Oct-Nov 2025 Updates
I was delighted to deliver a talk at Sree Narayana College, Varkala, as part of the TRENDZ Seminar Series 2025 organised by the PG Department of Physics. Speaking on “2D Materials for a Sustainable Energy Future”, I had the opportunity to introduce students and faculty to the fascinating world of ultrathin materials, their role in next-generation fuel cells, and how they tie into the broader vision of sustainable development. We discussed why 2D materials are considered the future-high surface area, tunable properties, and exceptional catalytic behaviour-while also reflecting on the challenges such as large-scale fabrication, stability, and commercialization. The interaction was warm, thoughtful, and energetic, and it was wonderful to see the enthusiasm of the students during their paper presentations. Sharing a few photos from the session, grateful to Smt. Malu for the invitation and the enriching academic atmosphere.
On 18 November 2025, I had the opportunity to attend the Prof. P. A. Kurup Memorial Lecture organised by the Department of Biochemistry, University of Kerala, in association with the Centre for Advanced Cancer Research and the Biochemistry Alumni Association. The session, delivered by Prof. Dr. Sabu Thomas, a globally renowned scientist and former Vice-Chancellor of MG University, highlighted emerging opportunities in sustainable and green bio-nano materials and their role in circular-economy-driven research. It was an inspiring and intellectually enriching program, and I was also glad to host Prof. Sabu Thomas during his visit to the Department of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, where he interacted with our team and appreciated the ongoing activities in the department. Sharing a few photos from the day.
Observance of
Bharanabhasha Varacharanam 2025
As part of the Bharanabhasha Varacharanam 2025 (Official Language
Week) celebrations, the Department of Nanoscience and
Nanotechnology, University of Kerala, organized a special session
titled “Experience Sharing” on November 6, 2025,
at 11:30 a.m. in the department seminar hall.
കേരള സർവകലാശാലയുടെ നാനോസയൻസ് ആൻഡ് നാനോടെക്നോളജി വകുപ്പ്
സംഘടിപ്പിച്ച ഭരണഭാഷാ വാർഷികാഘോഷങ്ങളുടെ ഭാഗമായി 2025 നവംബർ 6-ന് രാവിലെ 11.30-ന്
വകുപ്പ് സെമിനാർ ഹാളിൽ “അനുഭവം പങ്കിടൽ” എന്ന പ്രത്യേക പരിപാടി
സംഘടിപ്പിച്ചു. രണ്ടാ0 വർഷ ഭാഷാശാസ്ത്ര ബിരുദാനന്തര
ബിരുദ വിദ്യാർത്ഥിനിയായ സൂര്യഗായത്രി ആർ. എസ് വിദ്യാർത്ഥികൾക്ക് ചിന്താപ്രേരണയായ അനുഭവമായി.
The session featured Ms. Surya Gayathri
R. S., a second-year postgraduate student of Linguistics, who
delivered an insightful talk on the theme “Religious Tolerance.”
Drawing from her academic background and real-life perspectives, she emphasized
the importance of linguistic and cultural harmony in fostering inclusive communication
and mutual respect.
The event served as a meaningful reminder of how language acts not only as a
medium of governance but also as a bridge that connects diverse communities.
The department extends its appreciation to Ms. Surya Gayathri for her thoughtful
presentation and to all participants for their active involvement in making the
program engaging and reflective.
From
Molecules to Nanoparticles — Academic Visit from Sree Ayyappa College
On
November 5, 2025,
the Department of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, University of Kerala,
Kariavattom Campus, welcomed the S3
FYUGP students of Biochemistry
and Industrial Microbiology from Sree Ayyappa College, Chengannur,
as part of their Biochemistry
DSE–Nanobiotechnology practical curriculum. The visit was
designed to give the students an immersive experience in nanoscience research
and instrumentation. I began the session with a simple introduction to the
fundamentals of nanoparticles through Richard Feynman’s model, using
interactive demonstrations to illustrate concepts such as coordination number,
degrees of freedom, and particle behavior. This was followed by an engaging
talk by Dr. S. R.
Sarath Kumar, who explored the fascinating world of
nanosensors—explaining how natural systems like a dog’s olfactory receptors
inspire sensor design and how fingertip oxygen sensors, familiar from the
COVID-19 period, operate through nanoscale mechanisms.
In
the afternoon, I introduced the concepts of thin-film coating and band-gap
determination, after which Ms.
Varsha, Research Scholar, demonstrated the thermal evaporation technique
used to prepare ZnSe nanoparticle thin films. She also discussed how UV–Visible spectroscopy
helps analyze and tune the band gap of materials. The visit concluded with
informal discussions and reflections, where the students connected classroom
learning with real-world applications of nanoscience in biochemistry and
materials research. The visiting team, led by Dr. Rejiya C. S., expressed warm
appreciation for the interactive and inspiring sessions. It was indeed a
pleasure to host such an enthusiastic group of learners, and we look forward to
many more academic interactions that nurture curiosity and innovation at the
nanoscale.
Sharing a few photos and a link to a YouTube Video
Labs
Judging at District
Science Fairs – Pathanamthitta & Kottayam 2025
I had the privilege of serving as a judge
at two district-level Sasthrolsavam 2025 Science Fairs
held in October
2025. The first was the Pathanamthitta District Science
Fair, conducted at Thiruvalla on October 29–30,
2025, followed by the Kottayam District Science Fair,
held on October
31, 2025. Both events brought together hundreds of enthusiastic
students showcasing their creativity and curiosity through an impressive range
of still models and scientific exhibits.
