Prof. (Dr. ) Mahendra Kumar Rout was the Founder President of Orissa Chemical Society. Prof. Rout was born in Bhadrak on 4th January 1924 and did his Matriculation from Patna University in 1938. He did his Bachelor's Degree from Ravenshaw College and Postgraduate Degree in Chemistry from Patna Science College. He was awarded Ph.D. degree from Utkal University in 1952. His fields of research interest were organic synthesis on drugs and biologically active compounds, dyes, and natural products. He started his career as Lecturer in Chemistry from Ravenshaw College and became Professor and Head of the Department of Chemistry, Principal of Ravenshaw College, Director of Public Instruction, Government of Odisha, and Vice-Chancellor of Utkal University. After retirement, he took the responsibility of Chairman Pollution Control Board, then Chairman of All India Banking Recruitment Board. Prof. Rout remained as the President of OCS for consecutively three years (1986, 1988, 1989). During his tenure as the President, the First Annual Conference of OCS was held in Ravenshaw College, Cuttack, on June 28-29, 1986. The Second Annual Conference was held on January 25-26, 1988, in P. N. College, Khurda. On March 26-27, 1989, the Third Annual Conference was held in Khallikote College, Berhampur. He passed away at the age of 66 on February 07, 1990. Since then, Odisha Chemical Society is organizing Prof. Mahendra Kumar Rout Memorial Lecture in its Annual Meetings and also giving awards to winners of Prof. Mahendra Kumar Rout essay competition to commemorate the contributions made by him to chemistry education and research as well as for his services to the OCS.
Prof. (Dr.) Rabindra Kumar Nanda served the Odisha Education Department as a Lecturer in Chemistry in Ravenshaw College, Cuttack, for 15 years (1952-1967). He was the first faculty member of the Chemistry Department, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar, joining as a Lecturer in Inorganic Chemistry on 18 August 1967 and taking the lead to start this Department. In 1968 Prof. Nanda became Reader in Chemistry in this department and became Professor and Head in 1981. He superannuated in the same position on 31.08.1990. Prof. Nanda was involved in the academic activities of the Utkal and other universities of the state in different capacities. He was a Commonwealth Scholar at the University of Sheffield and University College London, UK, from 1963 to1965, and also was an Indo-US Fulbright Fellow in 1980 at Texas A & M University, USA. During his tenure as Professor and Head of the Department, he took a keen interest in developing excellent infrastructure for research through funding from DST, UGC, CSIR. More than 100 publications in International and National peer-reviewed journals are to his credit, and 12 scholars have been awarded Ph.D. under his direct supervision. He was a life member of the Indian Chemical Society and Odisha Bigyan Academy and was honored for his contributions to Chemistry by the Academy. The Indian Chemical Society has honored him with Sir J. C. Bose Memorial Award for his contributions to Chemistry. He was the president of Odisha Chemical Society for the year 1990. During his term as the President, the Annual Conference of the OCS was held in Uktal University, Bhubaneswar, on May 4-5, 1990. Prof. Nanda left for heavenly abode on April 6, 2018
Prof. (Dr.) Sarat Chandra Padhi was born on 15th January 1932 at Paralakhemundi, Ganjam, Odisha. He passed Matriculation Examination in the year 1946 from Brindaban Bidyapitha. He completed B.Sc. (Chemistry) Pass Course in the year 1950 with Distinction from Ravenshaw College, Cuttack. He passed M.Sc. (Chemistry) Examination in the year 1952 from Banaras Hindu University in the First Division. He obtained his Ph.D. Degree in Chemistry in 1979 from Berhampur University, working under the supervision of Prof. P. S. R. Murthy. “Kinetics of Chemical Reaction†was his field of research. He has published five research papers in various technical journals. He was a Lecturer in Chemistry in Khallikote College, Berhampur, from August 1952 to 1957. Subsequently, he joined G. M. College, Sambalpur, on 3rd January 1958 under Odisha Education Service. He also worked in Angul College, Angul (1958 to 1959), Ravenshaw College, Cuttack (1959-1962), Angul College, Angul (1962-1969), and B.J.B. College, Bhubaneswar (1969-1971). In July 1983, he was promoted to the rank of Professor of Chemistry and was posted in Khallikote College, Berhampur. He continued there till 31st January 1990, the date on which he was superannuated from Odisha Education Service. He was the President of OCS in 1991. In his tenure as the President, the Annual Conference of OCS was held at Sambalpur University, Jyoti Vihar, Burla, on November 30 and December 01, 1991. Prof. Padhi passed away on 26th December 2019 at the age of 88 years in Bhubaneswar.
Dr. Siba Narayan Mohapatra was born in Mayurbhanj, Odisha, on 1st November 1928. He passed the Matriculation Examination in the year 1945. He passed B.Sc. (Hons.), and M.Sc. in Chemistry in 1949 and 1952, respectively, from Ravenshaw College. He served as Lecturer in Chemistry at Ravenshaw College and Khalikote College during 1952-59. He obtained his Ph.D. Degree in synthetic organic chemistry on the subject ‘Synthesis of Natural Products’ in 1958 from the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, working under the supervision of Prof. D. K. Banerjee. Dr. Mahapatra was a Post-Doctoral Research Associate in Chemistry at the IOWA State University under Prof. E. Wenkert and later at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA, under Prof. R. M. Dodson and worked on the Synthetic Organic Chemistry from 1960 to 1963. Dr. Mahapatra joined Regional Research Laboratory (RRL), Bhubaneswar in 1965 as a Scientist, and worked as Project Coordinator & Head, Forests & Marine Products Division till 1988. During that period, he carried out research work on Natural Products, Marine Natural Products, Extraction of Drugs from Plant Sources, Chemistry of Oil Seeds and Synthetic & Natural Perfumery Compounds, etc. He has to his credit 64 research publications both in Indian and foreign journals, several patents, and project reports. He is a Fellow and Member in a host of professional bodies both in the country and abroad. He was honored as a “Distinguished Scientist†of the State by Odisha Bigyan Academy in the year 2000 for his outstanding research work in the field of Organic Chemistry. He was President of Orissa Chemical Society in 1992. During his tenure as the OCS President, the Annual Conference was held at B.J.B. College, Bhubaneswar on February 20-21, 1993.
Prof. (Dr.) Bimbadhar Nayak was born on November 19, 1928, at Botaltang in Jajpur district. He passed the Matriculation Examination from Jajpur High School in 1944 in First Division, I.Sc. from Utkal University in 1947 in First Division, B.Sc.(Hons.) in Chemistry from Utkal University in 1949, standing First Class First, and M.Sc. in Chemistry in 1951 from Ravenshaw College, Cuttack standing First Class First in Utkal University. He was a research scholar, Ravenshaw College, Cuttack (1951-1952), Lecturer in Chemistry at Ravenshaw College, Cuttack (1952-1957), and Research Fellow, in University College, London (1957-1960). He was awarded Ph.D. from University College, London, in 1960 with Prof. Clifford Bunton as his Ph.D. supervisor. On return, he joined as a Lecturer in Chemistry, Ravenshaw College, Cuttack (1960-1963). In 1963 he moved to IIT, Kharagpur, to work as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry (1963-1973). Here he became a full Professor of Chemistry in 1973 until he retired in 1989 as the Professor and Head of the Department of Chemistry. Prof. Nayak received Post Graduate Scholarship of Govt. of Odisha (1949), Research Training Scholarship of Govt. of India (1950), University Post Graduate Gold Medal of Utkal University (1951), Central Overseas Scholarship of Govt. of India (1957), and Hope of India Award in 2001 from Chinta-O-Chetna, Bhubaneswar. His areas of research were (i) Chemical Kinetics and Reaction Mechanism, (ii) Electrochemistry, (iii) Polymer Chemistry, and (iv) Solution Thermodynamics. Prof. Nayak published around 80 research papers, mostly in International Journals. Twelve students got their Ph.D. degrees under his able guidance. Prof. Nayak was a Member and Fellow of a large number of professional bodies both in India and abroad. He was a Member in the Chemistry panel of University Grants Commission, New Delhi, Member of Chemistry Curriculum of NCERT, worked in UPSC in various capacities, and remained as the Chairman/Expert Member of Selection Committees of different Indian Universities/Regional Colleges/CSIR laboratories. Since 1990, Prof. Nayak was an advisor to academics at C. V. Raman Engineering College, Bhubaneswar. He became President of Orissa Chemical Society in 1993. During his tenure as the President, the Annual Conference of OCS was held in Regional Engineering College, Rourkela, on December 11-12, 1993. Prof. Nayak passed away on August 20, 2016, at his Surya Nagar residence in Bhubaneswar.
Prof.(Dr.) Bhaskar Dash was born on 17th February 1930 at village Simudi in the undivided Puri District of Odisha. He passed out High School Certificate Examination in the 1st Division from Nimapara High School in the year 1948. He completed his I.Sc., B.Sc.(Hons.) in Chemistry and M.Sc. in Chemistry from Ravenshaw College, Cuttack in the years 1950, 1952, and 1954, respectively. He obtained his Ph.D. Degree in Organic Chemistry from Utkal University in the year 1961, working under the supervision of Prof. Mahendra Kumar Rout. Prof. D. H. R. Barton, Nobel Laureate in Chemistry, was one of the Examiners of his Ph.D. thesis who recommended the thesis very highly for the award of the Ph.D. Degree by Utkal University. He did his Post-Doctoral Research at Brandeis University and MIT, USA, for a period of 1 and 2 years, respectively, and worked on Nucleic Acids and Synthesis of Vitamin D3. He has 33 years of research experience, and eight students got their Ph.D. Degrees working under his able supervision. Organic Chemistry and Medicinal Chemistry were his fields of specialization. He has published 60 research papers in various National and International journals. He has ten years of teaching experience at Ravenshaw College, Cuttack (including four months at S.C.S. College, Puri). He also has 23 years of teaching experience in the Department of Chemistry, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar as Lecturer, Reader, and Professor of Chemistry. He was Fellow and Member in a host of professional bodies both in the country and abroad viz. UGC; MIT’s Sigma Xi Society, USA; New York Academy of Sciences; Institution of Chemists (India); Odisha Bigyan Academy, and Bigyan Prachar Samiti, etc. He was President of Orissa Chemical Society in 1994. The Annual Conference of the OCS was held on December 10-11, 1994, at Sambalpur University, Jyoti Vihar, Burla.
