Published by : The Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Faculty of Science and Humanities, SRM University, Kattankulathur, Kancheepuram Dist., Tamil Nadu. Ph : 044-27452270. Printed at : SRM Publications (P) Ltd., 9, V.V. Kovil Street, Chinmaya Nagar, Chennai. 6 2010 | Spectrum | Volume IV Number II

MEET THE NOBEL LAUREATES

Fellow of Nuffield College (1977-80). And then he was the Drummond Professor of Political Economy and a Fellow of The Mother Teresa All Souls College, Oxford (1980-88), Senior Fellow, Harvard Society of Fellows, (1989-98). He was Master of Trinity College, Cambridge from 1998 of Economics to 2004. He received the in Economics for his work in Dr. Amartya Kumar Sen, Indian Economist, Nobel Prize winner, is known as “The welfare economics (1998), the Bharat Ratna (1999). He was Mother Teresa of Economics” for his work on famine, human development theory, welfare offered honourary citizenship of Bangladesh in 1999. He economics, the underlying mechanisms of poverty, gender inequality and political liberalism. received the Leontief Prize (2000), the Eisenhower Medal He was born on November 3, 1933 at Shantiniketan, West Bengal. He received his initial (2000) for Leadership and Service, USA, the International education at Shantiniketan. Before moving to Trinity Humanist Award (2002) from the International Humanist and College, Cambridge, he studied at the school Ethical Union. He was awarded an honorary degree from the system of Visva-Bharati University and University of Tokyo (2002). He was conferred the Lifetime Presidency College, Kolkatta, where he Achievement Award by the Indian Chamber of Commerce earned B.A. in 1953. At Trinity College, (2003) and Lifetime Achievement Award by UNESCAP. His he received B.A. in 1956 and then books have been translated into more than 30 languages. He is Ph.D. in 1959. He was also allowed a trustee of Economists for Peace and Security. He has received four years to immerse himself in over 80 honourary Doctorates. In 2010, Time magazine listed philosophical issues during his stay him among the 100 most influential persons in the world. at Trinity Colleges. He was best known for his work on the causes of famine, which He has taught economics at Jadavpur led to the development of practical solutions for preventing or University, Calcutta, (1956-58). He limiting the effects of real or perceived shortages of food. Sen’s was a Fellow of Trinity College, work in the field of development economics has had considerable Cambridge (1957-63), Professor influence in the formulation of the Human Development Report, of Economics, Delhi School of published by the United Nations Development Programme. This Economics, University of Delhi annual publication that ranks countries on a variety of economic (1963-71), Professor of Economics, and social indicators owes much to the contributions by him London School of Economic, University among other social choice theorists in the area of economic of London (1971-77), Professor of measurement of poverty and inequality. Economics, Oxford University He has published nearly 375 research publications/Articles in a n d the refereed journals. He is currently Professor of Thomas W. Lamont University and Professor of Economics and Philosophy at Harvard University. He is also a fellow of Trinity College at the University of Cambridge.

