SRINAGAR: Eminent scientist and researcher Prof. Yoshiro Azuma from Sophia University, Japan, who is also a visiting faculty member at IIT Delhi, inaugurated a week-long capsule course on ‘Atomic and Molecular Physics’ at the PG Department of Physics, National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar, on Monday.
The event is organized in association with the Laboratory for Multifunctional Materials, NIT Srinagar, funded by the Nano-Mission Sector, DST, Government of India. Prof. Pratima Solanki from the School of Nanoscience at Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi was the Chief Guest for the event.
A large number of undergraduate and postgraduate students from neighboring institutions are attending the workshop in both hybrid and offline modes.
Eminent speaker Prof. Yoshiro Azuma, currently a visiting professor at IIT Delhi, shared his vast experience from Sophia University, Japan, and IIT Delhi.
During his talk, he shared invaluable insights from his career in atomic physics and discussed advanced facilities like the Advanced Photon Source (APS) and the Synchrotron Radiation Facility.
“There is a significant difference between Japanese and Indian students. Indian students excel in mathematics and maintain a focused approach to their studies at IITs and NITs. In contrast, Japanese students tend to be more relaxed and often travel during vacations to gain broader exposure,” he added.
Mrs. Sanae Azuma also attended the inaugural and was felicitated by HOD Chemistry Prof. Hamida-Tun-Nisa Chishti. Dean Alumni and International Affairs, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Sheikh, Prof.Prince Ganai, Prof.Seemin Rubab among other dignitaries graced the occasion.
In her presidential address, Prof. Pratima Solanki from the School of Nanoscience at Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, congratulated the Department of Physics, especially Prof. MA Shah, for taking a lead role in organizing the week-long course on Atomic and Molecular Physics at the NIT campus.
“By organizing such events, we are in a position to give something back to our society,” she said.
Earlier Dean of Alumni and International Affairs, Prof. N.A. Sheikh, provided a brief overview of the engineering perspective on this exciting field of physics. He addressed various topics, including aeronautics and space.
Prof. M.A. Shah stated that the goal of the program was to encourage students to take a leading role in science and technology.
“Science in the service of humankind is needed more urgently now than ever before. Science produces knowledge, and technology implements that knowledge,” he said.
Prof. Shah further said that fortunately, knowledge is not a limited resource like water, food, and oil. In fact, the more you give, the more it develops and expands.
“It does not diminish, no matter how much it is shared. Thus, we at NIT Srinagar can give the greatest gift of knowledge to this region and to its bright minds,” he added.
Prof. Shah further elaborated that atoms are the building blocks of all matter in our universe. Manufactured products are made from atoms.
He said that atomic and Molecular Physics, despite being the oldest field, it has retained its freshness all along and is continuing to contribute to the understanding of nature and to the development of new technologies.
“It is the foundation for modern technological revolutions that changed our life and helped to flourish the modern world. This subject has numerous applications in a variety of domains, including ordinary life and cutting-edge technology,” Prof. Shah said.
The thousand and one varied applications which utilize the properties of electrons have been of immense utility in the various fields. Thus, an understanding of this subject is thus a prerequisite to enter into any branch of science, including AI, Machine learning Nano.
Meanwhile, Dr. Nadeem also conducted a tutorial both for offline as well as online students. The event was coordinated by Miss Nahida, Miss Nowsheen, Mr Aman, Mr Roshan, Mr Abrar, Mrs Roumisa, Mr Ishtiyaq, Mr. Faizan, Mr Zahid, and Mr Aamir.
The program is expected to be beneficial for all curious participants. There will be lab sessions, tutorials and worksheets on Atomic Physics.

KR Desk