Research and Consultancy Service

Research and Consultancy Service (RACS) Cell

The research consultancy service cell (RACS cell) is an interdisciplinary forum of experts from the science departments of the college. The expertise available in various disciplines of science in the college made available for consultancy in research and development (R&D) through the RACS Cell. It provides the rare opportunity of getting the services of eminent scientists in various disciplines at a nominal cost under one umbrella. Presently, consultancy services are available in the areas of environmental science, plant science, polymer chemistry, microbiology, biotechnology, statistical data analysis and applied physics. Apart from the above, the RACS cell organizes several programmes with the objective of promoting scientific awareness among the students.

National Science Day Celebrations 2014

Every year RACS cell of St.Thomas College Pala organize National Science Day celebrations on 28th February. This year also National Science Day celebrations were celebrated solemnly with the financial support from KSCSTE, Govt. of Kerala (C12NSD/2014/KSCSTE, dated 21.01.2014). The celebrations were for three days, on the first two days 21st and 24th February 2014, various competitions were organized to inculcate scientific temper and awareness among students. The main celebrations were held on 28th February 2014. The departments participated in this programme include Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Statistics, Bio statistics, Botany, Biotechnology and Microbiology. Dr. Sunny Mathew, coordinator, RACS Cell coordinated this year’s science day celebrations.

NSD 14 Competitions

On the first day morning ie. 21st February 14, essay writing competition were conducted for B.Sc and M.Sc. students. The theme for competition were the focal theme of Science day 14 “Fostering Scientific Temper”. Shibin Joseph II M.Sc Chemistry, Eliizabeth George II M.Sc. Physics and Ebin P J II M.Sc Botany were received first, second and third prizes respectively from post graduate section. Neeraj Benny I B.Sc Physics, Jibin Joseph I B.Sc Physics and Ajin Tom Jose II B.Sc Physics were received first, second and third prizes respectively from under graduate section. Dr. G.D. Gem Mathew conducted a quiz competition based on the focal theme “Fostering Scientific Temper” on 21st February 2014 afternoon for M.Sc students. Dr. Sunil C.Mathew ( Mathematics ), Dr. Jomy Augustine ( Botany ), Dr. Ison V Vanchipurakal ( Physics ), Dr. Joy Jacob( Statistics and Computer Science) , Prof. Paul V Karamthanam ( Biotechnology) and Prof. Mathew Thomas (Microbiology) were also co-operated the quiz programme along with Dr. Gem Mathew ( Chemistry and General Science ). Mr Ebin P J and Ms Sumi Rose Shaji (II M.Sc Botany, First Prize), Ms Sudha Maria Lis and Ms Meenu Benny ( II M.Sc Physics, Second prize) and Mr Shibin Joseph and Ms Linta George (II M.Sc Chemistry, Third prize) were received prizes in quiz competition. On the second day ie. 24th February 14, power point presentation competition were conducted for B.Sc students. The theme for competition were the focal theme of Science day 14 “ Fostering Scientific Temper” Tharanath V.S and team VI sem B.Sc Botany. Jithin Abraham and Team VI sem B.Sc. Chemistry and John Savio Jose and Team, IV sem B.Sc. Physics were received first, second and third prizes respectively.
 
NSD 14 Public Meeting

The main celebrations of National Science Day were held on 28th February 14. The public meeting of National Science Day Celebrations started with a prayer song. Dr. K K Jose, Principal and Adviser, RACS Cell, St Thomas College Pala presided the public meeting. The public meeting was inaugurated by the chief guest Prof.(Dr) Jacob Philip Director, STIC, CUSAT, Kochi . Dr. Jose K Xavier, Director, RACS Cell, welcomed the gathering. Prof. Jacob Philip being a person, involved in research, instrumentation, teaching and administration related to advanced science research stressed the relevance and trends in the development of scientific research in his keynote address. He explained the importance of Sir C V Raman’s research, personality, determination, hard work etc. He also explained the advanced research level instrumentation facilities available at STIC CUSAT. Immediately it was followed by prize distribution to winners of various NSD 14 competitions and also to the students who selected for the prestigious P.J Thomas scholar ship worth Rs. 100,000/- Dr. Joy Jacob, Head and Associate Professor, Department of Statistics also spoke on the occasion. Dr. Sunny Mathew, Coordinator, RACS cell proposed vote of thanks. The session ended with National Anthem.