Dr. Martin Chalfie was born on January 23, 1947 in Chicago IL. He earned undergraduate at Harvard University in and served as teacher at Hamden Hall Country Day school, Hamden, CT in 1970-71. In the summer of 1971, his research at the laboratory of Jose Zadunaisky at Yale University resulted in his first publication. With revived confidence, he returned to Harvard University for and function, and channel structure and function. These studies facilitates the development of graduate studies and received his doctorate in Physiology new experimental methods 1) Green Fluorescent and reconstituted GFP as gene and under Robert Perlman in 1977. He taught at Laboratory of protein markers, 2) Two component system (recCaspase) to selectively kill particular cells, 3) Molecular Biology, Cambridge, England in 1977-82. Method to generate temperature-sensitive strains for virtually any C. elegans gene. In 1982, Chalfie joined the faculty of , He initially approached touch cell development by mutational analysis, obtaining more than New York in the Department of Biological Sciences, where 450 mutations (in 17 genes) that produce a touch he performed his Nobel-winning work, aided by his wife insensitive phenotype. These touch genes are and colleague Tulle Hazelrigg. He performed post-doctoral needed for the generation, specification, and research on C.elegans at the Laboratory of Molecular function of the cells. Many of the genes Biology in Cambridge, England, with (2002 laureates) that regulate touch cell differentiation Sydney Brenner and John Sulston and published a paper are transcription factors. In addition, he in 1985 on The Neural circuit for Touch Sensitivity in C has identified seven other genes that in elegans. He joined the faculty of Columbia University in the combination with these genes specify the Department of Biological Sciences and continued to study number and differentiation of the touch cells. C.elegans touch mutants. Twelve touch genes are needed for touch In 1998, he wrote a book titled Green Fluorescent Protein: cell function. He has identified a transduction Properties Applications and Protocols in association with channel complex with encoded by four Steven Kain. He received award from National Academy of these genes that underlie the touch response of Sciences in 2004 and in 2008, he received Nobel Prize in these cells. Two of the proteins, MEC-4 and for with and Roger Y Tsien MEC-10, form the pore of the channel; the “for the discovery and development of the green fluorescent other two proteins, MEC-2 and MEC- 6 are protein, GEP”. associated with the pore-forming proteins and are essential for channel activity. His work has focused on the study of a set of six neurons that are the sensory receptors for gentle touch. He also He has published 114 papers/articles investigated aspects of nerve cell development and function. in reputed journals. From 1982, He is a He also works on neuronal degeneration, micro tubule structure professor in Columbia University. 2010 | Spectrum | Volume IV Number II 7

Thomas trying to understand molecular structure

Dr. Thomas Arthur Steitz was awarded the 2009 along with mechanisms and of protein-nucleic acid interactions in the Ramakrishnan and for studies of the structure and function of the ribosome. He cell. His structural work on the ribosome and other received his B.A. in Chemistry from Lawrence College in Appleton, Wisconsin, in 1962. He involved in DNA replication, translation and transcription have then pursued his Ph.D. studies at Harvard University in the laboratory of William Lipscomb, provided insight into the pathways involved in information receiving his degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in 1966. Dr. Steitz’s doctoral studies transfer and genome stability in the cell. The Steitz labs work on the crystal structure of carboxypeptidase A initiated his career in structural biochemistry on antibiotics that target the large ribosomal subunit may in which he has used X-ray crystallography as his also help to provide the basis for design of new antibiotics primary tool. He subsequently pursued postdoctoral effective against antibiotic resistant microorganisms. He studies of alpha-chymotrypsin with David Blow has published extensively in top journals such as Nature, at the Medical Research Council Laboratory of Cell and Science. Molecular Biology in Cambridge, England. Steitz made contributions in determining the atomic structures Dr. Steitz has been a member of the National of carboxypeptidase A and aspartate carbamoyltransferase Academy of Sciences and a member of the which was the largest atomic structures resolved at that time. American Academy of Arts and Sciences since The structure of the large 50S ribosomal subunit, which 1990. He has received numerous academic Steitz later determined in his own lab at Yale University, honors, including the Pfizer Prize from the and for which he was awarded the Nobel Prize. The goal American Chemical Society (1980), the Lewis S. of his research group is described as trying to understand the biological functions of macromolecules in terms of their Rosenstiel Award for distinguished work in basic detailed molecular structure, one at a time. medical sciences (2001), the Lawrence University Lucia R. Briggs Distinguished Achievement Award In 1970, Dr. Steitz was appointed an Assistant Professor (2002), the Frank H. Westheimer Medal (2004), of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, the Keio Medical Science Prize (2006), where he is currently the Sterling Professor of Molecular as well as the prestigious Gairdner Biophysics and Biochemistry, Professor of Chemistry Foundation International Award (2007) and Investigator in the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. He has published 297 papers/articles in reputed journals. His research focuses on using protein His studies on yeast hexokinase with and without bound and nucleic acid X-ray crystallography to glucose demonstrated that substrate binding induced a large establish the structural basis of conformational change, closing the deep cleft in the enzyme.

