CAMPUS DIARY - October 2003
CAMPUS DIARY - October 2003 |
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Students News
Parag C. Prasad, Research Scholar in the Biomedical Engineering Programme of the School of Biosciences and Bioengineering, presented the paper, co-authored with Prof. S. Arunkumar, entitled "From Short Term Memory to Semantics - a Computational Model" at the Third International Conference on Intelligent Systems Design and Applications, held during August 10 - 13, 2003 at Tulsa, Oklahoma, U.S.A. The paper has also appeared in the Proceedings of the Conference published by Springer in their Advances in Soft Computing series.
Seminars and Workshops
Department of Humanities and Social Sciences
Prof. Prabuddha Ganguli, HSS, gave a seminar on "Research Reporting, Ethics and Intellectual Property Rights", on August 13, 2003.
Prof. Rowena Robinson, HSS, presented a paper on "No 'Chips off the Ol'Block': Indian Christian Theology in the Nineteenth Century", and Prof. Sudha Shastri, HSS, presented a paper titled "Empowered to Distract: The Epigraph as Paratext", on September 3, 2003. Prof. Robinson, and Prof. Shastri had presented their papers in recently held international conferences.
Prof. D. Parthasarathy, HSS, gave a seminar on "Strikes and Justice: Rawls Principles, Economic Liberalisation and Industrial Relations in India ", on September 17, 2003.
Department of Civil Engineering
Mr. T. Rambabu, Geotechnical Engineer,M/s Ultraco PTE Ltd., Singapore, visited the Department and gave a talk on "Current Slope Stabilization or Shoring Methods in Singapore", on September 15, 2003.
Mr. B.C. Roy, Executive Director, Consulting Engineering Services (CES), New Delhi, visited the Department and gave a talk on "Project Preparation - Aim & Approach", and "Flow Properties and Pattern for Side Discharge Bins", on September 17, 2003.
Mr. C.M. Dordi, Vice President, Gujarat Ambuja Cements Ltd., Mumbai, gave a presentation on "Causes that lead to Building Repairs", jointly organised by the Civil Engineerin Association on September 24, 2003.
Department of Chemical Engineering
Dr. Yogesh M Joshi, Benjamin Levich Institute for Physico-Chemical Hydrodynamics and Department of Chemical Engineering, City College of New York, CUNY, gave a seminar on "Cohesive Failure and Instabilities in Processing Flows", on September 18, 2003.
Department of Mathematics
Dr. A. V. Jayanthan, TIFR, Mumbai, gave a seminar on "Macaulay's Theorem on Hilbert Functions IV", and "Macaulay's theorem on Hilbert functions V", whereas Prof. Tony Joseph Puthenpurakal, Mathematics, gave a seminar on "Projective resolutions IV", and "Koszul Complex and Depth", as part of the Saturday Seminars on 'Commutative Algebra and Algebraic Geometry', held on September 13 and 20, 2003 respectively.
Tobias Hartnick, Mathematics, gave a series of three lectures as a part of 'Students Seminar 2003', on "Profinite Groups and the Main Theorem of Galois Theory", consisting of three components as follows (1) Projective Limits and Profinite Groups (2) Topological Structure of Profinite Groups and (3)Application to Galois Theory on September 15, 2003. This was organised by the Department of Mathematics and the Mathematics Association.
Prof. Ramadevi, Physics, gave a lecture on "Knots, Links and Three-Dimensional Manifolds: Meeting Ground for Physicists and Mathematicians", as a part of the Popular Lecture Series in Mathematics, organised by the Mathematics Association, IITB and the Bombay Mathematical Colloquium, on September 19, 2003.
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Dr. S. S. Kulkarni, Executive Engineer of Maharashtra State Electricity Board (MSEB), delivered a seminar on "Maharashtra Power System Operation and Control with the availability based Tariff Regime", on September 17, 2003.
Department of Physics
Prof. G. Mukhopadhyay, Physics, gave a seminar on "Dipolar Response of Ellipsoidal Nano-particles with Anistropic Coating", on September 10, 2003.
Prof. U. A. Yajnik, Physics, gave a seminar on "Baryogenesis Constraints on Some Unified Models", on September 17, 2003.
School of Biosciences and Bioengineering
Dr. K.V.K. Rao, Head Chemical Carcinigenesis, ACTREC, (Former CRI), gave a seminar on "Cell Cycle and Carcinogenesis", on September 8, 2003.
Dr. Madhulika Dixit, University of Tennessee Health science Centre, Memphis, TN, gave a seminar on "NO Mediated Motility of Aortic Smooth Muscle Cells", on September 25, 2003.
Dr. R. K. Rao, University of Tennessee, Memphis, delivered a seminar on "Regulation of Tight Junctions by Signal Transduction", on September 22, 2003.
