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| Pondicherry University unveils distinguished lecture series with Dr Virander Singh Chauhan's talk on vaccines | | |  Early Times Report
NEW DELHI, Mar 18: Pondicherry University launched the Pondicherry University Distinguished Lecture Series, a new initiative aimed at bringing eminent scholars and public intellectuals to engage with students and faculty across disciplines.
The inaugural lecture was delivered by renowned scientist Dr. Virander Singh Chauhan, a Rhodes Scholar and former Chairman of the University Grants Commission and National Assessment and Accreditation Council. He also served as Director of the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi, and is a Padma Shri awardee.
Prof. Chauhan spoke on the topic "Vaccines: Science, Access, and the Politics of Protection." During his lecture, he explained the scientific principles behind vaccines and discussed the development of India's first recombinant malaria vaccine. He described how pathogens infect the human body and traced the historical evolution of vaccines, while also highlighting recent advances in vaccine technology. Addressing vaccine hesitancy, he noted that misinformation and lack of awareness often contribute to public resistance to vaccination and cited India's successful eradication of polio as a major public health achievement.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Prakash Babu emphasized that the University's achievements were the result of collective effort and appreciated the contributions of faculty members, non-teaching staff, and students. He also called upon the University community to continue working together towards further strengthening higher education and contributing to the national vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047.
The lecture was held at the Mahakavi Subramania Bharathi International Convention Centre, which was filled to its capacity of 2,500, with students and faculty members from the University and its affiliated colleges. To accommodate the large audience, the University arranged live telecasts in two additional auditoriums on campus.
Prof. Rajneesh Bhutani, Chairman of the organising committee, expressed hope that the series will, over time, be recognised among the world's leading lecture series for the eminence of its speakers and the impact of their ideas. The launch of the lecture series coincided with the first anniversary of Prof. P. Prakash Babu's tenure as the Vice Chancellor of Pondicherry University. On the occasion, the University released a souvenir highlighting its academic achievements, activities, and outreach initiatives over the past year. A documentary showcasing the institution's progress was also screened.
Three staff associations honoured the Vice Chancellor on this occasion. Prof. Tharanikarasu, Director (Studies, Education, Innovation, and Rural Reconstruction), and Prof. Natarajan, Director (Culture and Cultural Relations), delivered felicitation addresses. Prof. Joseph Selvin, Dean of the School of Life Sciences, introduced the speaker, while Dr. Vinoth Rajendran moderated the interaction session. The vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Rukmani, Director (Research and Development). The programme was compered by Dr. Ritu Tyagi and Dr. Keerthana. |
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