CHANDIGARH, Sept.  27, 2012: The two-day Bio-cAMP ’12, National Symposium on
‘Biotechnology in India: Opportunities, Challenges and Future Aspects’  inaugurated by
Professor Arun Kumar Grover, Vice Chancellor,  Panjab University at P.U. Campus here
today.   Prof. R.C. Sobti, former Vice-Chancellor, P.U. delivered the Keynote Address.  
The symposium began with lighting the lamp and reciting the Panjab University Anthem.
The keynote speaker of the day: Prof. R.C.  Sobti presented a wonderful talk on the role
of ancient history and culture of India forming the basis of modern Biotechnology. He
emphasized that the need of the hour is to adopt the innovative biotechnological aspects
not only in the life sciences but also in other allied sciences, learning the lesson
from the wealth of information our forefathers had left us rather than initiating the
western world stop gap measurements.  He encouraged and warranted, how young students
should come forward and march ahead by applying the ancient methods and restructure them
with their novel innovations to overcome the present day problems in the modern India
bringing glory to their Institute as well as the whole nation.
Microbial Cellulose: Sustainable alternative to conventional fibres
Prof. R.K. Saxena, Department of Microbiology, University of Delhi, South Campus
highlighted the importance of synthesis of microbial cellulose as compared to plant
cellulose with a very high scale, purity and minimized cost.  He also emphasized the
need for youngsters to bring about the concept commercially, commercialization of these
scientific and technological innovations benefitting both parties.
Stem Cells: Some facts and some innovation
Dr. Rama Shankar Verma, Stem Cell and Molecular Biology, Department of Biotechnology,
IIT Madras enlightened the students about the current research, challenges and what the
future holds for the stem cell based therapies and their huge regenerative potential.
Lipases: Bio-catalysis and Stability in organic media.
S.S Kanwar, Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla demonstrated the role of lipases and
their application in industrial processes.
Dr. S.K. Sharma, General Manager, Panacea Biotech and Dr. U.C. Banerjee, Head of
Department, Pharmaceutical Technology, NIPER also deliberated their talk highlighting
the current innovations, challenges and opportunities for biotechnologists in the future.
Prof. Renu Vij, Director, UIET was also present on this occasion and welcomed the
dignitaries present in the Symposium.  
                                                    Press Note No.472