Prof.(Dr.) Hrusikesh Pujari was born on 25th March 1928 at Rampella Village in the District of Sambalpur, Odisha. He passed Matriculation Examination from Sambalpur Zilla School in the year 1946, I.Sc. from Sambalpur College (now G. M. College, Sambalpur) in 1948, B.Sc.(Hons.) and M.Sc. in Chemistry from Ravenshaw College, Cuttack, in the years 1950 and 1953, respectively. He obtained Ph. D. degree in Chemistry from Utkal University in the year 1956, working under the guidance of Prof. M. K. Rout. Prof. Pujari was the first Ph. D. degree holder under the supervision of Prof. Rout. He was a Post-Doctoral Fellow in the Department of Chemistry, Brandeis University, USA, from 1958-1960 and worked on the “Chemical Degradation of DNAâ€. He was also a Post-Doctoral Fellow in the Department of Biochemistry, Duke University, USA, from 1960-1961 and worked on “Bio-Synthesis of Fatty Acids in Living Organismsâ€. He joined the Department of Chemistry, Kurukshetra University as Lecturer in Chemistry in the year 1961, became Reader and Professor of Chemistry at the same University, and continued there till 1994. Seventeen research scholars have received their Ph.D. degrees from Kurukshetra University, working under his able supervision. He has published 103 Research Papers in various Indian and foreign journals and presented 25 research papers in several National and International seminars and symposiums. His areas of research interest were: (1) Synthesis of novel and hitherto unknown Bridge-Head Nitrogen Heterocyclic Systems, (2) Radiochemistry of Product(s) obtained by Cyclization of Unsymmetrical Substrates, taken by the design, where the possibility of getting more than one isomer exists during the cyclization. (3) Screening of Biological Activities of the Bridge-Head Nitrogen Heterocyclics. His research work has been widely acclaimed by the Global Research Community of Organic Chemists for which he has received many accolades and honors. On the occasion of the celebration of “100 Years of Chemistry Teaching in Ravenshawâ€, Prof. Pujari was felicitated by the Ravenshaw Chemistry Alumni Association on 13th January 2008 for his Lifetime Contribution to Chemistry. Prof. Pujari was the President of OCS for the year 1995. During his tenure as the President, the Annual Conference of OCS was held at Utkal University on February 9-10, 1996. Prof. Pujari passed away on May 7, 2016.
Prof. (Dr.) Balaram Sahoo was born at Barambah, Dist. Cuttack on 15th November 1931. He passed Matriculation in the year 1950 and completed his I.Sc., B.Sc. (Hons.) & M.Sc. (Chemistry) from Ravenshaw College, Cuttack in the years 1952, 1954, and 1956, respectively. In the year 1957, he joined the Department of Chemistry, Ravenshaw College, Cuttack as a Lecturer in Chemistry, and carried out research work under the guidance of Prof. Dayanidhi Patnaik. His research areas were mostly related to photolytic preparation of quadrivalent uranium compounds and some rare earth complexes. His outstanding achievements in this department include photolytic preparation of uranium tetrafluoride (Proceedings of Indian Academy Sciences; Vol.XLIV, Section- A, 1959, page -200), discovery of a simple method for the preparation of uranyl carbonate at room temperature (Nature, Vol. 185, 1960, page 683.) and preparation of anhydrous uranium tetrafluoride by thermal decomposition of ammonium uranium (IV) pentafluoride (Current Science, 1959, 28, page-401). In the year 1961, he moved to MPC College, Baripada, and established there his School of Research in Chemistry. In 1963, he joined the Department of Chemistry, IIT, Kharagpur as a Lecturer in Chemistry, and retired as Professor of Chemistry in the year 1992. At IIT, Kharagpur, he worked in new areas of coordination chemistry, which were in keeping with the contemporary developments in the field of chemical research. He has published 112 research papers in various National and International journals. He has also published 12 popular science books in Odia and English, two chemistry textbooks, and 200 popular science articles for the benefit of the common man. Twelve students got their Ph.D. degrees in chemistry, working under his able guidance. He became the President of Orissa Chemical Society in 1996. During his term as the President, the OCS Annual Conference was held on January 11-12, 1997, at Ravenshaw College, Cuttack.
Prof. (Dr.) Prabhat Kumar Misra was born on 4th January 1937 at Cuttack. He passed Matriculation Examination from Ranihat High School, Cuttack, in the year 1951. He completed I.Sc., B.Sc. (Hons.) in Chemistry, and M.Sc (Chemistry) from Ravenshaw College, Cuttack. He obtained his Ph.D. Degree in Chemistry from Utkal University in the year 1970 working under the supervision of Prof. (Dr.) M. K. Rout. The title of his thesis was: “Heterocyclic Compounds for Structure–Spectra Correlation.†He joined the Orissa Education Service (OES) as Lecturer in Chemistry on 17th January 1958; Reader in Chemistry on 7th January 1970, and Professor of Chemistry on 6th April 1987. He joined as the Principal of Ravenshaw College, Cuttack on 5th August 1992; President of the Board of Secondary Education, Odisha on 31st January 1994, and retired from the Services of Govt. of Odisha on 31st January 1995. He has guided many research thesis of M.Sc., M.Phil., and Ph.D. students. Three students have obtained their Ph.D. degrees working under his able guidance. He has published 12 research papers in various National and International journals. During his long and eventful career, he has held various important administrative posts like Deputy D.P.I., Odisha, and Secretary, Sports Council, Odisha. He also occupied many important Chairs in different Academic Bodies and Organizations like Member of the Academic Council, Senate and Syndicate of Utkal University, President, Vice President and Secretary-cum-Treasurer of Orissa Chemical Society; Secretary of Orissa Govt. College Teachers’ Association; Fellow, Indian Chemical Society; Member, Indian Science Congress Association; Member of the Executive Committee, Affiliation Committee & Equivalence Committee of the Council of Higher Secondary Education, Odisha; Member of the Managing Committee of Ravenshaw College; Member of the Ravenshaw Development Trust; President Ravenshaw Alumni Association, and President of Ravenshaw Chemistry Alumni Association, etc. He was also Vice-President, Board of Control for Cricket in India; Vice President, Orissa Hockey Association; Secretary, Orissa Council of Sports; Working President, Orissa Kabadi Association; First National Hockey Umpire from Orissa; Sports Commentator for AIR and Doordarshan at the State & National levels and Manager of the Under 15 India Cricket Team for Asia Cup at Sharjah. He has represented Ravenshaw College in Hockey, Football and Athletics for 6 years; Captain of the College Hockey & Athletic Team; Represented the Utkal University Athletic Team for two years and Hockey Team for three years and was the Captain of the Team. He was Badminton Doubles Champion of the university and represented Orissa XI in Hockey. He was a Life Member of the Indian Red Cross Society; Member of the State Working Committee of Junior & Youth Red Cross Society; Member of the Blood Bank managed by Indian Red Cross Society; President of Rotary Club of Cuttack; Asst. Governor of Rotary International District 3260; President of the Managing Committee JPM Rotary Club of Cuttack Eye Hospital & Research Institute; Life Member of Odisha Bigyan Academy & Bigyan Prachar Samiti; Member, Executive Committee, Kala Vikas Kendra, Cuttack and now President, Bigyan Prachar Samiti. He has been bestowed with many Awards & Accolades for his Outstanding Contribution to Science & Technology, Education, Sports, and Social Service. He was the President of Orissa Chemical society in 1997. During his term as the President, the Annual Conference of the OCS was held on Dec 13-14, 1997, in Govt. College, Rourkela.
Prof. (Dr.) Pradipta Kumar Jesthi was born at Mansingpatna, Cuttack, on 11th April 1939. He passed M.Sc (Chemistry) from Ravenshaw College, Cuttack, in 1959 in First Class. He obtained his Ph.D. Degree in Chemistry from Utkal University in the year 1968 working under the supervision of Prof. (Dr.) M. K. Rout. The title of his Ph.D. Thesis was: “Studies on Heterocyclic Compoundsâ€. He has to his credit 38 years of teaching experience in undergraduate, honors, and post-graduate levels. He also has nine years of teaching and research experience in the Post-Graduate Department of Chemistry, Utkal University. He is a distinguished scientific personality of Odisha, having a wide range of experience in the fields of academics, administration, planning, management & accounts training, etc. He was Head of the Department of Chemistry, Govt. College, Sundargarh from 1976 to 1980; Rajendra College, Bolangir from 1984 to 1986, and Dhenkanal College, Dhenkanal in 1988. He was Director (Students Welfare), Utkal University from 1985 to 1988; Principal, S.V.M. College, Jagatsinghpur from 1988 to 1991; Principal, Govt. College, Angul from 1991 to 1993; Principal, Panchayat College, Bargarh from 1993 to 1994; Additional Director (Higher Education) from 1994 to 1996; Director, Higher Education (In-charge for a period of 3 months during 1994); Director, Orissa Bureau of Text Book Preparation & Production (In-charge for a period of 4 months during 1995) & Director, Higher Education, Odisha from 1996 to 1997. He is a Life Fellow of Indian Chemical Society, Kolkata (1976); Life Fellow of Institution of Chemists (India), Kolkata (1977), Life Member of Orissa Chemical Society, Member of Indian Science Congress Association (ISCA), Kolkata; Member of New York Academy of Sciences, USA (1995); Dean, Faculty of Science, Utkal University (1996-1997), and President, Orissa Chemical Society (1998). He was a Research Fellow of CSIR from 1963 to 1965 and Research Fellow, UGC, from 1965 to 1966. He has guided Research Projects independently for M.Sc. and Ph.D. Degrees. He was a Post Doctoral Research Associate at Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA from 1972 to 1974 and again from 1981 to 1984; the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, USA in 1993. His research areas of interest were Synthetic Organic Chemistry, Photographic Sensitizing Dyes, Heterocyclic Compounds, Nucleosides & Nucleotides, Organo-Metallic Compounds, and Labeled Compounds. He has published 37 research papers in various reputed National & International journals. He was the President of OCS for the year 1998. During his tenure as the President, the Annual Conference the OCS was held on December 19-20, 1998 at National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST), Berhampur.
