The Department of Chemistry in collaboration with Karnataka State Council for Science and Technology, Bengaluru, organized one day programme on Molecular Mysteries and Quantum Mystery – Celebrating International Year of Quantum Science – 2025 on17 September, 2025.
The programme was inaugurated by Dr. Satheeshchandra S., Secretary of SDME Society, Ujire. In his address, he stressed the need to strengthen the foundation of basic sciences and underlined the growing role of quantum science in advancing future technologies. He remarked that science sparks curiosity and enthusiasm among students, and urged them to move beyond an examination-focused approach to develop a genuine interest in learning. Highlighting the immense contributions of quantum science, especially in areas like quantum computing, he emphasized that every major technology rests on the fundamentals of basic science. Progress in science, he noted, is impossible without a strong grounding in these fundamentals.
Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, Dr. Rahul S., Assistant Professor, Department of Physics, PES University, Bengaluru, said, “To understand quantum science, one must first understand the fundamentals of basic science. Quantum computing has already gained a strong foothold in present-day industries, and its role will only expand in the future. Today, we continue to move forward along the path laid by eminent scientists in this field,” he observed.
Presiding over the programme, Principal of SDM College, Dr. Vishwanath P., remarked, “The modern facilities and technologies that we enjoy today are the results of decades of scientific research and innovation. There are abundant opportunities in the field of science and technology, and students should look towards research after their higher studies.”
Earlier, the programme began with a prayer by Ms.Apoorva and group. Vice-Principal and Head of the Department of Chemistry, Mrs. Nanda Kumari K. P., welcomed the gathering, and Assistant Professor of Chemistry, Ms. Divya, proposed the vote of thanks. The proceedings were compered by Ms. Anvita Serra, a second-year B.Sc. student.
The session was attended by Dr. Neelakanthan V. K., Assistant Professor and Head of the Department of Physics, St. Aloysius (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru, faculty members, and students. The inaugural session concluded with words of gratitude and acknowledgment to the organizers, followed by the commencement of the technical sessions.
There were three technical sessions. In the first session, Dr. Rahul delivered an insightful lecture on The Quantum Revolution .He explained complex ideas in a simplified manner, enabling participants to connect with real-world applications such as semiconductors, superconductivity, and quantum communication.
The second session was a scholarly lecture on Travails and Perceptions of the Quantum World
by Sri Keshav T. N., Former Principal and Associate Professor of Physics, SDM College, Ujire.
Sri Keshav shared his perspectives on the challenges and philosophical interpretations of the quantum world. He elaborated on how quantum theory challenges classical thinking and reshapes human understanding of nature. His talk was both thought-provoking and engaging, bridging scientific theories with philosophical insights.
The third session was on Basics of Quantum Computation – Bridging the Gap between Classical and Quantum Computing by Dr. Nilakanthan V. K., Assistant Professor & Head, Department of Physics, St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru.
Dr. Nilakanthan’s session introduced participants to the fundamentals of quantum computation. He explained qubits, superposition, and entanglement, and discussed how quantum computing surpasses classical computing in solving complex problems. The lecture highlighted future prospects of quantum technology in cryptography, optimization, and artificial intelligence.
The programme concluded with a formal valedictory ceremony.
Sri S. N. Kakathkar, Academic Coordinator, SDME Society, Ujire, graced the event as Chief Guest. In his valedictory address, he appreciated the Department of Chemistry for organizing a meaningful and interdisciplinary event, and motivated students to take forward their curiosity into research. Mrs. Nanda Kumari K. P., Vice Principal and Head of the Department of Chemistry, SDM College, Ujire, presided over the valedictory function. In her presidential remarks, she emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts between departments and institutions in promoting advanced scientific learning.
As a part of this event, conducted essay writing competition for PU Students of Belthangady taluk and Seminar competition for UG and PG students of our college on 11 September 2025. The prizes were distributed by the esteemed guests of the valedictory function, amidst applause and encouragement from the audience.
A total of 166 students from BSc, BCA, PG Department of Post Graduate Studies and Research in Chemistry Organic Chemistry and Physics, Department of Software and App Development (BVoc) attended and benefited by the programme.
