CHANDIGARH: 04 November 2011: Panjab University, under distinguished scientists
lecture series, organized distinguished lectures by two renowned scientists Prof. D.
Balasubramanian, Director of Research LV Prasad eye institute and Dr. G. Madhavan
Nair, Former Director ISRO at the Golden Jubilee Hall, Panjab University, Chandigarh.
While welcoming the distinguished speakers, Dr. Sobti shared with the august gathering
the achievements of Prof D. Balasubramanian which included his positions such as
Director, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, and Professor and Dean,
University of Hyderabad. He was honoured by the Government of India with the Padma
Shri in 2002, besides many other notable achievements. While deliberating upon the
cells and stem cells Prof. Balasubramanian explained his current area of research on
the successful use of stem cell techniques to restore vision in patients. This is made
possible by the discovery of adult stem cells in the limbus, surrounding the cornea of
the eye. Prof. Balasubramanian impeccably described the technique that they practice
to isolate these stem cells, explant cultured them on human amniotic membrane to
produce transparent, stitchable corneal epithelia. They have successfully transplanted
to over 700 patients who had lost their vision due to chemical or fire burns, and
restored vision to these eyes in significant measure. Later these patients
successfully accepted a subsequent donor corneal transplant, to regain 20/20
vision.Prof. G. Madhavan Nair was introduced to have graduated in Engineering from
Kerala University and underwent training at Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC).  In
his talk he made the students well acquainted with the achievements of the ISRO
India's Geo-synchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) capable of orbiting into Geo
Transfer Orbit, which had its successful flight in the very first attempt in 2003. The
research includes the scientific exploration of outer space using the Chandrayaan
missions that succeeded in mapping the 85% of the moon’s surface and confirmed the
presence of water on moon. He also mentioned the launch of Megha- Tropiques Indo-
French joint mission that primarily focused on the study of water cycle and energy
exchange in the tropics. The session concluded with the interaction of the experts
with the students from Stem Cell & tissue engineering, systems biology, Forensic
sciences, Zoology, Environmental Sciences, botany and microbiology etc. ,
Press Note No.457
MMK/PS