Prof. (Dr.) Gopabandhu Behera was born in the village Mahichala, P.O. Ranmal in the District of Kalahandi, Odisha, on 3rd February 1939. He completed his B.Sc. (Hons.) in Chemistry from Ravenshaw College, Cuttack, standing First Class First in Utkal University in the year 1958. He did his M.Sc. (Chemistry) from Ravenshaw College in the year 1960 with First Class. He obtained his Ph.D. Degree in Chemistry from Utkal University in the year 1969, working under the guidance of Prof. M. K. Rout. He was awarded D.Sc. Degree in Chemistry from Sambalpur University in the year 1978. He was Lecturer in Chemistry at SCS College, Puri from 1960 to1964; Ravenshaw College, Cuttack, from 1964 to1969, and Sambalpur University from 1969 to 1971. He was Reader in Chemistry at Sambalpur University from 1971 to 1978 and Professor of Chemistry from 1978 to 1999, for a record period of 21 years. He has published 120 research papers in various National & International Journals. He has published a review article in Chemical Reviews (first time from Odisha), which was widely referred through 300 citations. Fifteen research scholars have been awarded Ph.D. Degree in Chemistry from Sambalpur University, working under his able supervision. He has visited USA as a Fulbright Scholar in the year 1985, visited the University of Florida in the year 1990, and the University of California in the year 1992. He was a Life Member of Indian Chemical Society; Orissa Chemical Society; Member, Executive Committee of Indian Society of Surface Science and Technology (ISSST), and was also its Vice-President; Member Advisory Committee of Regional Science Museum; Pulp & Paper Research Institute; MAPCOST of Madhya Pradesh, and Basic Science Group of DSTE. He has been bestowed with many awards and accolades, such as V.S.R. Gupta Teacher of the Year Award in the year 1995 by Orissa Chemical Society; Kalahandi Utsav Samman -1999 and Senior Scientist Award by Orissa Bigyan Academy-2011. He is working relentlessly for the popularization of science and is regularly contributing articles in various newspapers and magazines for the same. He has written +2 Chemistry Book and +3 Organic Chemistry Book, which are liked by students. He has also written a Book in Odia entitled “Bigyan O Manabika Mulyabodha". He was a Member of the Syndicate of Sambalpur University; Member of UGC Visiting Team. He was WODC Member – Appellate Authority for Air Pollution, and Member, Programme Advisory Committee, Doordarshan, Odisha. After retirement, he is associated with many social activities. He was President of the OCS for the year 1999. During his term as the President, the Annual Conference of the OCS was held on December 19-20, at S.C.S. College, Puri.
Prof. (Dr.) Nimai Charan Naik was born on 5th November 1936 at Keshaberani, Badamba, in the District of Cuttack, Odisha. He obtained his M.Sc. Degree in Chemistry from Ravenshaw College, Cuttack, in the year 1960. He joined as Lecturer in Chemistry at Ravenshaw College, Cuttack, on 18th November 1960. He obtained his Ph.D. Degree in Chemistry from Utkal University in the year 1975, working under the supervision of Prof. R.K. Nanda on “Kinetics & Mechanism of Reactions of Inorganic Complexesâ€. He worked as Lecturer, Reader in different Government Colleges of the state. He was superannuated from the services of Govt. of Odisha Education Department in the year 1994 while he was the Principal of Dhenkanal College. During his service career, he was Deputy Registrar of Utkal University and Deputy Director of Non-Govt. Colleges, Odisha. He has published many research papers in various National & International journals. He has written many Text Books for +2 Science Chemistry, +3 Degree Classes & Post Graduate Inorganic Chemistry. He has also written many books on Popularization of Science. He has contributed many articles on Popular Science which were published in News Papers & Magazines. He is Founder President of Badamba Bigyan Bikash Parishad. He became President of Orissa Chemical Society for the year 2000. During his term as the President, the Annual Conference of the OCS was held on December 16-17, at Govt. College, Bhawanipatna. Prof. Naik passed away on November 22, 2017.
Prof. (Dr.) Prana Bandhu Tripathy was born on 10th March 1935 at Puri. He passed out Matriculation Examination from Ravenshaw Collegiate School, Cuttack, in the year 1951. He completed his I.Sc., B.Sc. (Hons.) in Chemistry and M.Sc.(Chemistry) from Ravenshaw College, Cuttack in the years 1953, 1955, and 1957, respectively. He was a CSIR Research Fellow at Ravenshaw College, Cuttack from August 1957 to August 1959; Lecturer in Chemistry at FM College, Balasore from 1959 to 1961, and Lecturer in Chemistry at Ravenshaw College, Cuttack from 1961 to July 1968. He obtained his Ph.D. Degree in Chemistry from Utkal University, Bhubaneswar in the year 1964, working under the supervision of Prof. M. K. Rout. He did his Post-Doctoral Research Work at Washington State University, USA, from August 1968 to September 1971. After coming back from USA, he joined as Reader in Chemistry at B.J.B. College, Bhubaneswar, and served there from September 1971 to August 1976. Then he worked as Deputy Director in the office of DPI, Odisha, from 1st August 1976 to August 1980. In the year 1980, he proceeded to UGC, New Delhi, and worked there as Principal Scientific Officer and was promoted to the Rank of Joint Director. He was superannuated from the services of UGC on 31st March 1993. He has published 15 Research Papers in Indian Journals and 11 Research Papers in Foreign Journals. He had immense interest in Electronics & Photography. While he was in UGC, he prepared a variety of documents like Central University Funding, Strengthening of Infrastructure for Science & Technology in the Higher Education System and 5th Plan Assistance Guidelines, etc. He organized South East Asia and Pacific University Vice-Chancellor’s Conference & UNESCO Conference on Quality of Higher Education. He represented UGC at UNESCO Conference on Higher Education in Developing Countries held in Bangladesh. He was President of Orissa Chemical Society in 2001. During his tenure as the President, the Annual Conference of the OCS was held on December 22-23, 2001, at B.J.B. College, Bhubaneswar.
Prof. Durga Prasanna Das was born in the village Athantara, Balipatna, Dist. Khurda, Odisha on 16th July 1936. He had his School Education at Ravenshaw Collegiate School, Cuttack. He passed Matriculation Examination from Capital High School, Bhubaneswar, in the year 1953. He completed I.Sc., B.Sc. (Hons.) in Chemistry and M.Sc. (Chemistry) from Ravenshaw College, Cuttack in the years 1956, 1958, and 1960, respectively. He started his teaching career in Chemistry from Bhadrak College, Bhadrak, in 1960, and continued there for a brief period of six months. He worked as a Lecturer, Reader, and Principal of many colleges of the state, including his Alma mater Ravenshaw college. While in Ravenshaw college he conducted excellent research on Chromatography of organic compounds, under the supervision of Prof. Gokulananda Mahapatra, which earned publications in well cited Journal of Chromatography. He was also Dean, Students Welfare, Utkal University from 1979 to 1982, and Principal, P. N. College, Khurda from 1982 to 1990. He was Deputy Director, Higher Education, Odisha from 1990 to 1992 and Secretary, Board of Higher Secondary Education, Odisha as Professor Cadre Principal (Grade I) from 1992 to 1995. He was superannuated from the services of Govt. of Odisha on 31st July 1995. He was an NCC officer in the Army Wing and Naval Wing in B.J.B. College, Ravenshaw College, and Bhadrak College. He was Secretary, Utkal University Sports Council for two terms. He was Member, Rotary Club, Bhadrak; President, Rotary Club, Khurda; Senate and Syndicate Member of Utkal University and Member of Board of Studies in Chemistry. After retirement from active service, he was Principal-cum-Director of UN College, Adaspur, and Director of Kusagra Institute of Management Studies, Cuttack. He had strong interests in Hockey & Cricket. He was President of Orissa Chemical Society during 2002. During his term as the President, the Annual Conference of the OCS was held on December 21-22, in Khallikote College, Berhampur. Prof. Das left for his heavenly abode on February 28, 2017.
Prof. (Dr.) Gangadhar Sahu was born on 7 October 1935 at Balaramprasad, Angul, Odisha. He passed Matriculation Examination from Angul High School, Angul, in the year 1952 in First Division, and was among Best Ten Students of the State in the Batch. He completed his I.Sc., B.Sc. (Hons.) in Chemistry and M.Sc. Chemistry from Ravenshaw College, Cuttack in the years 1954, 1956, & 1958 respectively. He obtained his Ph.D. Degree in Physical Chemistry from the University of Patna, working under the guidance of Prof. Balabhadra Prasad. He started his professional career in the year 1958 from G. M. College, Sambalpur followed by Ravenshaw College, Cuttack, and Bhadrak College, Bhadrak. In January 1982, he took over as the Principal of Bhadrak College, Bhadrak. In November 1986, he joined as the First Regional Director, Eastern Zone of Indira Gandhi National Open University. In January 1991, he joined as Principal, B.J.B. College, Bhubaneswar. He was superannuated from the services of Govt. of Odisha on 30th June 1994. He was also a Member of the State Commission for Backward Classes and Member of the State Planning Board. He was known for his extra-ordinary administrative acumen, unparalleled leadership qualities, courage, dynamism, and bold initiatives, and above all, he was a great teacher of Chemistry and a compassionate human being. He also served as the President and General Secretary of Orissa Government College Teachers’ Association. He was a Member of the Syndicate of Utkal University. He was keenly associated with many organizations such as Bigyan Prachar Samiti; Plant Lovers’ Association; Pragyan Vihar Vikash Parishad, Baramunda; Lions’ Club; Citizens’ Apex Association; Intach and many others. He was the President of Orissa Chemical Society for the year 2003. During his term as the President, the Annual Conference of the OCS was held on December 20-21, 2003 at F. M. College, Balasore. He left for heavenly abode on January 3, 2011.