National Science Day Celebrations 2013

Every year RACS cell of St.Thomas College Pala organize National Science Day celebrations on 28th February. This year also National Science Day celebrations were celebrated solemnly with the financial support from KSCSTE, Govt. of Kerala (C---/NSD/2012/KSCSTE, dated  --.02.2012). The celebrations were for three days, on the first day15th February 2013, Prof G M Nair, Central University of Kerala, inaugurated this years science day celebrations, on the second day 27th February 2013, various competitions were organized to inculcate scientific temper and awareness among students. The valedictory function of science day celebrations were held on 28th   February 2013 . The departments participated in this programme include Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Statistics, Bio statistics, Botany, Biotechnology and Microbiology. Dr. Sunny Mathew, coordinator, RACS Cell  coordinated this years science day celebrations.

NSD 13 Inauguration

The inauguration of  National Science Day celebrations were held on 15th February 13. The public meeting of National Science Day Celebrations started with a prayer song Dr. K K Jose, Principal, St Thomas College Pala and Adviser, RACS Cell presided the public meeting. Dr. Jose K Xaviour Director,   RACS cell welcomed the gathering. The National Science Day-13 celebrations were inaugurated by the chief guest Prof. G M Nair. Dean and Director, School of BioScience , Centeral University of Kerala, Kasergod.    
 Prof. G M Nair being a person, involved in research, teaching and administration related to Bioscience, explained the relevance and trends of the science day topic in his keynote address. He explained the  importance of genetically modified crops. In his talk he explained theory and techniques adopted by the plant engineers  for the production of GM crops and also the advantages and disadvantages of these crops from the prospects of food security of increasing population.
Prof. James Joseph. Head, Department of Biotechnology and Microbiology   also spoke one the occation.Dr. Sunny Mathew, Co-ordinator,   RACS cell proposed vote of thanks. The session ended with National Anthem.

NSD 13 Competitions

On the second day morning   ie. 27th February 13, an essay writing competition were conducted for B.Sc  and M.Sc students. The theme for competition were the focal theme of Science day 13 ‘Genetically Modified Crops and Food Security- Issues and Prospects’ Ebin P J  ( II sem  M.Sc Botany). Anju Abraham, (II sem  M.Sc. Botany)  and Shibin Joseph, (II sem  M.Sc. Chemistry ) were received first, second and third prizes respectively. Four consolation prizes were given to Sibi S Raj. (II M Sc Biotechnology), Ajin Tom Thomas ( I B. Sc Physics), Anagha N C A ( I B. Sc Physics)  and Aji Alexander( I B. Sc Physics) .
On the secondt day afternoon   ie. 27th February 13, a poster design competition were conducted for B.Sc   students. The theme for competition were the focal theme of Science day 13 ‘Genetically Modified Crops and Food Security- Issues and Prospects. Nikhil S and Tharanath V S  (II sem  B.Sc Chemistry), Jithin Abraham and Abhijith M K  (IV sem  B.Sc. Chemistry) and Sebastian Thomas and Jose Kurian  (VI sem B.Sc Physics) were received first, second and third prizes respectively from under graduate section.
 Dr. G.D. Gem Mathew conducted a quiz competition based on the focal theme ‘Genetically Modified Crops and Food Security- Issues and Prospects’ on 274th February 13 afternoon for M.Sc students.   Dr. Sunil C.Mathew ( Mathamatics ), Dr. Jomy Augustine ( Botany ), Dr. Ison V Vanchipurakal (  Physics ), Dr. Joy Jacob( Statistics and Compuer Science) ,  Dr. Toji Thomas ( Biotechnology)  and Prof. Mathew Thomas (Microbiology) were also co-operated the quiz programme along with Dr. Gem Mathew ( Chemistry and General Science ).  Miss Rosllin Thomas and Miss Neeva R   (M.Sc Statistics, First Prize), Mr Ebin P J   and Miss Sreeja P S ( M.Sc Botany, Second prize) and Mr. Vishnu Pran and Mr Sreeram P R (M.Sc Physics, Third prize)    were received    prizes in quiz competition.

