BANGALORE: The city is all set to become a Nanoscience and Nanotechnology hub as the 4th edition of Bangalore Nano (2011) kicked off on Thursday.The first day of the conference saw huge numbers of students, entrepreneurs, academicians and industry-watchers participate in the various sessions dealing with innovations and applications in the nanoworld.“Bangalore Nano is a national event. There is no equivalent in anywhere in India for this. Karnataka, of all states, is investing more in science and technology and education in science,” said Prof CNR Rao, eminent scientist and chief mentor of Bangalore Nano, in his inaugural address.Reminiscing about the beginning of his interest in nanotechnology, Prof Rao went back to his teaching days in IIT Kanpur. “Nearly 25 years ago, a young boy asked me how many atoms are required to make gold look like gold. I thought this is an important question. When gold has 200 atoms, it ceases to be a metal and changes its properties,” explained Prof Rao.Anand Vasant Asnotikar, Minister for Science, Technology and Fisheries, said, “Karnataka is a priority state for IT/BT. We are rolling out a new nano policy soon. The state government will provide enhanced budgetary support for nano initiatives, Vision Group on S&T activities and others in the forthcoming 2012-13 budget.”The Bangalore Nano National Award 2011 was presented to Dr G Sundarajan, director, International Advanced Research Centre. Nano for YoungIn a session dedicated for young students, Prof CNR Rao spoke about the applications and opportunities of nanoscience. He went on to startle the students by giving them a lowdown on the nanoworld.“The Lysurgus Cup in the British museum is a prime example of how nano particles work. When exposed to light, the cup turns red from green,” he said. He stated that nanotechnology is highly competitive with sophisticated instrumentation. “Nanotechnology is a story with a lot of promises for the future,” he told students.Prof Rao taunts CMChief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda was slated to inaugurate the Bangalore Nano. Commenting on the CM’s absence, Prof Rao said: “This is a very important event. I wish the CM were here. I hope he will not make this a habit. It is a pity that our CM does not think science and technology is important enough. Many people may not like what I am saying. I hope he will not repeat it again during such events.”
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