Prof. (Dr.) Rajani Kanta Satapathy was born on 15th September 1940 at Bhanjanagar in the District of Ganjam, Odisha. He passed M.Sc. (Chemistry) Examination in 1st Class from Ravenshaw College, Cuttack, in 1961. He joined Stewart Science College, Cuttack, as a Lecturer in Chemistry in 1961. He taught there for 39 years in Degree Level Classes till he retired from the College as Reader & Head of the Department on 30th September 2000. During his M.Sc. course in Chemistry, he carried out research work on anti-spasmodic and anti-histaminic compounds. He obtained his Ph.D. Degree in Chemistry from Utkal University in the year 1980 for his research work on “Kinetics of Polymerization Reaction†working under the guidance of Prof. M. K. Rout. Two research scholars have obtained their Ph.D. Degrees in Chemistry working under his able supervision on “Biodegradable Polymersâ€. He had organized and introduced a new vocational course on “Food Science & Quality Control†as the Subject Coordinator in Stewart Science College, Cuttack. He had also taken part in all extracurricular activities of the college, such as Advisor to the Student Union, Vice-President of Sports, Vice-President of Dramatic Society, etc. He has received NCC Signal Corps Training in the year 1962 and served as the Commanding Officer of 1st Odisha Signal Coy NCC from the year 1963 to 1966, administering the unit comprising both Civil & Military Staff. He was also selected to lead the Odisha Contingent in the Republic Day Parade at New Delhi. He was the Founder Vice-President of the “Journal of Teaching & Research in Chemistryâ€, an International Journal published from the Department of Chemistry, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar. He was Vice-President of Orissa Chemical Society for two years and President of Orissa Chemical Society for the year 2004. He is a Rotarian since 1983. He was President of “Rotary Club of Cuttack Mid Town†during the year 1996-97. He was also Charter President of “Rotary Club of Cuttack Silver City†during the year 1998-99. His contribution to Rotary International is commendable. He is respected as an extraordinary teacher of chemistry, researcher, social worker, sportsman and administrator of repute. He was a Life Member as a College Teacher at Utkal University; Member of Board of Conducting Examiners and Chief Examiner for several years. He was the Director in two SSI Units established in Odisha. He became President of Orissa Chemical Society during 2004. During his term as the President, the Annual Conference of the OCS was held on December 25-26, 2004 at OUAT, Bhubaneswar.
Dr. Rudra Prasanna Dwivedi was born on 10th December 1938. He passed Matriculation from Ravenshaw Collegiate School, Cuttack, in 1954. He completed his B.Sc (Hons.) in Chemistry from Ravenshaw College, in 1958 and M.Sc. Degree in Chemistry from Patna University in the year 1960. He was decorated with Honorary Ph.D. Degree in Astrology from Astrological Research Project (ARP), Kolkata, West Bengal in the year 2011, and the Distinguished Honour was presented to him during the Annual International Oriental Heritage Conference held in Kolkata during the same year. He also obtained a Bachelor in Law Degree from Utkal University, Bhubaneswar, in the year 1971. He was Dy. Director/ Joint Director, Department of Soil Conservation (1990-91); State Project Coordinator (World Bank Aided Watershed Development Project from 1992-93); Director, Soil Conservation Department (1994-95) ; Managing Director, Odisha State Cashew Development Corporation(1995-96) and Officer on Special Duty-cum-Additional Secretary to Government, Agriculture Department, Bhubaneswar from 1995-1997. He has 33 years of experience in the field of Soil & Water Conservation, River Valley Project, Government of Odisha Undertaking, and Administrative Departments. He has also three years of Teaching Experience in Degree College affiliated to Utkal University. Dr. Dwivedi during his long professional career has participated in many training programs and workshops such as UNESCO Course on Tropical Watershed Development & Monitoring, Soil & Water Conservation Course (ICAR), Central Soil & Water Conservation Research & Training Institute, Dehradun, Uttarakhand; Training on Sediment Monitoring & Hydrology, DVC Hazaribagh; International Vetiver Workshop organized by World Bank at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Asian Astrologer’s Congress- India in the year 2010 at Bangkok, Thailand and won International Award for Jyotisha Bidyaratna. Dr. Dwivedi was Vice-President of Samanta Chandrasekhar Smruti Parishad, Bhubaneswar; Patron Member of Samanta Chandrasekhar Smruti Parishad; Life Member of Bharati Foundation Trust, Bhubaneswar; World Astrological Society. He is also a Fellow of the Indian Association of Hydrology. Dr. Dwivedi has received many awards & accolades for his significant contributions to the field of Astrological Sciences, such as Nirmalya Samman, Baraha Mihira Samman, Jagannath Samman, Jyotisha Gourab Samman, Jyotisha Parasara Samman, Jyotisha Bidyaratna Samman, Jyotisha Kalidas Samman, Jyotisha Bachaspati Samman, and Jyotisha Acharya Samman. Dr. Dwivedi has strong interests in Community Development, Liaisoning & Planning, Travel, Reading, Teaching, Astrology, and Photography. He is also an Advocate on Roll of Odisha State Bar Council. Dr. Dwivedi is also a Registered Homeopathic Practitioner of Odisha State Board of Homeopathic Medicine since 1971. Currently, he lives at 18, Pawani Housing Complex, Jagmohan Nagar, Jagamara, Bhubaneswar-751030. His Mobile Phone No. is 8895352197. Email: rupradwi@rediffmail.com. He was the President of OCS in 2005. During his term as President, the Annual Conference of OCS was held on December 23-24, 2005, at Sambalpur University, Jyoti Vihar, Burla.
Prof.(Dr.) Chitta Ranjan Das was born on October 20, 1938 at Cuttack. He did his Matriculation at Ranihat High School and completed his M.Sc. in Chemistry from Ravenshaw College, Cuttack, in 1960. While he was a Lecturer in Chemistry in B. J. B. College, Bhubaneswar, he carried out research under the supervision of Prof. N. Bose, Professor of Chemistry, Regional College of Education, Bhubaneswar, which earned him the Ph. D. Degree of Utkal University. He was a Visiting Scientist at Norwegian Technical University, Norway, with a Royal Norwegian Government Fellowship; at Louisiana State University, USA, with a Sea Grant Fellowship; and at Leeds University, England, with a Royal Society of England Fellowship. From his professional career as a Lecturer in Chemistry, he rose to become Professor Grade-I Principal. He collaborated with Prof.(Dr.) P. K. Jena, Director, Regional Research Laboratory, Bhubaneswar, on study of corrosion and rose to fame in this line of research. His expertise in extensive corrosion studies was well recognised in the country and abroad. He became Chief Executive and Director in the Department of Environment, Govt. of Odisha, and was trained in Environmental Management at the Asian Institute of Technology, Bangkok, Thailand. He was responsible for the implementation of Integrated Sustainable Environment Management Plans for the famous wetlands like Chilika lake and Ansupa lake. He was Advisor to Govt. of Odisha (Planning & Coordination Department), Govt. of Madhya Pradesh on Wetland Management, and was also an advisor to UNESCO at Nairobi, Kenya. He also carried out extensive research work on Environmental Conservation of Heritage like Sun Temple, Konark, and Lord Jagannath Temple at Puri. He has published 30 research papers in various fields of Chemistry in different Indian & Foreign Journals. Fourteen students got their Ph.D. degree working under his supervision. His name has been enlisted as an Eminent Scientist of 20th Century in Marquis Who is Who. He was also Chairman of Environment Impact Assessment Authority of Odisha and was responsible for giving prior environmental clearance to all types of projects. He was an Advisor to many public and private sector undertakings. Prof. C. R. Das was the President of OCS in 2006. During his term as the President, the Annual Conference of OCS was held on Dec 16-17, 2006 at NIST, Berhampur. He breathed his last in his residence at Bhubaneswar on January 17, 2019.
Prof. (Dr.) Krushna Chandra Satapathy was born in the village Taraikela, P.O.Khari, via Tarbha, Dist. Sundargarh, Odisha on 3rd June 1935. He did his B. Sc. (Hons.) in Chemistry & M.Sc. (Chemistry) from Utkal University in 1959 and 1961, respectively. He obtained his Ph.D. & D.Sc. Degrees in Chemistry from Sambalpur University in the year 1973 and 1985 respectively. He joined Govt. of Odisha Service (OES-II) and served as Lecturer in Chemistry in MPC College, Baripada; G.M College, Sambalpur and Angul College, Angul, from November 1961 to November 1969. Subsequently, he joined as Lecturer in Chemistry in the P.G. Department of Chemistry, Sambalpur University, in November 1969 and served in the position till July 1976. He was promoted to the rank of Reader in Chemistry in July 1976 and served in the position till September 1984. From September 1984 to 30th June 1995, he was Professor of Chemistry in the P.G. Department of Chemistry, Sambalpur University. His field of specialization was Inorganic, Industrial & Environmental Chemistry. He has guided 31 M.Phil. Projects, and 16 Research Scholars have got their Ph.D. Degrees working under his able guidance. He has to his credit 74 Research Publications in various National & International journals. He has also undertaken Collaborative R&D Projects with Pulp & Paper Research Institute, Jaykaypur, Rayagada (Odisha) and Dalmia Institute of Scientific & Industrial Research, Rajgangpur, Odisha in the field of Industrial & Environmental Chemistry. He worked as a Reviewer for writing Text Books in Science for Class IX & X of the Board of Secondary Education, Odisha; Member for Drafting Courses of Studies in Chemistry for + 2 Examination for the Council of Higher Secondary Education, Odisha; Member of Board of Studies in Chemistry of Sambalpur University for Moderation of Courses from Under Graduate to M.Phil Level; Member of Research Degree Committees of many Indian Universities; Member of the Selection Committee for Appointment of Teachers for Several Universities of the Country; evaluated several research projects referred by UGC, DST, Govt. of India and many other funding agencies of the country. He has evaluated 200 Ph.D. Thesis of different Universities of the country. He has published seven books on various aspects of Chemistry & Environmental Science. He was a Member & Fellow of a large number of Professional Bodies in the Country. For his Outstanding Contribution to Teaching & Research in Chemistry, he has been honored & felicitated by many Institutions of the State. He has also been felicitated by Orissa Bigyan Academy as a Senior Scientist of the State in the year 2015. He has been felicitated by Ravenshaw Chemistry Alumni Association during the Celebration of its 9th Annual Function on 20th January 2013 for his Outstanding Contributions to Chemistry. He became President of Orissa Chemical Society during 2007. During his term as the President, the Annual Conference of OCS was held on Dec 22-23, 2007 at OEC, Bhubaneswar. He left for his heavenly abode on 16th March 2016.