NSD 13 Validictory

 The valedictory function of  National Science Day celebrations were held on 28th February 13. The meeting of National Science Day valedictory function started with a prayer song Dr. K K Jose, Principal, St Thomas College Pala and Adviser, RACS Cell presided the public meeting. Dr. Jose K Xaviour Director,   RACS cell welcomed the gathering
Dr.  K K Jose Principal St Thomas College distributieds prize to winners of various NSD 13 competitions.Soon after the prize distribution Mr. Tomy Joseph, College Librarian  introduced Dr. Ison V Vanchipurakal to deliver the science day talk. Dr. Ison V Vanchipuralal delivered the science day and explained the importance of science and also the development in the science. Mr. Vishnu Pran, M.Sc (IV sem) Physics proposed vote of thanks. The session ended with National Anthem

National Science Day Celebrations 2012

Every year RACS cell of St.Thomas College Pala organize National Science Day celebrations on 28th February. This year also National Science Day celebrations were celebrated solemnly with the financial support from KSCSTE, Govt. of Kerala (C---/NSD/2012/KSCSTE, dated  --.02.2012). The celebrations were for two days, on the first day 24th February 2012, various competitions were organized to inculcate scientific temper and awareness among students. The main celebrations were held on 27th   February 2012 . The departments participated in this programme include Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Statistics, Bio statistics, Botany, Biotechnology and Microbiology. Dr. Sunny Mathew, coordinator, RACS Cell  coordinated this years science day celebrations.

NSD 12 Competitions

On the first day morning   ie. 24th February 12, a poster design competition were conducted for B.Sc   students. The theme for competition were the focal theme of Science day 12 ‘Clean Energy Options and Nuclear Safety’. Majid V A  and Sarath R Chandren  VI sem  B.Sc Chemistry. Akhil Sunny and Akhil Jacob, VI sem  B.Sc. Botany and Shibin Joseph and Pranav Sivadas VI sem  Chemistry were received first, second and third prizes respectively from under graduate section.
Dr. G.D. Gem Mathew conducted a quiz competition based on the focal theme ‘Clean Energy Options and Nuclear Safety’ on 24th February 12 morning for M.Sc students.   Dr. Sunil C.Mathew ( Mathamatics ), Dr. Jomy Augustine ( Botany ), Dr. Ison V Vanchipurakal (  Physics ), Dr. Joy Jacob( Statistics and Compuer Science) ,  Dr. Toji Thomas ( Biotechnology)  and Prof. Mathew Thomas (Microbiology) were also co-operated the quiz programme along with Dr. Gem Mathew ( Chemistry and General Science ).  Mr Ajithkumar and Mr Jobin Job Mathew   (M.Sc Physics, First Prize), Mr Rekesh R   and Ms Parvathi R Devi  ( M.Sc Chemistry, Second prize) and Ms. Sreeja P S and Mr Arunkumar G (M.Sc Botany, Third prize)    were received    prizes in quiz competition.
On the first day afternoon   ie. 24th February 12, an essay writing competition were conducted for B.Sc  and M.Sc students. The theme for competition were the focal theme of Science day 12 ‘Clean Energy Options and Nuclear Safety’ Shibin Joseph  VI sem  B.Sc Chemistry. Claries Jojo, II sem  M.Sc. Physics  and Krishnapriya G, II sem  M.Sc. Physics  were received first, second and third prizes respectively.