Dr. R.V. Hosur, Chairperson, Division of Chemical Sciences, TIFR, Mumbai, gave a seminar on "Exploring Unstructured Proteins", on October 9, 2003.
SJM School of Management
A course titled 'Corporate Strategy' was organised with an objective to blend real life experience with the conceptual learning from the compulsory course. Five guest speakers were invited to make a presentation on related topics and interact with the course participants during the month of August/September. The speakers included Mr. Dipak Gupta, Executive Director, Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd., Mr. Shailendra Bhandari, MD,ICICI Prudential AMC, Mr. Mr.Vishwavir Ahuja, Country Head & MD (India), Bank of America, Mr.S.Ramachandran,Vice President-Speciality Chemicals,ION Exchange(India) Ltd, and Mr. V.N. Bhattacharyya, Consultant on Business Strategy.
Centre of Studies in Resources Engineering
A one-day exposure programme was conducted for the teachers of Sinhagad Engineering College, Pune, on 'GRAM++ Geographic Information System' software developed at the Centre. Dr. B. Krishna Mohan, Senior Research Engineer, CSRE was the Coordinator.
Industrial Engineering and Operations Research Programme
Abhijit S. Powar, IEOR programme, gave a seminar on "Approaches For Solving Timetabling Problems in Universities", in association with Operations Research Society of India, Mumbai Chapter, on September 4, 2003.
Powai Lake Soil used for Eco-friendly Ganesh Murtis
Over 200 IIT Bombay Campus residents participated in three workshops to mould Eco-friendly Ganesh Murtis from soil from the Powai Lake. These workshops, held on of August 23, 24 and 26, 2003, were part of the awareness campaign of the Save Powai Lake Team, a Campus residents' Group to encourage use of eco-friendly materials and natural colour for ganesh idols.
Soil from various spots on the Powai Lake bed periphery had been tested. The most suitable was cleaned of stones and hard particles, sieved and kneaded to give even consistency. This soil was provided to the participants. A Campus ladies arts group called "Ankan" provided guidance and eco-friendly natural colours.
Many of the Ganesh murtis made at the workshop were installed in homes for the Ganesh Puja, and were ceremoniously immersed again in the Powai Lake at the end of festival.
Research Scholars' Forum
Research Scholars' Forum had held a talk by Prof. Madhav N. Kulkarni, Lt. Col (R), on "The Global Positioning System and it's Applications", on July 29, 2003.
Research Scholars Forum had, organized the Welcome function for the new Doctoral students of the Institute on August 4, 2003.
During the function, the key-note speaker Shri. Promod Khera, CEO & MD of Aptech Limited stressed the need for fundamental research in the country. Developing countries will not be able to compete in the long run unless they provide a deep and complete research structure, which should include fundamental research. For this we need to develop and maintain a viable academic capacity for producing first class engineers and scientists and support talented people. Most of the elected governments last only for five years, but the research problems are long term, 10 and more. Thus we need a mechanism to help politicians in their choice in ensuring steady support for long term projects.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Amarnath, Dean Student Affairs appreciated the initiation from the research scholars for enhanced industrial collaboration. The function concluded with a cultural programme performed by students.
Film Screened
A film 'War and Peace' (Jung aur Aman), by Mr. Anand Patwardhan, the well known documentary film Maker, was organised by the Students' Gymkhana and screened at PC Saxena Auditorium (LT) on August 27, 2003.
The 175-minute film made in 2001 with English subtitles was followed by discussions with Mr. Patwardhan, the director of the film. The film has won an award for the 'Best non-feature film', Mumbai International Film Festival 2002, an International Jury Prize, Mumbai International Film Festival 2002 and several other awards in Sydney and Tokyo.
Women's Cell Reconstituted
The Women's Cell has been reconstituted with Prof. Neelima Talwar, HSS, as it's Convener. The members of the Cell include Prof. G. Sivakumar, CSE; Prof. D.K. Sharma, EE; Prof. Ujvala Rajadhyaksha, SJMSOM; Prof. Chandra Venkataraman, Chemical Engineering;Mrs. Kalyani Accanoor, Asstt. Librarian, Central Library. The tenure of the Convener and the members will be for one year.
Other Events
The Group for Rural Activities (GRA) had held a talk on "Sustainable Development through Integrated Watershade Management (IWM) and Rain Water Harvesting", by Prof. T I Eldho, Civil Engineering, followed by screening of a video clip 'Ab Nahin Roothenge Badal', (Hindi/col/29min) casted on Magsaysay awardee Shri. Rajendrasingh on September 18, 2003.
Film Show Held
A film show was held with a talk by Shri Kuldip Sinha, film director and producer on 'Human Values In Indian Film', at the IDC Auditorium on September 23, 2003. He spoke on the technique of filmmaking. He will be accompanied by Anubha Sharma a scriptwriter.