Prof. (Dr.) Lalit Narayan Patnaik was born on 17th November 1944. He obtained his M.Sc. Degree in Chemistry from Ravenshaw College, Cuttack in 1965, standing First Class First in the Batch. He was a College Teacher in Chemistry in various Govt. Colleges of Odisha from July 1967 to March 1988 for 21 years as Lecturer and Reader in Chemistry. Subsequently, he was Senior Scientist in the State Pollution Control Board, Odisha, from March 1988 to May 1993. He was also a Senior Scientist in the Department of Environment, Govt. of Odisha from May 1993 to September 1997. He became Director (Environment), Govt. of Odisha from September 1997 to November 2000 in the rank of Professor from April 1999. He was also Director (Vocational Education), Govt. of Odisha from December 2000 to November 2002 in the rank of Professor. He was superannuated from the services of Govt. of Odisha on 30th November 2002. He was appointed as the Chairman of Odisha State Pollution Control Board in July 2004 and remained in the position till January 2008. He specialized in Physical Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry & Management Sciences. He obtained his Ph.D. Degree in Chemistry from Sambalpur University in 1973. He has 57 research publications, including 36 in International Journals. He has guided six Students as an Independent Research Guide and four students as a Joint Research Guide for their Ph.D. Degrees. He has visited Norway in the year 1994 as a Member of the Govt. Team to Study Environmental Management Practices in that Country. He has represented India in the International Workshop on Environmental Performance Disclosure, Beijing, China. He has also visited London & Hongkong as a Tourist. He is a Member of the Indian Science Congress Association, Kolkata; Patron Member of Orissa Environmental Society, Bhubaneswar, and Fellow of National environmental association, etc. He is widely known and respected in the State of Odisha for his Significant Contribution to Pollution Control & Protection of Ecology & Environment of the State. He is a Life Time Bachelor. He became President of Orissa Chemical Society during 2008. During his term as the President, the Annual Conference of OCS was held on Dec 27-28, 2008 at NOU, Baripada. Prof. Patnaik passed away on March 4, 2019.
Prof.(Dr.) Chandra Sekhar Panda was born on 12th February 1945 at Badamba, Dist. Cuttack (Odisha). He passed B.Sc. (Hons.) in Chemistry from Ravenshaw College, Cuttack in 1964, and was First Class First of his batch. He stood First Class Second in M.Sc (Chemistry) Examination from Ravenshaw College, Cuttack, in 1966. He obtained his Ph.D. Degree from IIT, Kanpur, in 1972, working under the guidance of Prof. S. Ranganathan in Synthetic Organic Chemistry. He completed ADTROC Course [Advanced Diplomas in Organic Chemistry (ADOC) and Teaching and Research in Organic Chemistry (ADTROC)] at the University of East Anglia, Norwich, U.K. in 1979. He was a Post–Doctoral Fellow at Purdue University, West Lafayette, USA, from 1980 to1981 under Prof. H. Fener. He worked at G.M. College, Sambalpur from 1966 to 1967; Berhampur University from 1972 to 2005 (33 years); Senior Professor, Pharmaceutical Chemistry at RIPS, Berhampur from 2005 to 2007; Visiting Professor at NISER, Bhubaneswar from 2007 to 2010; Director, Indira Gandhi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Bhubaneswar (2011) and Visiting Professor at College of Engineering & Technology(CET), Bhubaneswar from 2014-2017. He has published 77 research papers (11 papers in International Journals & 66 papers in National Journals). Eleven students have obtained their Ph.D. Degrees in Chemistry working under his able guidance. He has visited USA, UK, Poland, and Czechoslovakia during his long academic career. Prof. Panda shouldered many vital assignments during his long service career, such as Professor Coordination, NSS; Director, College Development Council; Director, Distant Education Cell Senate Member, Berhampur University from 2001 to 2005; Chairman, Post Graduate Council, Berhampur University during 2002 & Expert Member IX Plan. He has written three Books on Chemistry. He has received many awards and accolades during his remarkable professional career, some of them are V.S.R. Gupta Teacher of the Year Award by Orissa Chemical Society 1996 and Second Best Participant of the Summer Institute of College Teachers 1997. He was a Ph.D. Examiner of more than 15 Universities in India. He was President, Orissa Chemical Society for the year 2009. During his term as the President, the Annual Conference of OCS was held on Dec 19-20, 2009 at NIT, Rourkela.
Prof. (Dr.) Raghunath Patel was born on 31st January 1940 in his village Nuadihi, P.S. Bhasma, Dist. Sundargarh (Odisha). He passed M.Sc. (Chemistry) Examination from Ravenshaw College, Cuttack, in the year 1964. He obtained his Ph.D. Degree in Chemistry from Sambalpur University in the year 1968, working under the guidance of Prof. D.V. Ramana Rao, Prof. & Head of the Department of Chemistry, Regional Engineering College (REC), Rourkela. The title of his Ph.D. Thesis was: “Physico Chemical Studies on some Transition Metal Complexes of Copper, Nickel & Silverâ€. He was the first Ph.D. Degree Holder of Sambalpur University. Six Research Scholars got their Ph.D. Degrees & one Research Scholar got his D.Sc. Degree from Sambalpur University working under his able guidance. He was Lecturer in Chemistry at Deogarh College, Deogarh from August 1964 to October 1964; Lecturer in Chemistry, Govt. College, Angul from October 1964 to April 1965; Research Scholar, Post Graduate Department of Chemistry, REC, Rourkela from 1965 to 1967; Lecturer in Chemistry, PG Department of Chemistry, REC, Rourkela from 1967 to 1981; Asst. Professor of Chemistry, PG Department of Chemistry from 1981 to 1990; Principal, Rourkela Municipal College, Rourkela from 1982-1985; Prof. and HOD, PG Department of Chemistry, REC, Rourkela from 1990-2000 and Principal, Rourkela Institute of Technology(RIT), Kalunga, Rourkela from 2001-2003. He has presented his Research Papers in All India Science Congress Meeting held at Chandigarh, Bangalore & Patiala & in All India Chemical Society Convention of Chemists held at Hyderabad & Jammu. He has also attended the All India Summer Course in Chemistry held at Bombay University in 1971 & 1973 respectively. He was appointed as a Subject Expert in Chemistry in the Selection Committee of Orissa Public Service Commission (OPSC) and Regional Research Laboratory, Bhubaneswar. As Subject Expert in Chemistry, he also visited Utkal University, Raipur University, Ranchi University & Ravenshaw College, Cuttack as Principal Examiner for M.Sc. and Ph.D. Students. He has published a large number of Research Papers in various National & International Journals. To his credit, he has also published 11 Research Papers with his Ph.D. Guide, Prof. D.V. Ramana Rao. He became President of Orissa Chemical Society for the year 2010. During his tenure as the President, the Annual Conference of OCS was held on December 25-26, 2010 at APEX, Bhubaneswar. Prof. Patel passed away on May 9, 2016.