Venkatraman’s ribosome study sheds light on antibiotic function

Dr. Venkatraman Ramakrishnan, the seventh Indian to complex that synthesizes proteins using genetic instructions encoded in the mRNA template. win the prestigious Nobel Prize, has done pioneering work on He determined the complete atomic structure of the 30S subunit and its complexes with ribosome, a cellular machine that makes proteins. several antibiotics, initiation factor IF1, and cognate and near-cognate tRNA anticodon stem-loops complexes with mRNA in the A site. He was born in 1952 at the temple town of Chidambaram in Tamil Nadu, India. He earned his B.Sc. (Physics) from Maharaja More recently, He has determined the high resolution structure of the entire ribosome Sayajirao University, Baroda in 1971 and Ph.D in Physics from complexes with mRNA and tRNA. These studies have shed light on antibiotic function, and Ohio University, USA. As a Postdoctoral Fellow at Yale University, the mechanism of tRNA and mRNA recognition and decoding by the ribosome. The 30S he worked on a Neutron-scattering map of the small ribosome ribosome structure has been used for the of E.coli. After his Postdoctoral Fellowship, Ramakrishnan study of antibiotics binding. After joined as a staff of Brookhaven National Laboratory in USA. the determination of ribosome There, he began his collaboration with Stephan White to clone structure, it has been understood the genes for several ribosomal proteins and determine their that the ribosome is involved in the three dimensional structures. accuracy of tRNA selection during translation. He is currently trying He was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1991-92 and to understand the interactions elected member of EMBO in 2001. He is elected as a Fellow of initiation factors with the of Royal Society in 2003 and elected member in National 40S ribosomal subunit, Academy of Sciences, USA in 2004. He received Datta Medal mRNA and initiator tRNA in 2007, Louis-Jeanter medal for Medicine in as well as the conformational 2007 and Heately Medal of the British Biochemical Society changes induced by the in 2008. binding of these factors and He was elected as foreign member in Indian National Science trying to crystallise the more Academy in 2008, a Fellow of Trinity College Cambridge and stable complexes in the future. Rolf-Sammer Professorship at the University of Frankfurt in 2009. He has published 106 research He received India’s second highest civilian honour, the Padma papers/articles in the journals of Vibhushan in 2010. He is a reviewer for most major scientific repute. He is now senior scientist journals and member of the Scientific Advisory Committee, at MRC Laboratory of Molecular EMBL during 2002-06. He is a member of Scientific Advisory Biology in Cambridge, UK. Board, Rib-X Pharmaceuticals, New Haven. Current interest of his research is the structure and function He was awarded the Nobel Prize for chemistry along with of ribosome and the Action Thomas A.Steitz and Ada Yonath in 2009. He determined the of antibiotics on ribosome. structure and function of the ribosome, the large protein-RNA 8 2010 | Spectrum | Volume IV Number II