NSD 12 Public Meeting

The main celebrations of National Science Day were held on 27rd February 12. The public meeting of National Science Day Celebrations started with a prayer song. H E Mar Joseph Kallarangattu, Bishop Of Pala and  Patron  of the college presided the public meeting.  Dr. K K Jose, Principal, St Thomas College Pala and Adviser, RACS Cell welcomed the gathering, and the Chief Guest Prof. V. N. Rajasekharan Pillai, who served at School of Chemical sciences, MG University functioned in St. Thomas College Campus during 1980’s.  H E Mar Joseph Kallarangattu, Bishop Of Pala   emphasized the patriotism and hardworking of Sir C V Raman in his presidential address. The public meeting was inaugurated by the chief guest Prof. V. N. Rajasekharan Pillai. The Excutive Vice President of KSCSTE and Principal Secretary of  Department Science and Technology.   He served as the Vice-Chancellor of Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi. He was also the Chairman of the Distance Education Council.He has served as the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the University Grants Commission, New Delhi; Director of the National Assessment and Accreditation Council, Bangalore; Vice-Chancellor of the Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala; Vice-Chancellor of the Cochin University of Science and Technology. He is a Fellow of the prestigious Indian Academy of Sciences and an Honorary Senior Fellow of the   JNCASR, Bangalore.
Prof. V. N. Rajasekharan Pillai being a person, involved in research, teaching and administration related to Higher Education stressed the relevance and trends in the development of higher education in his keynote address. He explained the importance of Sir C V Raman’s research, personality, determination, hard work etc. He also explained the history, research and importance of large number of Indian scientists with emphasis  to those from Kerala and particularly from our region.   
 Immediately after his talk Dr. K K Jose principal presented a memento to Prof. V N Rajasekharan Pillai as token of gratitude.   Prof. V N Rajasekharan Pillai hand over the prestigious P.J Thomas scholar ship amount Rs.1,00,000.00 for the academic year 2012-13 to the Principal. Immediately it was followed by prize distribution to winners of various NSD 12 competitions.  
Dr. Sunny Kuriakose , Associate  Professor, Department of Chemistry also spoke one the occation. Dr. Jose K Xaviour Director,   RACS cell proposed vote of thanks. The session ended with National Anthem.
Seminar secession began after the lunch. Mr. Vishnu Pran,  M. Sc. Physics , St Thomas College delivered the first talk on Nuclear safety. He explained the theory of nuclear reactions and energy and also the practical implementations of nuclear power stations. In his speech he discussed various safety measures of nuclear stations and different nuclear disasters. Ms. Krishna Priya,   M.Sc. Physics, St Thomas College delivered the second talk on Solar Energy Options. She explained various non conventional clean energy techniques. She explained different techniques for collecting solar energy. On her talk Krishnapriya gave importance to solar cells and its application. 
At the end of afternoon secession Ms Smitha , M.Sc physics expressed vote of thanks to Vishnu Pran and Krishnapriya for their interesting and informative talk.
           Participation in the Science & Technology Exhibition “Cynosure 2012”

The RACS Cell had participated in the technological exposure entitled “CYNOSURE 2012” on February 9, 10 and 11, 2012  at St. Joseph’s College of Engineering & Technology, Palai by putting a stall. The stall consisted of some magic in chemistry and interesting physics experiments. The main objective was to create  a scientific awareness among high school and higher secondary students, who were the major viewers of the exhibition. During these three days about five thousand students visited the stall and got inspired by the intellectual adventure.

National Science day celebrations 2011

Every year the RACS Cell organizes National Science Day celebrations. In 2011 National Science Day was celebrated solemnly with financial support from KSCSTE, Govt. of Kerala. The celebrations were for two days. On the first day 22 February 2011, various competitions were organized to inculcate scientific temper and awareness among students. The main celebrations were held on 23 February 2011. The departments that participated in the programme include Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Statistics, Biostatistics, Botany, Biotechnology and Applied Microbiology.
   