Prof. (Dr.) Anadi Charan Dash was born on 2nd March 1941 in his village at Khirobati, P.O. Alanahat, Dist. Jagatsinghpur (Odisha). He passed Matriculation Examination from Alanahat High School. He completed his I.Sc., B. Sc. (Hons.) in Chemistry & M.Sc. (Chemistry) from Ravenshaw College, Cuttack in the years 1960, 1962 & 1964, respectively. He did his Ph.D. in Chemistry from Utkal University in the year 1974 working under the guidance of Prof. (Dr.) Rabindra Kumar Nanda. The title of his Ph.D. Thesis was: “Stability & Reactivity of Complexesâ€. He was Lecturer in Chemistry, Ravenshaw College, Cuttack (1964-1968); Lecturer in Physical Chemistry , Utkal University, Bhubaneswar(1968-1983); Reader in Chemistry, Utkal University (1983-1990); Professor of Chemistry, Utkal University(1990-31.3.2001); CSIR Emeritus Scientist, Department of Chemistry, Utkal University(2001-2005) & Visiting Honorary Professor of Chemistry , NISER, Bhubaneswar (31.8.2007-30.5.2009). He was Prof. & HOD, Department of Chemistry, Utkal University from 1992 to 1994; Coordinator of the Special Assistance Programme (SAP-DRS funded by UGC); Principal Investigator of Several Research Projects funded by DST, Govt. of India, New Delhi, DST, Govt. of Odisha, UGC, CSIR & DAE. His research interests include the following aspects of Chemistry viz. (i) Metal Ligand Complexation Equilibria in Solution. (ii) Synthesis & Equilibrium Studies of OrganoMercurials Demonstrating the Rare Tri Coordinate Organo Mercury Complexes in Solution. (iii) Reactions of Coordinated Ligands: Metal Ion Mediation of the Reactivity of Ligands bound to Metal Centre, Kinetics & Mechanistic Studies. (iv) Kinetics & Mechanisms of Ligand Substitution Reactions at Metal Centres of Octahedral Coordination Complexes{ Metal Ions : Cobalt(iii), Chromium (III), Rhodium(III), Aluminium(III), Gallium(III), Manganese(III), Manganese(IV), Iron(III), Cobalt(II) & Nickel(II)} . (v) Medium Effects on the SolvolyticAquation& Base Hydrolysis of Octahedral Cobalt (III) Complexes: Demonstration of Preferential Solvation and Structural Aspects of the Mixed Aqueous Solvents. (vi) Reactions in Micellar Media involving Cationic, Anionic & Neutral Surfactants: Role of Micelles on the Reactivity & Mechanism of Reactions. (vii) Photochemistry of Octahedral Coordination Complexes of Cobalt (III). (viii) Reversible Carbon Dioxide &Sulfur Dioxide Uptake Reactions by Octahedral Coordination Complexes of Cobalt(III) and Rhodium(III): Understanding Fixation of CO2 and SO2 in relation to their Pollution Overload in the Environment. (ix) Kinetics & Mechanism of Redox Reactions. (x)Study of the Structural Aspects of Coordination Complexes in the Solid State using Spectroscopy, Cyclic Voltammetry, X-Ray Crystallography & Magnetic Measurements, and (xi) Computational Chemistry (DFT Level). He is a Fellow of Indian Academy of Science (F. A. Sc.), Fellow of Indian Chemical Society, Life member of Chemical Research Society of India (CRSI), Member of Indian Society for Surface Science and Technology (ISST), Member of Odisha BiGyan Academy,(OBA), ex-member of American Chemical Society, U. S. A., ex-member of Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC, U.K.) (C. Chem. FRSC) and honoured by Odisha Bigyan Academy as a Senior Scientist of the State (2007), by Royal Society of Chemistry, Eastern India Region , for contribution to Chemistry. He is the recipient of V. S. R. Gupta ‘Best Teacher Award’ of OCS in 2001 and Convention Award of the Indian Chemical Society in 2001. He represented the Utkal University in the IUPAC International Symposium on ‘Solution Chemistry’ at University of Leicester, U. K. During 1993 and visited Russia as a member of Indian delegation to the Indo-Russian conference on ‘Structural Inorganic Chemistry and Organometallic Chemistry’ sponsored by Indian National Academy of Science and Russian Academy of Sciences during 1993. He was a member of Editorial Board of Indian Journal of Chemistry Sec. (A) (CSIR) for consecutively two terms (6 years) and reviewer of many National and International Journals. He is associated with the academic activities of different Universities of the state. Fifteen Research Scholars have got their Ph.D. Degrees from Utkal University working under his able guidance. He was the President of OCS for the year 2011. During his tenure as the President, the Annual Conference of OCS was held on December 24-26, 2011 at Sambalpur University, Jyoti Vihar, Burla.
Prof. (Dr.) Bula Behera was born 23rd December 1940 at Madhuapalli, Kalapathar, Dist. Cuttack. He obtained his M.Sc. Degree in Chemistry from Ravenshaw College, Cuttack, in 1965 and Ph.D. Degree in Chemistry from IIT, Kanpur, in 1970 in Spectroscopy. He began his teaching career as a Lecturer in Chemistry at Nayagarh College and was there for a short period. After completion of his Ph.D., he joined as a Lecturer in Chemistry at Sambalpur University in the year 1971. He was superannuated from the services of Sambalpur University as Professor of Chemistry at the end of 2000. During his service career at Sambalpur University, he shouldered many additional responsibilities like Controller of Examinations; Director, College Development Council and Registrar of Sambalpur University. He had been to the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK, for undertaking higher research obtaining scholarships from Govt. of India. His book “Experimental Physical Chemistry†was highly acclaimed and was awarded as one of the Best Five Text Books in Chemistry in the 6th World Book Fair, 1983. The book was recommended by UGC as a Text Book for all Indian Universities. His field of research work was Spectroscopy, Thermodynamics and Transport Phenomena in Solution. He has successfully guided 10 Ph.D. Scholars and several M.Phil. & M.Sc. students. He has published 45 research papers in journals of National & International repute. One of his papers has been published in the Journal of American Chemical Society (JACS) and the other on “Ethics & Philosophy of Nature†in an English Journal of Aesthetics & Literature. He was awarded the Best Teacher Award in Chemistry by the Orissa Chemical Society in 2000. After his superannuation, he was a Visiting Professor in Utkal, Berhampur & Sambalpur Universities. He also worked as a Guest Faculty in OUAT, Bhubaneswar. Presently, he is working as a Guest Faculty in the Department of Environmental science of Sambalpur University. He worked as the President of the Rotary Club of Burla. Prof. Behera was the President of Orissa Chemical Society for the year 2012. During his tenure as the President, the Annual Conference of OCS was held on December 8-9, 2012 at Ravenshaw University.
Prof. (Dr.) Subasini Lenka was born on 17th January, 1945 in her village at Urunia, P.O. Lunga, P.S. Basudevpur, Dist. Bhadrak (Odisha). She passed High School Certificate Examination from B.C. High School, Ertal, in 1962. She completed her Pre-University & Pre-Professional (Science) Courses from Bhadrak College, Bhadrak in 1963 and 1964 and B.Sc. (Hons.) in Chemistry and M.Sc. (Chemistry) from Ravenshaw College, Cuttack in the year 1966 and 1968, respectively. She did both her Ph.D. and D.Sc. in Polymer Chemistry from Ravenshaw College, Cuttack, in 1980 and 1984, respectively. She did her Diploma in Computer Application in the year 2002 from Ravenshaw College, Cuttack. She did her Post Doctoral Research Work in Polymer Chemistry as a Japan Society for Promotion of Science Fellow at Tokyo University of Agriculture & Technology, Koganei, Japan, in 1989. She also did Collaborative Post- Doctoral Research in Polymer Chemistry at National Institute of Sericulture & Entomological Science, Tsukuba, Japan, in 1997. She also did Collaborative Research Work in Texdaco Inc. R&D, USA, in 1995. She attended and presented her paper in Polymer Chemistry and chaired a session on Advanced Polymers via Macro-Molecular Engineering Conference held at Vassar Campus, Duchess Country, NY, USA in 1995. She has 35 years of teaching experience in degree classes in Ravenshaw College, S.B. Women’s College, and R.D. Women’s’ College; 25 years in Post-Graduate Classes in Ravenshaw College; 18 years in M.Phil. Classes in Ravenshaw College and four years in Post-Graduate Diploma in Plastic Processing & Management Technology in Ravenshaw College, Cuttack. She has 42 years of research experience to her credit. She has specialized in Polymer Chemistry and Bio-Chemistry. Thirty-six research scholars obtained their Ph.D. Degrees, and 18 research scholars obtained their M.Phil. Degrees working under her able guidance. She has published 176 research papers and six review articles in various National & International Journals. Her Research work includes (i) The modification of quality of fibers like wool, silk, nylon, rayon, and rubber by graft copolymerization & (ii) Synthesis of high-cost polymers from low-cost raw materials like cashew nutshell liquid, castor oil, soybean oil, sugar cane juice, etc. She has operated two CSIR, six UGC, and two DST, Govt. of Odisha Research Projects successfully. She has published seven books, and several popular science articles have been published/aired in various Print & Electronic Media. She is a Member & Fellow in a host of Professional Bodies & Societies. Since 1992, she is actively engaged in multiple social works and has dedicated herself to the cause of humanity. She became President of Orissa Chemical Society during 2013. During her tenure as the President, the Annual Conference of the OCS was held at Modern Engineering and Management Studies, Balasore.
Dr. Chitta Ranjan Mishra was born on 2nd June 1949 at Bhabanipur, P.O. Rama Chandrapur, Via. Bari, Dist, Jajpur (Odisha). He is an Eminent Chemical Scientist & Technologist, Columnist, Television Anchor, Author, Orator, and National Science Communicator of repute. Dr. Mishra had a highly accomplished academic career in the field of Chemistry & Chemical Technology backed by B.Sc. (Hons.) & M.Sc. (Chemistry) from Ravenshaw College, Cuttack, in the year 1969 & 1971, respectively; Ph.D. in Chemistry from University of Calcutta in the year 1977. Post Doctorate from Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore in 1979, working under the guidance of Prof. D. K. Banerjee, Director of IISc on the Synthesis of Female Sex Hormone Estrogens and D.Sc. in Aluminium Technology: Development of New Products & Processes in the year 2009 from International University of Contemporary Studies, Washington DC, USA. Dr. Mishra had a highly distinguished career in the Navratna Public Sector Company of Govt. of India, NALCO, in the field of Research & Development for more than 25 years. Dr. Mishra was Deputy General Manager & Head, Research & Development, NALCO. Dr. Mishra is a Prolific Science Writer, Orator, and Columnist of repute in Odia Language and has significantly contributed to the Public Outreach of Science. He has authored 11 Popular Science Books in Odia & English Languages, out of which five books are award-winning books. He has contributed more than 500 Popular Science Articles in leading Odia News Papers, Science Magazines, and Periodicals, etc. spanning a period of last 25 years. Dr. Mishra has worked in the areas of Bauxite, Alumina, Aluminium Science & Technology, and allied fields for over 30 years and is considered as a leading Alumina - Aluminium Technologist of the Country. Dr. Mishra has published more than 70 research papers in various National and International Journals, Seminars, Conferences and Symposiums, etc. Besides, Dr. Mishra has 12 Nos. of National & International Patents to his credit. Based on one of his patents, NALCO has set up the country’s largest Detergent Grade Zeolite-A Commercial Plant directly in the loop of its Alumina Refinery, Damanjodi, with a capacity of 10,000 tons per annum & at an investment of Rs. 30 Crores in the year 2001. This technology was adjudicated as the Best Chemical Technology of the Country by NRDC & CSIR, and Dr. Mishra has been awarded by the then Union S&T Minister Dr. Murali Manohar Joshi & Prime Minister of India Sri A. B. Vajpayee in 1996 & 2002 respectively. This technology was also adjudicated as the Best Chemical Technology in the 3rd World Countries for which Dr. Mishra has also been awarded the International Gold Medal by the Director General of UNO-WIPO, Geneva, Switzerland in the year 1998. Dr. Mishra is a Fellow and Member in a host of Professional Organizations both in the country & abroad. Dr. Mishra has received large numbers of National, International & State level awards for his Outstanding Contributions in the field of Aluminium Science & Technology & Popularization of Science. He became President of Orissa Chemical Society during 2014 at 27th Annual conference. Dr. Mishra has visited USA, Russia, Japan, Brazil, France, UK, Italy, Greece, Austria, China, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Thailand, UAE (Dubai & Abu Dhabi), etc. on various Science & Technology Missions, Industrial Collaborations, Pursuing R&D Activities, Business Assignment & Higher Studies, etc. Dr. Mishra was the President of OCS for the year 2014. During his term as the President, the Annual Conference of OCS was held on December 13-14, 2014 at U.N. (Autonomous) College of Science and Technology, Adaspur, Cuttack.
