CONVENTION ON COLORANTS-2015 (COC-15)

Dyestuff Manufacturing Association of India (DMAI)

09 Apr 2015

The 6th Edition of International Convention on Colorants -2015 was conducted by The Dyestuffs Manufacturers Association of India(DMAI) jointly with the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Mumbai and supported by the Dept. of Chemicals & Petrochemicals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, Govt of India on 3-4 March 2015 at The Club, Andheri (W), Mumbai. More than 180 delegates from the industry and academia attended the Convention. Padmabhushan Dr.T. Ramasami, Former Secretary, Dept. of Science & Technology, Govt. of India was the Keynote Speaker during the Inaugural Session on 3rd March 2015.

Inaugural Session

The Inaugural Session began with recital of National Anthem and lighting of the traditional lamp by the dignitaries.

In his welcome address, Prof. N. Sekar, Chairman, COC-15, referred to the joint efforts of ICT & DMAI, which contributed for the successful conduct of COCs since its very inception in 2005 and in kindling the innovative practices and products by exchanging knowledge between the academia and corporate research houses for the industry to emulate.

Mr. Janak Mehta, Co Chairman & Mentor in his address referred to COCs as one of the few, if not only, platforms for best of the Color Chemists to present their research work and practices. He also elaborated on how this Convention was attempting to meet the Govt.’s objectives of “Make in India” “Zero defect – zero effect” and Swachh Bharat campaign.

Prof. Kanetkar, Mentor reemphasized on Green Chemistry and the imperative need to have focused programs on cleaner and efficient processes.

Padmabhushan Dr. T. Ramasami delivered a thought provoking Keynote address. In his inimitable humorous way, he impressed on the need to improve India’s poor share of 0.4 % for Science, Innovation and Technology (as opposed to 18 % in China), look at sectors, where we have national advantage, and achieve transformational change by working on our strengths rather than focusing on overcoming weaknesses. He emphasized that development cannot be at the expense of environment. Stressing that research should be for a “Well Defined Problem”, he assured of his help to the industry in securing the support of Dept. of Science & Technology, in its research efforts.

The Inaugural Session concluded with vote of thanks proposed by Convention Secretary Shri Jitendra Patel.

Technical Session

In the technical sessions that followed for the next 2 days, many reputed and distinguished speakers from both India and abroad made extensive and informative presentations on the latest technical innovations and up gradations in the Colorants field all over the globe. Presentations on innovations in effluent treatments were well received and appreciated.

A novel feature of this edition of COC-15 was the Poster Exhibition, which was started in COC-13. There were 30 interesting posters on various innovations by the research students of ICT and other reputed Universities. It is heartening to note that the largest number of students took part in the Poster Session. (Details of the speakers and their presentation on topics of importance and relevance are attached)

Valedictory Session

The Valedictory Session held on 4th March 2015 was moderated by Shri Virendra Widge, Convener, Publicity & Publication Committee.

Shri Subhash Desai, Hon. Minister for Industries, Govt. of Maharashtra graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour. He, in his inspiring speech, declared that the new Govt. is working to make Maharashtra as the preferred investment destination cutting down the number of clearances required for investments from 76 to 25 and set up an investment goal of Rs.5.00 lac crores and creating 20 lacs new employments. He assured of all his support and co-operation for the colorant industry in Maharashtra for its sustained growth.

Shri Desai also presented mementos to the Sponsors and Organising Committee members and cash prizes to the top three poster presenters from ICT.

The session ended with a vote of thanks by Shri Widge.