A three-day national seminar cum workshop on Modern Methods of Chemical Analysis (MMCA) kicked off on Tuesday at the NMl auditorium organised by Analytical Chemistry Division of CSIR-National Metallurgical laboratory, Jamshedpur in association with Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD), Hydrabad.
More than 150 participants across the country have assembled to attend the deliberations. They represent several industries, analytical instrument manufacturers and scientists.
Chief guest AM Mishra, chairman, Tata Sponge Iron ltd. said, organisation of such a national seminar cum workshop is very relevant in the current context of pack food controversy like Nestlé’s Maggi; Pasta etc; Pharma products and other consumer goods. He emphasized on the role of analytical chemists in quality control in industries. Starting from characterization of raw materials to the quality assurance of finished products, role of analytical chemists is of paramount importance and hence modern analytical methods and instruments should be used to produce accurate analytical results. Mr. Mishra also highlighted on the importance of Innovation and technology development for progress of any country. He cited with example from Israel, In this regard, scientific community of India should use innovative analytical methods and new technologies to contribute to the “Make in India” programme.
CSIR- NMl, director Dr S Srikanth while welcoming the gathering said, “Both CSIR-NMl and Atomic Minerals Directorate have world class expertise, infrastructure and vast experience in the conventional as well as instrumental chemical analysis of a variety of minerals, alloys and materials which must be disseminated not only to the practicing analytical chemists but must be disseminated not only to the practicing analytical chemists but must also help create the next generation of analytical chemists with a competence level meeting international standards”.
Dr Pramod Kumar, regional director, AMD, Jamshedpur in his address said,” The primary objective of this event is to bring the fraternity of analytical chemists from industry and academia in the same platform for exchange and dissemination of ideas and to provide a “touch and feel” exposure of sophisticated analytical facilities.
Dr G Chakrapani, Head chemistry Group, AMD, Hyderabad said that we have around us air, water and soil. The elements contained in them have to maintain an optimum level needed for the human race and this can only be tested by an analytical chemist. So, he has to be updated with the latest analytical tools and techniques.