Celebrating a century of existence is a significant milestone, and
it is essential that we make it memorable. The Indian Chemical
Society, founded by Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray on May 9, 1924, is
a premier scientific society in India. It was established as a
national forum for chemists and allied disciplines in British India,
driven by the nationalistic spirit of the time. Prominent figures
like Dr. J. N. Mukherjee, J.C. Ghosh, and S.S. Bhatnagar were
instrumental in its foundation. Acharya P.C. Ray, often regarded as
India’s first academic entrepreneur, also founded Bengal Chemicals &
Pharmaceuticals in 1901—a government PSU known for manufacturing
hydroxychloroquine during the Covid pandemic. The Society entered
its centennial year on May 9, 2023, and we have organized a series
of celebrations across various cities in India, continuing through
2025.
With over 3,000 Fellows, including 8 Nobel Laureates, a Bharat
Ratna, and several Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri
awardees, the Society’s legacy is one of excellence. The theme for
the Centennial Jubilee Conferences is
"Net Zero Goal & Sustainability: Role of Chemical Sciences in
Green Energy, Circular Economy, and Prosperity of India."
These conferences will feature participation from leading
industries, academics, Nobel Laureates, students, international
Chemical Societies, and Padma awardees.
The inaugural function was held on May 9, 2023, in Kolkata, with
Dr. C. V. Ananda Bose, Hon’ble Governor of West Bengal, as the
Chief Guest, alongside a distinguished gathering of scientists,
Padma awardees, and industry leaders. Nine new awards were
established in honor of Bharat Ratna Prof. C.N.R. Rao, Dr. Sukh
Dev, Padma Vibhushan Prof. M.M. Sharma, Padma Vibhushan Dr. R.A.
Mashelkar, Padma Bhushan Dr. A.V. Ramarao, Padma Shri Prof. G.D.
Yadav, and others, with support from industries like Clean Science
and Technology Ltd., Pidilite Industries Ltd., Aether Industries
Ltd., and Oriental Aroma Chemicals.
Throughout the year, several significant events have been
organized. The 60th Annual Convention of Chemists (ACC), held at
IIT Delhi on December 21-22, 2023, was a great success, with
participation from academia, renowned speakers, industries,
institutions, national and international Chemical Societies, and
students. The Indian Chemical Society also felicitated
Bharat Ratna Prof. C. N. R. Rao as "The Chemist of the Century"
on January 23, 2024, in recognition of his outstanding
contributions to chemistry.
As part of the Centennial Celebration, we have planned a series of
conferences across the country. The International Conference on
“Advances in Chemical and Applied Sciences for Sustainable
Development (ACASSD -2024)”
was held at JECRC University, Jaipur, from March 29 to 30, 2024.
The 101st Foundation Day of ICS was celebrated in Kolkata in
collaboration with the Indian Chemical Council and ICC’s 22nd
Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray Memorial Lecture.
We are organizing the
"100 Years of Chemistry – Recognition, Awards, and Conference,"
celebrating the achievements of Indian Chemical Industries,
scheduled for November 6-7, 2024, at Nehru Centre, Worli, Mumbai.
Several industry stalwarts and leading Padma awardees will be
felicitated including representatives of leading Chemical
Societies of the world and many central and state ministers will
give away the awards to 100 industrialists.
The 61st Annual Congress of Chemists and the International
Conference on
Emerging Trends in Chemistry to Revolutionise Indian Chemical
Industries for Viksit Bharat@2047,
scheduled for December 19-21, 2024, will be a significant event
organized with full support from JECRC University, Jaipur. This
edition will explore and celebrate the contributions of chemistry
to a sustainable future. From green chemistry principles to
materials science, from circular economy strategies to innovative
energy solutions, the 61st ACC will showcase cutting-edge research
and honour the excellence and dedication of our community.
I am particularly eager to see the participation of young
chemists, who represent the future of our society. This event
provides a platform for them to share their research and connect
with seasoned scientists from India and around the world. The
exchange of ideas and mentorship will undoubtedly shape the future
of our field.
In the spirit of the net-zero goal and sustainability, let us
collectively strive to make our world a better place. I am
confident that the 61st Annual Convention of Chemists will be a
resounding success, fostering collaboration, inspiring innovation,
and enriching our understanding of the chemistry that shapes our
world.
Several award lectures, including those for young chemists and
celebrated scientists, will be organized.
I look forward to an exciting and enlightening event and to the
continued growth and success of the Indian Chemical Society.