Prof. (Dr.) Bijay Kumar Mishra was born on 6th February 1954. He completed his B.Sc. (Hons.) in Chemistry in 1973, M.Sc.(Chemistry) in 1975, Ph.D. in Physical Organic Chemistry in 1981, and D.Sc. in Surface Chemistry in 2003 all from Sambalpur University. Titles of his Ph.D. & D.Sc. theses were Studies on S/N containing substituent effect and synthetic aspectsand Organize assemblies of amphiphiles: Studies on structure, Physico-chemical characteristics, and Catalytic behavior. He carried out both his Ph.D. and D.Sc. work under the guidance of Prof. (Dr.) Gopabandhu Behera, Professor & Head of the Department of Chemistry, Sambalpur University. His teaching interests were in the fields of Biochemistry, Organic Reaction Mechanism, Surface Chemistry, Pericyclic reaction & Organic Photochemistry & Industrial Chemistry and research interests were in the areas of Physical Organic Chemistry, Correlation Analysis, Organic Synthesis & Surface Chemistry. He has been actively pursuing research & developmental activities from 1976 till date in various capacities. He has guided 32 students for their M.Phil. Degrees, 24 students for their Ph.D. Degrees & two students for their D.Sc. Degrees. He was Lecturer in Chemistry in Sambalpur University from1987-1992; Senior Lecturer in Chemistry from 1992 to1996; Reader in Chemistry from 1996 to 2004, and 2004 onwards, he is continuing as Professor of Chemistry in Sambalpur University. Two foreign students (i) Dian MarutoWidjonarko, Indonesia SebelasMaret University, Surakarta in 2010 and (ii) Andres AracenaAutidillo, Santiago University, Chile in 2011 pursued their Ph D internship program with respective Government Fellowship. He has undertaken various research projects from IUC, Kolkata; Science & Technology Department, Govt. of Odisha; DST, Govt. of India; UGC, New Delhi; KVIC, Mumbai; BRNS, DAE, Govt. of India and CSIR, New Delhi. Prof. Mishra was a Reviewer for many National & International Journals.. Prof. Mishra was Member of the Editorial Board of the Journal of Natural Products, Bentham Publications. Prof. Mishra has visited University of South Florida, Gainesville, USA, in 1990 & 2000 & University of Minnesota, Duluth, USA, in 2000. Prof. Mishra has published 170 Research Papers both in India & Foreign Journals and has a citation of 7743, with h-index 32. Prof. Mishra has also published a Book entitled Precipitation and Dehydration of Hydrated Aluminaco-authored by Dr. Barsha Dash and Dr. I. N. Bhattacharya which has been published by M/s LAP LAMBERT Academic Publishing on June 2, 2014. Prof. Mishra has been decorated with many prestigious awards & fellowships. They are INSA Visiting Scientist, IISc, Bangalore, 1991; Young Scientist Lecture in OCS, 1994; UGC Research Award IX Plan1999; Samanta Chandrasekhar Award2006; UGC-BSR Faculty Fellow2014 , UGC Emeritus Fellow 2017, ACS Membership Award for three years from 2015-2018 and Prof BN Ghosh memorial award (ISSST) 2019. He was President of Orissa Chemical Society for 2015. During his tenure as the President, the Annual Conference of OCS was held on December 24-25, 2015 at IGIT, Saranga, Dhenkanal.
Prof. (Dr.) Satyaban Jena was born on 19th August 1954. Prof. Jena has set highly outstanding & extraordinary brilliant academic record par excellence throughout his entire study period. He passed High School Certificate Examination from Board of Secondary Education, Odisha in First Class in the year 1971; Pre-University Examination in First Class from Utkal University in the year 1972; 1st Year Degree Science Examination from Utkal University in First Class First (University Topper) in the year 1973; B.Sc (Hons.) in Chemistry from Utkal University in First Class First (University Topper)in the year 1975 and M.Sc (Chemistry) from Utkal University in First Class First(University Topper & Gold Medalist) in the year 1977. He obtained his Ph.D. Degree in Chemistry from Utkal University in the year 1984. He was a Post Doctoral Fellow in the year 1989 at University of Leeds, U.K. and Maxwell’s Institute, U.K. Prof. Jena has specialized in Organic Chemistry as major subject and Physical Organic Chemistry (Kinetics, Oxidation, Polymerization, etc.), Synthetic Organic Chemistry (Heterocyclic, Organometallic, OMCOS, etc), Computer-Aided Organic Synthesis (CADOS), Theoretical Organic Chemistry (Semi-empirical Study, Structure-Activity Relationship, Design of Synthesis etc.) as micro subjects. Prof. Jena was a Lecturer in Chemistry (OES), G.M. College, Sambalpur (10.9.1979-19.8.1981); Lecturer in Chemistry(OES), Ravenshaw College, Cuttack (20.8.1981-2.4.1985); Lecturer in Chemistry , Utkal University (3.4.1985-31.12.1985); Senior Lecturer in Chemistry, Utkal University (1.1.1986-22.9.1991); Reader in Chemistry, Utkal University (23.9.1991- 30.12.1999) and Professor of Chemistry, Utkal University (31.12.1999- 31.8.2014). Prof. Jena was Head of the Department of Chemistry, Utkal University for two terms (1.6.2002 -31.5.2004 & 3.11.2009 -31.5.2011). Prof. Jena was also Professor–in-Charge of Research & Development, Utkal University from 5.1.2009-30.4.2014 for two terms. Prof. Jena has undertaken 5 Nos. of Research Projects from UGC; DST, Govt. of India, and Royal Society of Chemistry, London. Thirty students got their M.Phil Degrees, and 11 students got their Ph.D. Degrees working under his supervision. Prof. Jena has organized several National and International Conferences, Seminars, Symposiums, Workshops, Refresher Courses, etc. during his long & eventful academic career. Prof. Jena was a Member of a host Academic & Professional Bodies both in the country & abroad, including Member in several University Committees, Senates, Syndicate, Orissa Bigyan Academy, Orissa Chemical Society, Orissa State Pollution Control Board, many Govt. Agencies, etc. Prof. Jena visited China as a Mission Member of the Indian Delegation on Higher Education in the year 2010. He was also an Academic Visitor in the year 2012 to Universities in USA like Maryland, Cornell, Rutgers, Princeton, NJIT & MIT, etc. Prof. Jena was an Adjudicator of several Ph.D. & D.Sc. thesis of many Indian Universities. Prof. Jena has published four Books/ Monographs (i) Physical Chemistry (ii) Science in Every Day Life Series such as (a) A, B, C, of Chemistry (b) Glossary in Chemistry & (c) Glossary in Chemical Engineering. Prof. Jena has published large numbers of Research Papers in various National & International Journals/ Seminars/Symposiums/Conferences etc. He has also delivered several Invited Talks, Chaired several Technical Sessions, and attended several Seminars/ Conferences, etc spanning over 30 years of active professional life. Prof. Jena has been decorated with many National & International Prestigious Awards & Recognitions for his Outstanding Contribution to Chemical Sciences and Academic Excellence. After superannuation from the services of Utkal University, Prof. Jena is working as Director (Academics) of KIIT University, Bhubaneswar. Prof. Jena is considered as a Leading Chemical Scientist of the Country, and his contribution to Chemistry is unparallel and praiseworthy. Prof. Jena was President of Orissa Chemical Society for the year 2016. During his term as the President, the Annual Conference of OCS was held on December 24-25, 2016 at KIIT University, Bhubaneswar.
Prof. (Dr.) Sarat Chandra Das was elected as the President of Orissa Chemical Society for the 31st year (2017) in the general body meeting of the society held on 24th December 2016 at KIIT University Bhubaneswar. He was born on 22nd September 1953 in village Sahada in Bhadrak district (previously Balasore). He completed his school education in Sabarang high school, Sabarang in 1970, graduation from Bhadrak College, Bhadrak, in 1974. He was heavily influenced by some of his teachers at Bhadrak college to choose Chemistry as his profession. The idealism, sincerity, and deep involvement in academics by his the then revered teachers of chemistry at Bhadrak college diverted his career to be a teacher in chemistry rather than opting for other professional career. He then moved to Ravenshaw college Cuttack for his Master's Degree in chemistry, which he completed in 1976. The four walls and campus of Ravenshaw college put a deep imprint on his career, and since then he never looked back. Joined as Lecturer in Chemistry at Godavarish Mahavidyalaya, Banpur subsequently worked at Kendrapara College, D. A. V. College Titilagarh, S. V. M.College Jagatsinghpur, Salipur college, Salipur, and Gopabandhu Science college Athagarh. He had developed a strong passion for chemistry and started research in 1989, which helped him to complete his M.Phil degree from Jyoti Vihar, Burla, and subsequently, in 1994 he was awarded Ph.D. from Utkal University. All over the years working as lecturer / Reader in chemistry and worked in a transferable job he completed four research projects and could set up an independent research laboratory in Salipur college, Salipur. 10 (ten) scholars have been awarded Ph.D. degree under his guidance from Utkal university and has published 52 nos. of research papers. He has published many Odia scientific and social articles in reputed magazines. And a regular programmer in Gyan Bigyan program of All India Radio Cuttack. In addition to his academic interest he worked as Secretary-cum-Treasurer of Orissa Chemical Society (2003-2005). Secretary of Ravenshaw Chemistry Alumni Association 2013 – 2016. Many times he has visited abroad to present his research work at International Conference in USA & UK. After retirement from his professional career in 2013 he is never retired and actively engaged still in academics by running an English medium school in his village and looking after the research activities at Institute of Pharmacy and Technology, Salipur. A lovable person having strong commitment for own profession and social responsibility specially in the field of education. He was the President of Orissa Chemical Society for 2017. During his term as the President, the Annual Conference of OCS was held on December 23-24, 2017, at Centurion University of Technology and Management, Paralakhemundi.