From the structure of DNA and
its replication process to innovative models on nuclear reactors, wireless
charging systems, Dyson swarms, sustainable agriculture, and 5G smart cities,
the exhibits reflected an excellent blend of imagination and scientific
understanding. It was inspiring to see how students applied principles of
biology, physics, and environmental science to real-world challenges with such
clarity and confidence.
These fairs were not just
competitions but celebrations of scientific thinking, encouraging teamwork,
problem-solving, and the joy of discovery. I am thankful to the organizing
committees and the Directorate of General Education,
Kerala, for the opportunity to be part of this meaningful
initiative and to witness firsthand the bright potential of our young
innovators.
സിമിയും ഹുബൈബും കൂടെ ഉള്ളത് നമ്മുടെ എല്ലാവരുടേയും സ്വപ്ന ടീച്ചർ തന്നെ.
സിമിക്ക് സ്വപ്ന ടീച്ചറിനെ അതിയായി ഇഷ്ടമാണ്. CLIF-ലേ ടെക്നീഷ്യൻ ആയതുകൊണ്ട്, ടീച്ചർ പല തവണ സംസാരിക്കുന്നത് ശ്രദ്ധയോടെ കേട്ടിരിക്കാനുള്ള ഭാഗ്യം സിമിക്ക് ഉണ്ടായിട്ടുണ്ട് — അതിനെ കുറിച്ച് ഇന്നലെ അവർ എന്നോട് പറഞ്ഞു.
സിമി പറഞ്ഞു, ടീച്ചർ പറയുന്ന പല കാര്യങ്ങളും തന്നെ ഏറെ പ്രചോദിപ്പിച്ചിട്ടുണ്ട്. ചില ദിവസങ്ങളിൽ, ടീച്ചറുടെ നിലപാടുകളും ചിരിയും തന്നെയാണ് അവരെ ക്യാമ്പസിലെ വിരസമായ നിമിഷങ്ങളിൽ പ്രതീക്ഷയോടെയും ധൈര്യത്തോടെയും മുന്നോട്ട് പോകാൻ സഹായിച്ചതെന്ന്.
ഞാൻ പറഞ്ഞു — “സിമി, നാളെ സ്വപ്ന ടീച്ചർ ഇവിടെ വരും... എങ്കിൽ സിമിക്ക് ഇഷ്ടമാണെങ്കിൽ, നേരിട്ട് പറഞ്ഞോളൂ.”
പക്ഷേ സിമി ചിരിച്ചുകൊണ്ട് മറുപടി നൽകി:
‘അത് വേണ്ട സർ… ടീച്ചർ അറിയാതെ ടീച്ചറിനെ ഇഷ്ടപ്പെടുന്ന ആയിരം പേരിൽ ഒരാളായി ഇരിക്കുന്നതാണ് എനിക്ക് ഇഷ്ടം. ടീച്ചർ അറിയാതെയെങ്കിലും ടീച്ചറുടെ ഓരോ നേട്ടത്തിലും സന്തോഷിക്കുന്ന, മനസ്സിൽ നിന്നുള്ള സ്നേഹമുള്ള ഒരാളായി മാത്രം.’
അത് കേട്ട് ഞാൻ ചിന്തിച്ചു — അതൊരു മനോഹരമായ ചിന്തയാണ്.
പുറത്ത് കൈയടിക്കുന്നവരേക്കാൾ, ഉള്ളിൽ നിന്നുള്ള സ്നേഹമുള്ളവരെ പലപ്പോഴും നാം കാണാതെ പോകുന്നു.
മങ്ങിയ കാഴ്ചകളക്കിടയിൽ ഇത്തരത്തിലുള്ള കണ്ണട തന്നെയാണ് ഏറ്റവും വിലപ്പെട്ടത്.
ഈ ചിന്ത നല്ലതായാണ് എനിക്ക് തോന്നിയത്.
തീർച്ചയായും ഇത് പങ്കുവെക്കണം എന്നും തോന്നി.
സിമിയുടെയും സ്വപ്ന ടീച്ചറുടെയും സമ്മതത്തോടെ ഞാൻ ഇത് ഷെയർ ചെയ്യുന്നു —
നമ്മളെ നിശ്ശബ്ദമായി സ്നേഹിക്കുന്നവർക്കായി. ❤️
— സിബി
Mental
Health Awareness Session – October 10, 2025
As part of the World Mental
Health Day observance, the Department of Nanoscience and
Nanotechnology, University of Kerala, organized an interactive
session on October
10, 2025, focusing on the importance of emotional well-being
among students. The talk was delivered by Dr. Sujith Babu.,
Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, University of Kerala.
Dr. Suchith’s session
sensitively addressed the challenges faced by students in balancing academic
pressure, personal expectations, and self-care. Through real-life examples and
reflective exercises, he emphasized the significance of awareness, open communication,
and early support in maintaining mental health. The session encouraged
participants to view mental wellness not as a luxury but as a foundation for
learning, creativity, and growth.
The program provided a safe and
engaging space for discussion, reminding everyone that academic success is best
achieved when mental health is nurtured. The Department extends its sincere
appreciation to Dr. Sujith for leading this meaningful initiative and to all
students who actively participated and shared their perspectives.
Sharing the YouTube Link
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