NSD 2011 Competitions

On 22 February 2011, a poster design competition was conducted for B.Sc. students. The theme for the competition was the focal theme of science day 2011, viz. chemistry in our Lives. The teams consisting of M/s Ajith Chandran and Shibin Joseph; Chindhu S. and Pranav Sivadas, and Majid V.A. and Sarath R. Chandran, of II B.Sc. Chemistry received first, second and third prizes respectively. Dr. G.D. Gem Mathew organized a quiz competition based on the focal theme’ Gender Equity for prosperity with Peace’ on 22 February 2011 for M.Sc students. Dr. Sunil C. Mathew (Mathematics), Dr. Jomy Augustine (Botany), Dr. Ison V. Vanchipurackal (Physics), Dr. Joy Jacob (Statistics and computer Science), Dr. Toji Thomas (Biotechonology) and Prof. Mathew Thomas (microbiology) co-operated in the quiz programme along with Dr. G.D. Gem Mathew (chemistry and General Science). Mr. Anto Varghese and Mr. Rakesh R. (M.Sc. Chemistry) secured the First Prize. Mr. Rony Jose Kokkad and Ms Anju Joy (M.Sc. Statistics) and Mr. Abin Thomas and Ms. Ann Mary Sebastian (M.Sc. Biostatistics) won the Second Prize and Mr. Krishnakumar G. And Ms. Tinu Thomas (M.Sc. Botany)) won the Third Prize in the quiz competition.

NSD 2011 Public meeting

The main celebrations of National Science Day were held on 23 February 2011. At the public meeting held on the day Dr. Jose K. Xavier, Director, RACS Cell, welcomed the gathering. It was followed by presidential address by Dr. K. K. Jose, Principal. The celebrations were inaugurated by the chief guest Prof. (Dr. Sabu Thomas, Member, Syndicate; Dean, Faculty of Technology and Applied Sciences; and Applied Sciences; and Director, School of Chemical Sciences, M.G. University, Kottayam. In his keynote address, Prof. (Dr.) Sabu Thomas, being a person involved in research related to Polymer Chemistry and Nanomaterials and a popular science speaker, stressed the relevance and trends in the development of polymer materials embedded with nano fibers and also their wide range of properties and applications. Along with this he also explained the preparation. Properties and application of clay doped with nanostructured materials. Advanced research in nano chemistry has brought in changes in the use of conventional materials by providing low cost, highly efficient materials for mankind. It was followed by prize distribution to winners of various NSD 2011 competitions, Prof. V. T. Thomas, Head, of Department of Chemistry, also spoke on the occasion. Dr. Sunny Mathew, co-coordinator, RACS Cell, proposed the vote of thanks. The Principal of the College is the Adviser to the RACS cell. Dr. Jose K. Xavier (Dept. of chemistry) is the Director, Dr. Sunny Mathew (Dept. of Physics) is the co-coordinator and teachers from all the science departments are members of the cell.

NATIONAL SCIENCE DAY CELEBRATIONS 2010 NSD 2010 Competitions

1 Poster Design

            A poster design competition was conducted for B.Sc. students on 22 February 2010. The theme for the posters was the same as the focal theme of Science Day 2010 viz. “Gender Equity for Prosperity with Peace”. Nine teams participated in the competition. Mr. Ajith K.S. & Mr. Deepak Raj M.R. (III B.Sc. Chemistry), Mr. Nelson John and Mr. Arun Thomas (II B.Sc. Botany) and Mr. Sayyed Mohammed P. and Mr. Bineesh George (I B.Sc. Zoology) received the first, second and third prizes respectively.

