“Science and New Technology Turns Waste into Wealth”- Dr. Matharu

Amritsar, February 24 (Punjab Post Bureau)- “There is nothing called waste. With the use of scientific know-how and technology the waste can be turned into wealth’’. This was stated by Dr. Avtar Singh Matharu, hailing from Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence, Department of Chemistry, University of York, United Kingdom who was delivering a special lecture at the post-graduate Department of Chemistry Khalsa College here today. Dr. Matharu gave tips about chemistry’s applications on waste generated from our daily routine and demonstrated how these discarded and trashed materials could be recycled and reused. Citing the example of agriculture straw, the burning of which is banned in UK, he explained how these excessive agriculture output could be converted into straw blocks with high intensity as a bio-alternative to wood.

            He also demonstrated the use of discarded paper in its microwave conversion to yello wish oil which had excellent adhesive properties. He emphasised on the use of recycling, regenerating and reusing the materials so that the reserves are cyclised and wastages are minimised. The lecture was attended by under graduate, post-graduate students and faculty members of department. Earlier Dr. Amit Anand conducted the stage and gave an overview of the activities of department. Dr. MS Batra, Head, Department of Chemistry welcomed the guest speaker, and shared the importance of invited lectures and seminars with students. He emphasized that the science is growing very fast and to keep pace with the latest developments in the field such seminars are extremely important as they familiarize the students and faculty with the recent advances in the subject. He encouraged the students to participate and interact in such seminars as such exchanges will help them to understand the subject and will boost their confidence.

            On this occasion Prof. Boony Birgi, Prof. Balwinder Kaur Basra, Dr. Baljinder Kaur Randhawa, Dr. Hardeep Kaur, Dr. Kultar Singh, Dr. Punita, Dr. Kirandeep Kaur, Dr. Seema, Dr. Rajwinder Kaur, Dr. Mohamad Arshad, Dr. Harkeerat Kaur, Dr. J.S. Gandhi, Dr. Durgesh Nandni, Prof. Gagandeep Kaur, Prof. Neha, Prof. Prabhleen, Prof. Amanpreet, Prof. Mandeep Kaur, Prof. Ranjit Singh and Dr. Tarunpreet Kaur were also present.