“The Indian Science Congress is a unique galaxy of scientists ‘Science Congress will spur SRM faculty and technologists,” said Prof. P Sathyanarayanan, Vice Chancellor of SRM University, to do research in frontline areas of S&T’ on the meaning and relevance of the 98th Indian Science provide proper venues for the 16 the Congress. This again is a resources has funded several Congress as it pertained to plenary sessions, 14 sectional very rare opportunity for student pilot projects and some of the younger generation, the sessions, Nobel laureates lectures, and other young delegates. The these projects have resulted challenges faced by the host public lectures, Children Science exhibition will create a burning in the formulation of major institution in organising this Congress, Science Communication urge in them to make the country research projects. Our faculty mega event and what it means and other events. Also, it is a as a world leader in Science members are carrying out to SRM group of institutions challenge to provide food and & Technology in the years to several projects funded by DST, as a whole. Excerpts from his arrange accommodation and come. Our efforts through the DRDO, ISRO/DOS, BRNS/ interview to Spectrum: transport facilities on such Children Science Congress, DAE, AYUSH, DBT, and the Question: SRM University gigantic scale. This is the first Meet the Nobel Laureates and Ministry of Public Health and is the proud host of the 98th time that over 5,000 delegates the 98th Science Congress will several others funding agencies. Indian Science Congress. What are being accommodated in the supplement and compliment the Three Schools/Departments are were some of the challenges University’s Kattankulathur efforts of the Government of having DST-FIST programmes. campus. My colleagues including India in attracting the younger that had to be met in hosting Vice Chancellor Thus, participation of the faculty the Provost, the Pro-Vice- generation to Science and this mega event? members of SRM University Chancellor, the Registrar, Israel are participating and Technology, which is the need in the 98th Science Congress Answer: You have rightly Directors, Dean’s, Heads of delivering special lectures. I of the hour. and their interaction with the said SRM University is the the Departments and faculty am sure the younger generation Q: SRM group of institutions Nobel Laureates, scientists of proud host of the 98th Indian members have put in the best will get motivated by these has constantly placed a premium repute and several others will Science Congress. Several possible efforts to meet these lectures to take up Science and on Research. How do you see faculty members, scientists challenges. Technology as their career, to broaden their horizon and the 98th ISC as a catalyst and researchers from different dream high and put in more motivate them to carry out Q: What in your view are for this? universities, institutes and effort to excel. Further, Meet research in frontline areas of the benefits of this major laboratories are participating in the Nobel Laureates is organised Ans: I wish to make an Science and Technology. This science convention for the the Congress and I understand during this Congress, which emphatic statement that SRM forum will provide a unique younger generation? that the number of delegates provides a forum for the college University attaches top priority and great opportunity for our registered is the largest so far. Ans: There are several unique and school students to interact to research. We believe that faculty members to discuss This Congress has a unique galaxy features about this edition with the experts. Further, Pride research and teaching are and formulate collaborative of scientists and technologists. of the Congress. Six Nobel of India, the Science Exhibition, intertwined. Realising this fact, research programmes in the Thus, the challenges are to Laureates from UK, USA and is being organised as a part of the University from its own foreseeable future.

Chennai - the epitome of culture

Krishnan Ramesh long-standing tradition and rich culture. The Tamil month of Chennai, formerly known as Margazhi, December to January, Madras, is the capital city of is the best time to experience Tamil Nadu state. Located on the maestros of Carnatic Music, the Coromandel Coast of the one of the oldest genres of Bay of Bengal, the city had a music. The city has a vibrant population of 4.34 million in theatre scene and is the centre the 2001 census within the area for Bharatanatyam, a classical administered by the Corporation dance form. of Chennai and an extended Of the entire gamut of industrial Metropolitan Population of sectors in the city, the automotive 6.5 million. sector is the most prominent. It is a city renowned for its A major chunk of India's car manufacturing industry is based °C (100–108 °F). The coolest Places to visit: in and around the city. Chennai part of the year is January, with Marina beach - Marina beach accounts for 60 per cent of the temperatures around 18–20 °C is the second longest beach in country's automotive exports and (64–68 °F). the world. Fort St George - is called The Detroit of Asia. Cuisine: Fort St George is the starting Weather point for the city we know of The region has a rich cuisine today. Kapaleeshwar Temple Chennai has a tropical climate, involving both vegetarian and - Kapaleeshwar temple is a specifically a tropical wet and non vegetarian dishes. Rice and temple for Lord Shiva, built by dry climate. The city lies on legumes play an important role Pallava Nayanmars around the the thermal equator and is also in Tamil cuisine. The prominent 7th century. Santhome Church on the coast, which prevents dishes from the city would - Named after St.Thomas, one of extreme variation in seasonal include idly, dosa, pongal and the 12 Apostles of Jesus Christ, temperature. The weather is hot uthapam. The traditional way who came to India in A.D.52, and humid for most of the year of serving food involves using martyred in A.D.72 and was with temperatures around 38–42 plantain leaves as plates. buried here in Mylapore.