Rajasthani Folk Music Programme
KReSIT hosted a programme of Rajasthani Folk Music performed by the Manganiars, traditional folk singers from Barmer (Rajasthan), on August 22, 2003.
In the performance one witnessed how much the Indian classical music tradition is intertwined with the folk traditions of India. Amongst the instruments featured were the Khamaicha (one of the numerous string instruments found in one region of western Rajasthan alone), the Ravanhatha (another stringed instrument), the dholak and the Khadtal (castanets). The languages they spoke were Rajasthani, Sindhi and Punjabi, reflecting the region they hail from - the desert border with Pakistan.
The Manganiars are one of the three tribal castes who are the custodians of the folk music tradition in Rajasthan - the others being Langas and the Kalbelias. This particular troupe has travelled the world visiting over 25 countries giving concerts and have also performed for Spicmacay.
Music - A Science
(Apart from being the highest ART form.)
Mrs. J. Shobha Adinarayana has recently been awarded Fellowship by the Sangeet Natak Academy to do research on 'Therapeutic implications of music'. She is pursuing this project under the guidance of Ustad Zia Fariduddin Dagar.
Her study has revealed that, in the case of both the performer and listener, the mind focuses on a single thought for a long time. During this process, a major portion of the 100 billion neurons of the brain is used in a laser like fashion for a single thought. This stimulates the pituitary gland, which gives the sense of well-being.
Experimentally, it has been shown that music increases the alpha wave patterns on the electroencephalogram. This is hypothesized to cause quick recovery in illness, faster healing in surgery, better health and efficiency in normal subjects.
Music sets up resonance in body organs through the body's seven 'chakras' that are storehouses of subtle, vital energy. It is this resonance, which is an important factor in healing.
The therapeutic effects of music on physical and physiological conditions of the body have been well documented. In addition, research throws light on the positive effects of music to overcome conditions like phobias, stress, strain, depression, various forms of addictive behaviour, mild levels of anxiety, insomnia, shyness, aggressiveness and many more. Music plays a role in developing imagination and creative thinking, increasing self esteem, giving psychic strength to face and overcome unpleasant feeling, if any, and improving academic achievement in students.
It is yet unclear whether the effect of music is physical, physiological or psychological or whether it is an amalgamation of all the three aspects. It is time for musicians and scientists to sincerely collaborate on a long term basis to study the therapeutic effects of music.
We, the IITians in Bombay, are privileged to have one of the greatest exponents of Dhrupad style of music, Ustad Zia Fariduddin Dagar. Dhrupad is the purest and most ancient form of music, originated from Samaved. Indian music is the mother of the world music, which is almost 6000 years old, and has roots from philosophy, mathematics, science and medicine.
Our mind need nurturance and stimulation to develop and grow. Music is an important catalyst for the growth of intellect. It can restore the subtle mental imbalance that crop in today's life style. Sound pollution is also a daily hazard. Music helps to return one's system.
Further, it is also a good opportunity to study the sound structures and elements of physics involved in microtoned and in the use of techniques such as Ghaseet, Kurtan, Kan, Meend, which are characteristics of the Dhrupad style.
Music can thus serve as a great source and resource for Professional Excellence and Human Resource Development, maintain human values and improve the quality of life of the society.
Drupad Workshop to be Held
The Dhrupad Sansar, under the auspices of the Cell for Human Values, will present a two-week long "Dhrupad Workshop", by Ustad Zia Fariduddin Dagar and Shri Baha'ud-din Dagar from October 5, to October 19, 2003 (Morning 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. and Evening 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.).
Participants will be introduced to the Dhrupad singing technique and the techniques of voice culture developed by the Dhrupad masters. Traditional dhrupad compositions will be taught to reinforce the concepts through practice. Interested students are requested to register for the workshop.
Retirements
As on October 31, 2003
| October 09 - 11 | Management of Supply Chains and Customer Relationships, by Prof. A.S. Babu, CARE |
| October 11 - 12 | Embedded System Software, (CEP and DEP) by Prof. Kavi Arya, Kresit |
| October13 - 18 | Risk Analysis and Management (for ONGC, Mumbai), by Prof. S. Roy, Chemical Engg. |
| October 14 - 17 | Recent Advances in Fermentation and Downstream Processing by Prof. P.Wangikar , Chemical Engg. |
| October 18 | Fault analysis and Relay Coordination by Prof. S.A. Soman, Elect.Engg. |
| October 20 - 21 | Modeling and Simulation by Prof. A. Joshi, Aerospace Engg. |
| Oct. 2003 - Sept. 2004 | Certificate Course on 'Marketing Management', by Prof. S.S. Gaur, SJMSoM |