Prof. (Dr.) Asutosh Samantaray was born in 1952 in the district of Jagatsinghpur, Odisha. He did M.Sc. in Chemistry from Ravenshaw College (at present Ravenshaw University) in 1975. He carried out research work under the guidance of Prof. Basanta Kumar Mohapatra, during which he published 12 research papers in different national and international journals. He was awarded Ph.D. degree in Chemistry from Utkal University in 1983. Then he joined as a Lecturer in Chemistry at Stewart Science College, Cuttack. He moved to the College of Basic Science & Humanities under Orissa University of Agriculture Technology (OUAT) and continued there as Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry, where he became a Professor in 2007. He has co-authored three books: i) Concept of Chemistry Vol 1 & 2, published by Rastogi Publications, Meerut, and ii) Inorganic Chemistry, published by Prentice Hall of India, New Delhi. He got superannuated in the year 2012. At present, he is doing social service in his home district, Jagatsinghpur, Odisha. During his tenure as the President, the Annual Orissa Chemical Society Conference was held at the National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST), Berhampur, Odisha, on 23-24 December 2018.
Prof (Dr.) Ajaya Kumar Patnaik was born in Puri town on 2nd October 1954. He completed his schooling and college career from Puri. He completed M.Sc. in Chemistry in 1978, M.Phil. in 1983, and Ph.D. in 2000 from Utkal University, Bhubaneswar. He joined Orissa Education Service as a Lecturer in Chemistry in 1984 at DAV College, Koraput. He was promoted as a Reader in Chemistry in 1991 and promoted to Professor (Class I Special Grade) in 2009. He served different institutions such as DAV College, Koraput; Bhadrak College, Bhadrak; Khallikote College, Berhampur; Utkal University; Ravenshaw college, and Ravenshaw University. He has 35 years of teaching experience at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. He has published 65 research papers in National and International Journals. Nine students got Ph.D. and one student got D.Sc. under his able guidance. Now two students are working for Ph.D. under him. His research fields are chemical dynamics and drug-metal interaction. He was visiting professor in the Department of Chemistry, Utkal University 2014-16 and presently continuing as a visiting professor at Ravenshaw University since 2014. He is a Life Member of a number of prestigious society, such as the Indian Science Congress, Indian Academic of Science, Ultrasonic Society of India, Orissa Bigyana Academy, Science Congress (Orissa Chapter), and Orissa Bigyana Prachara Society. He was President of the Utkal University Chemistry Alumni Association in 2018. He was President of Orissa Chemical Society in 2019. During his tenure as the President of the OCS, the Annual Conference was held in VSSUT, Burla on December 24-25, 2019.
Prof. Shashadhar Samal was born on 7th April 1954 in Jajpur district, Odisha. He obtained his BSc degree from Rourkela Science College in 1973 and MSc degree in Chemistry from Ravenshaw College in 1975. He was a university topper in both BSc and MSc examinations. He joined the Orissa Education Service in 1977 as a Lecturer in Chemistry at M.P.C. College, Baripada. He obtained his PhD degree from Utkal University in 1985. He became a Reader in Chemistry in 1990. He served Ravenshaw College from 1992 to 1999. Seven students were awarded PhD degrees under his guidance based on the work carried out at Ravenshaw College. In 1999 he moved to South Korea as a Visiting Professor in the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), where he worked on fullerene-cyclodextrin bioconjugates. Subsequently, he moved to Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) to work on synthetic macrocycles. He returned to the GIST after a couple of years as an Invited Professor. He taught the MSc and PhD students on IT materials and guided over 50 students for MS and PhD degrees in the advanced areas of chemical sciences. He was awarded DSc degree in Chemistry by Utkal University in 2014. His areas of research interest are molecular electronics, quantum dots and nanoparticles, natural and synthetic macrocycles, self-assembly, macro and polyfullerenes for biological and biomedical applications, and specialty polymers. He has over 100 publications in major international journals and 15 World/U.S./Korea patents. He has authored several book chapters and topical reviews. His research work has been highlighted in diverse media, including Science and Nature. He is an Associate Editor of the Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (JNN), published by American Scientific Publishers, USA. He has also edited a special issue of the JNN on Fullerenes and Carbon Nanotubes. He served as the Principal of Sashi Bhusan Rath Govt. (Autonomous) Women’s College, Berhampur, where he retired in 2012. He received the prestigious Justice Raj Kishore Das Memorial Award for his contribution to science for 2010 and V.S.R. Gupta Best Teacher Award from the Odisha Chemical Society in 2012. Post-retirement, he moved back to South Korea as a Visiting Professor of Gachon University Department of Bionanotechnology. During his tenure as the President of the OCS, Regional and Annual Conferences were not held in 2020 due to COVID19. However, this year the OCS One-Day Extended Lecture Series was conducted for the first time on 28-29th November 2020, organized online by Dhenkanal Autonomous College, Dhenkanal. The second OCS One-Day Extended Lecture Series was held on 22-24th January 2021 online by Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology, Burla, Sambalpur. For the first time, the OCS-Industry Interface Meet was held on 26-27th December 2020. In 2021, the OCS Regional Conference was held in Saraswati Degree Vidya Mandir, Berhampur, on 28th November 2021. The OCS Annual Conference was organized by the PG Department of Chemistry, Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanja Deo University, Baripada, on 18-19th December 2021.
Former Reader and Head, Department of Chemistry, B. J. B. (Autonomous) College, Principal (Retd.), B, J. B. Junior College, Bhubaneswar, India 751014, was OCS President for 2022. During his tenure as the President, the 25th OCS Regional Conference was held at Kendrapara Autonomous College, Kendrapara, on the 13th and 14th March 2022, and the 26th OCS Regional Conference was held at VSSUT, Burla on 18th and 19th November 20222. The 36th OCS Annual Conference was held at Utkal University on the 18th and 19th December 2022. A major highlight of his tenure as the President of OCS is that this year OLYCHEM, which could not be held due to COVID-19, was successfully conducted.
Prof. (Dr.) Rupasree Ragini Das was born on 25th May 1954 in Jajpur. She did her B.Sc. Chemistry Honours at Govt. College, Rourkela, and M.Sc. with Inorganic Chemistry specialization from Ravenshaw College in 1975. She started her research career at Ravenshaw College in 1976 as a UGC Fellow. In 1977, she joined Bhadrak College as a Lecturer in Chemistry. She got her PhD in Organometallics under the guidance of Prof. Sarweswar Guru from Utkal University in 1994, following which she was promoted to Reader in Chemistry. In 1999, she moved to South Korea to work at Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, where she worked on hydrogels, optical fiber amplifiers, and phosphorescent metal complexes for OLEDs until 2003. That year, she worked as a Senior Scientist and subsequently as the Principal Scientist at Samsung Electronics, South Korea (2003-2015). She extensively worked on OLED materials (Charge-Transporting and Charge-Blocking Materials, and Electrophosphorent Metal Complexes), electrochromic materials, and devices for colored e-books. She was awarded as the best scientist twice at Samsung Electronics and nominated for the Chemistry and Engineering News Award for best innovation. She was a visiting scientist at Gachon University, South Korea (2015-2017), a Research Professor at Myongji University, South Korea (2018-2020), and a visiting faculty, Ravenshaw University and OUTR, Bhubaneswar (2022-2023). She has 130 granted international patents and 30 publications and has delivered many talks in ACS, MRS (US), and OSA (Organic Semiconductor Association), Europe. Presently, she is a Senior Advisor and Research Director at LN INDTECH SERVICES PVT LTD., Bhubaneswar, in the area of battery and supercapacitors. She was the President of the Orissa Chemical Society (OCS) in 2023. During her tenure as the President, the Birth Centenary of Prof. Mahendra Kumar Rout, Founder President of the OCS, was celebrated in different parts of the state. On the 4th of January 2023, the 99th Birthday was celebrated at the Chemistry Department, Ravenshaw University. On the 11th and 12th of April 2023, the Chemistry Department of VSSUT, Burla, celebrated the birth centenary by organizing a seminar. On the 13th of April 2023, the MKRCC Event was observed at the P.G. Department of Chemistry, Dhenkanal Autonomous College, Dhenkanal. MKRCC event was held at the Department of Chemistry, Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanjadeo University, Baripada, on the 27th and 28th of May 2023. The 27thOCS Regional Conference, Khariar Degree College, Khariar, 15th October 2023: On the 11th of November 2023, the MKRCC event was held at Mohan Subudhi College, Badamba. The P.G. Department of Chemistry, Dhenkanal Autonomous College, Dhenkanal, celebrated the Centenary Year with the 28th Regional Conference on 18th and 19thNovember 2023. Utkal University, Vani Vihar. Conducted the MKRCC Event on the 2nd of December 2023. On the 4th of December 2023, KIIT University observed the Centenary Year with the 3rd OCS One-Day Extended Lecture Series. The 4th OCS One-Day Extended Lecture Series was held on the 15th of December, 2023, at Odisha University of Technology and Research, Bhubaneswar. Finally, the 100th Birthday was celebrated in a grand style on the 4th of January 2024 at Ravenshaw University, followed by the 37th Annual OCS Conference on the 5th and 6th of January 2024.
