The impact of Covid in the world is more than that of the First and Second World Wars – Dr. Soumya Swaminathan

Interdisciplinary research is the need of the hour – Dr. Soumya Swaminathan

 

Cytogenetics Unit, Department of Zoology, BHU, organised the twenty-fourth S.P. Ray Chaudhary Memorial Lecture at the Mahamana Haal of the Institute of Science, BHU. The former chief Scientist of WHO and well acclaimed policy maker Dr Soumya Swaminathan delivered her lecture on “Lessons from the Pandemic for Science and Public Health”. Dr Swaminathan is the daughter of Bharat Ratna and the father of Green Revolution, Professor MS Swaminathan. She said that the loss of life and property during the covid 19 was much higher than the loss of life and property in the First and Second World Wars. The Covid pandemic posed an unprecedented challenge to all countries, including India. The pandemic made people understand that health is the most important thing for us, for which there was rapid progress in science and technology.

Only with the advancement of science we can better understand the deadly viruses and its pathogenicity, and use that knowledge to develop new tools to overcome it. By using currently available scientific tools and focusing on four areas of science (surveillance, basic research, translational research and clinical trials), we can do better research proactively by managing any emerging new virus threats. Continuous discovery of new pathogens and surveillance of known pathogens is essential to monitor and assess current and future pandemic risks. These pathogens are selected based on specific criteria, which promotes fundamental research and enhances our preparedness for emerging future threats.Praising the global scientists, he said that it usually takes at least 10-15 years to develop any vaccine, but it was the result of the hard work of the scientists that we could make the Covid vaccine so quickly. Before Covid, the fastest vaccine for mumps was made which took 4 years.The chief guest of the meeting, former VC of BHU, Professor Punjab Singh said that scientist should be work in holistic manner.

At the beginning of the meeting, Chairman Professor Rajeev Raman told about the personality and research of Professor SP Ray Chaudhary.

Professor Madhu Tapadia conducted the meeting and Dr. Gaurav Pandey proposed the vote of thanks. At this occasion, Dean and Director of the Institute of Science, along with former Director Prof. Anil Tripathi, Professor Kharwar, Professor SB Aggarwal, Professor Kayastha, Professor SC Lakhotia, Professor Mercy J Raman, Dr. Sameer Gupta, Dr. Bama Charan Mandal, Dr. Richa Arya were present. Heads of departments and students of various departments were also present.

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