Former NIN Chief Urges Rethink on Food Preparation Methods

Hyderabad: The two-day National Science Day celebrations began at Rashtrapati Nilayam with deliberations on scientific discoveries and everyday health here on Thursday. It also drew attention to how cooking practices and nutrition influence long-term well-being.

Dr. Sesikeran Boindala, former director of ICMR-NIN, spoke about the rising cases of early heart strokes in impoverished communities and linked them to poor maternal nutrition and low birth weight. He warned about increasing colon cancer rates among Asians compared to Africans and attributed the disparity to processed food consumption, low fiber intake, and lack of physical activity.

Citing biryani as an example, he explained how cooking techniques can impact nutrition and insisted that people start rethinking food preparation methods.

Dr. Chintakagiri Mohan Rao, former director of CCMB, spoke about the Raman Effect and its role in modern spectroscopy. He explained how the phenomenon causes shorter wavelengths like blue to scatter more, giving the sky and sea their colour.

The event featured scientific exhibits from research institutions, including the Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics and National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC). The displays covered advances in genetics, space science, and sustainable materials.

A book exhibition displayed science and technology publications, while a photo exhibition paid tribute to 50 Indian scientists.

Workshops covered a range of topics, from the applications of AI and quantum computing in STEM careers to the role of robotics in healthcare. Of the estimated turnout of 2,700 persons, around 500 students took part in various competitions organised to mark the occasion.