Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology (MAKAUT), WB observed the National Science Day on 28th February, 2020 in accordance with the theme for this year 'Women in Science'. Each year a theme is set by the National Council for Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC). Additionally, MAKAUT had the objective of spreading the message of importance of science and its applications among the school and college student fraternity. The University exhibited innovative projects created by the young students from 50 school and college teams in this event in EXPLORA-2020, as a part of Science Day celebrations. Oral Presentations were there for 3 categories: Computational Sciences, Management Sciences, Biological & Environmental Sciences.

As the theme of this year's Science Day Celebrations is 'Women in Science', the Hon'ble Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Saikat Maitra decided to bring all the lady faculties and staff in the limelight.They organized the whole event and the Programme was inaugurated by the lady faculties Ms. Sarani Bhopwmik and Ms. Sayantani Roy of Management Department. The Vice Chancellor Sir was with the audience.

The Lady Faculties Inaugurating the Programme by lighting the lamp

Watering of a plant by the lady faculties

 The respected lady faculties also watered a plant after the inauguration of the Programme. It was very symbolic, as students have to be nurtured for their overall development, just like a plant.

At the outset Prof. (Dr.) Somdatta Chakravortty thanked everybody, including the Vice Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Saikat Maitra for engaging all women to conduct the Programme.

Prof. Maitra felicitating Prof. Rina Rani Ray

After the inspiring inaugural Rabindrasangeet 'Prana Bhariye Trisha Hariye' by the staff and faculty members of MAKAUT, the keynote address was delivered by Prof. (Dr.) Rina Rani Ray of the Biotechnology Department. She paid her tribute to Indian women scientists through her short presentation "Indian Women in Science- A Saga of Success".

The Hon'ble Vice-Chancellor Prof. Maitra and Registrar Dr. Partha Pratim Lahiri among the audience.

In addition to conventional awards, promising projects by the students will be inducted to the EKTA incubation center of MAKAUT,WB for start-up assistance and mentoring. MAKAUT, WB intends to encourage entrepreneurial spirit among its student and alumni community by providing a launching platform to this community in EXPLORA-2020 to display their technical talent and demonstrate their innovative ideas. 

A panel of experts assessed the techno-commercial potential of the projects presented and prizes were distributed among the enthusiastic students. Quality projects recommended by the panel will be selected for nurturing at MAKAUT,WB’s EKTA Incubation Center for comprehensive start-up support.

Prof. Jaya Bandyopadhyay of the Dept. of Biotechnology is being felicitated by Prof. Sibamoy Dasgupta.