“Sustainability is a Problem that does not have a Technological Solution” – Padma Bhushan Prof. P Balaram at UDL#22.

SRM University-AP hosted the 22nd University Distinguished Lecture by renowned academician and scientist Padma Bhushan Prof. P Balaram, Senior Professor from the National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Bengaluru. Prof. Balaram, widely acclaimed for his pioneering contributions to biochemistry and molecular physics, gave an insightful session on “Evolutionary Inventions and Innovations That Drove the Rise of Chemistry, the Birth of Biology and Determine Human History”, emphasising on the continuity that links on the physical, chemical and biological worlds.

Prof. P Balaram elucidated the significance of Chemistry as a discipline in linking the various pillars of Biology. He stated, “Mendelian genetics and Darwinian evolution are inexplicably linked with Chemistry.” He also delved into the evolution of Darwin’s idea on the Origin of Life, tracing the timescale of the progress of life- from anaerobic organisms to humans-from unicellular organisms to multicellular organisms.

His lecture also traversed the fields of quantum mechanics, molecular biology, and history of human evolution, underscoring the cultural, genetic and environmental factors that affect evolution.

Prof. Ch Satish Kumar, Vice Chancellor (I/C), SRM University-AP expressed his deep appreciation and felicitated Prof. Balaram honouring his presence. Prof. Satish encouraged budding scientists of the university to learn and assimilate from Prof. Balaram’s academic and research journey. He also commended the University Distinguished Lecture (UDL) Series inviting eminent delegates from academia and various sectors to engage with the student and scholar community of SRM University-AP.

The event saw the participation of Dr R Premkumar, Registrar, Prof. Ranjit Thapa, Dean – Research, Prof. CV Tomy, Dean – School of Engineering and Sciences, faculty, scholars and students of the university.