Assam Science Society elects office bearers for proposed Silchar Branch at Cachar College

In an important development for the scientific community of the Barak Valley, the Assam Science Society elected its office bearers for the proposed Silchar branch on Saturday (November 22) in a meeting held at Cachar College. The meeting was presided over by Dr Apratim Nag, Principal of the college.

The Assam Science Society is a state-level organisation dedicated to promoting scientific research, scientific temperament and the spread of science education among the public. Speaking on the significance of opening a branch in Silchar, Dr Nirmal Kumar Sarkar said that Silchar is the second largest city of Assam and the intellectual and administrative centre of Cachar district. Therefore, establishing a Science Society branch in Silchar is essential to strengthen scientific activities in the region.

On 22 November, an informal meeting was held at Cachar College to discuss the formation of the proposed branch. The session was led by Principal Dr Nag, who assured full support from the college in developing the activities of the Society.

During the discussion, Dr Sarkar, former President of the Assam Science Society Karimganj branch and member of the State Executive Committee, explained the constitution and structure of the organisation. He appreciated the verbal approval from the State President, Dr Arup Kumar Mishra and acknowledged the cooperation of Cachar College.

Assistant Professor of Botany, Dr Biswajit Deb Roy, spoke about the importance of cultivating scientific thinking among students. He said that proper guidance and funding for student research projects can help solve many local problems. He added that the Society has access to many experienced researchers who can help transform scientific ideas into real outcomes.

Assistant Professor of Geology at Guru Charan University, Dr Manabendra Nath, discussed the process of patent registration and shared his experience of registering multiple patents. Shri Anil Pal, founder of Science Trial Organisation Silchar and pioneer of the Children Science Festival in Barak Valley, assured full support for the proposed branch.

The meeting unanimously selected the office bearers for the proposed Silchar branch. Professor of Ecology and Environmental Science at Assam University, Dr Parthankar Choudhury, was elected President. Dr Mukul Kumar Barua, Head of the Department of Botany at Cachar College, was appointed Working President. The Vice Presidents elected were Dr Gunakar Das, Dr Abhijit Nath and Dr Abhijit Saha. Dr Biswajit Deb Roy was elected Secretary. Shri Mrinal Kanti De and Dr Swetsmita Nath were named Joint Secretaries. Dr Gayatri Ghosh was appointed Treasurer. An eleven-member executive committee was also formed.

At present, the proposed Silchar branch has 15 lifetime members, 18 annual members and 5 student members who have already completed registration.

Among those present were Shri Kiriti Bhushan De, Dr Sudip Kumar Das, Dr Nitu Debnath, Dr Abhinay Pal, Dr Nilam Basumatari, Dr Jayabrata Nath, Dr Birupaksha Palchoudhury, Dr Suhas Subodh De, Shri Ragib Hussain and several students.

The Assam Science Society is known for promoting scientific temperament and spreading awareness on scientific values in society. It has actively spoken against unscientific beliefs and superstitions in the region and continues to encourage rational thinking and evidence-based understanding.