Amity Institute of Biotechnology organized its Second Annual Biotechnology Extravaganza INCYTE 2011, a three-day science event at Amity University Campus, Noida, Sector-125. The closing ceremony of the Biotechnology fest was with TEDxAmityUniversity events. TED stands for Technology, Entertainment and Design. TED is a global platform devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. TEDx is a locally organized event that focuses on individuals and innovation in various cities.
TEDxAmityUniversity started with topic “The Role of Biotechnology in Shaping up the Indian Society” by Dr. Ajit Verma, Amity Institute of Microbial Technology, Dr. B.L. Dhar, Mushroom Research Development Training Centre, Delhi and Prof. S.M.P. Khurana, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Haryana; “Creativity” by Mr. Sudhir Teilang, Asian Age, Mr. Pankay, LeadInvent, Delhi, Mr. Vipul, iLifeDiscoveries, Gurgaon; “Social Service and the Joy of Giving” by Dr. Shelly Batra, Operation Asha, Delhi, Ms. Agamani Bhattacharya, Women’s Moksha, Calcutta and Ms. V. Zeeenath, SPYM, Delhi
Eminent Cartoonist Mr. Sudhir Tailang shared his experiences on the creativity aspect of Biotechnology with the audiences by presenting live demonstrations of his cartoons in a humorous manner. He said that he is a self taught cartoonist. Mr. Tailang made cartoons of eminent personalities from different walks of life and on various economic, social and political situations in his career of more than thirty years. While speaking of cartooning Mr. Tailang said, “the biggest talent and challenge of a cartoonist lies in drawing atleast one cartoon per day. There is no dearth of idea in a country like India. India is a paradise for the cartoonists. The art of cartooning has now come of age.” While speaking on the trivialization of media he said that newspapers do not look at the opinions. They need good graphic designers. Therefore, absence of opinion is the biggest causality of newspapers.” He advised students to be creative and humorous in their approach.
Dr. B.L. Dhar, Mushroom Research Development Training Centre, Delhi spoke extensively on mushroom cultivation and its commercial values. Dr. Dhar discussed the potential of mushrooms like King Oyster Mushroom, black mushroom and Paddy mushroom in the domestic market of India and international market too. Dr. Dhar informed students about the tremendous medicinal values of mushrooms.
Prof. S.M.P. Khurana, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Haryana shared his thoughts on the topic “The Role of Biotechnology in Shaping up the Indian Society.” Diseases like malaria, cancer, dengue can be cure through the intervention of biotechnology. For a healthy and long life biotechnology can be of much help.
While presenting an overall outline of the three day mega event, Dr. A.K. Srivastava, Director General, Amity Institute of Biotechnology said that the entire event was an experience initiated by the and for the students. The programme was designed in a marvelous manner which covered the entire scenario of Biotechnology at a global level. The technical excellence can help making the future more secure. Global problems like environmental, food, heath care and increasing population can be solved with the help of bio-remedies. We cannot change our lifestyles but the biotechnological remedies will help us sustain growth and development in every aspect. Molecular biotechnology will come to our rescue. Therefore, we are to utilize our all types of natural resources intelligently and in a fruitful manner.