2. Quiz Programme

            Dr. G.D. Gem Mathew conducted a quiz competition based on the focal theme ‘Gender Equity for Prosperity with Peace’ on 22 February for M.Sc. students. Dr. Sunil C. Mathew (Mathematics), Dr. Jomy Augustine (Botany), Dr. Ison V. Vanchipurackal (Physics), Dr. Joy Jacob (Statistics), Prof. Paul V. Karanthanam (Botany) and Prof. Baby Augustine (Zoology) were the other Quiz Masters of the programme along with Dr. G.D. Gem Mathew (Chemistry) as the coordinator, Mr. Arun Kumar K.R. &Ms. Lincy Edatt(Biotechnology), Ms. Sankarasyama Haridas & Ms. Sreelakshmi (Statistics) and Ms. Alfa S.S &Ms. Cynthia Mathew (Microbiology) received the first, second and third prizes respectively.

Public Meeting and Science Day Lecture

The main celebration of National Science Day was held on 23 February 2010. Dr. Jose K. Xavier, Director of RACS Cell, welcomed the gathering. It was followed by presidential address by Dr. K.K. Jose, Principal of the College. The celebrations were inaugurated by the chief guest Prof. (Dr.) A Vijayakumar, Department of Mathematics, Cochin University of Science and Technology. Prof. (Dr.) A. Vijayakumar, being a person involved in science popularization for the last three decades, pointed out the relevance of understanding the history and development of mathematics and science in his keynote address. He also stressed the need of gender equity with peace and prosperity, which was the focal theme of the Science Day celebration this year. Beginning with Sir C.V Raman’s contributions to science he explained the contributions of numerous Indian scientists including women scientists in different areas of science. He also explained the utilization of mathematical principles in science education in a very simple manner. It was followed by prize distribution to winners of various competitions by the chief guest. In the same function Dr. Vijayakumar distributed the prestigious Dr. P.J. Thomas Scholarship and K.J. Joseph Koonthanam Scholarship to undergraduate students of the College. Dr. Sunny Mathew, Coordinator of RACS Cell, proposed the vote of thanks.

Swadeshi Science Celebrations 2010

The Research and Consultancy Service Cell (RACS Cell) in collaboration with the Swadeshi Science Movement (SSM) of Kerala organised Swadeshi Science Celebrations on 17 March 2010. At the inaugural session of Swadeshi Science Celebrations, Dr. Jose K. Xavier, Director of RACS Cell welcomed the gathering. It was followed by the presidential address by Dr. K.K. Jose, Principal of the College. The celebrations were inaugurated by Rev. (Dr.) Mathew Maleparambil, Principal, B.V.M. Holy Cross College, Cherpunkal. In his keynote address he stressed the need and relevance of developing appropriate technology with regional importance for the development of society. Mr. Karimkunnam Ramachandran Nair, Vice President of Swadeshi Science Movement of Kerala, explained the aims and activities of the Movement. Dr. G.D. Gem Mathew, Co-ordinator of the programme, proposed the vote of thanks. After the Inaugural Session, the following two invited lectures were conducted
1. “Indian Science Heritage” by Prof. (Dr.) VPN. Nampoori, Dean, Faculty of Science and Director, International School of Photonics, CUSAT
2. “Remote Sensing and its Applications” by Dr. S. Salinkumar, Senior Scientist, Geological Survey
During the afternoon session the trainers of Swadeshi Science Movement explained the making of “energy cake”. Controlled burning of wood produces carbon. The main ingredient of the energy cake is carbon powder, which is mixed with a binding agent such as clay and water. This mixture is compressed to cake using a special mould and dried in sunlight. The burning of this cake gives smokeless blue flame with intense heat. Hence it is very much efficient than wood as a fuel.

Demonstration of ‘Energy Cake’

During the afternoon session the trainers of Swadeshi Science Movement explained the making of “energy cake”. Controlled burning of wood produces carbon. The main ingredient of the energy cake is carbon powder, which is mixed with a binding agent such as clay and water. This mixture is compressed to cake using a special mould and dried in sunlight. The burning of this cake gives smokeless blue flame with intense heat. Hence it is very much efficient than wood as a fuel.

Exhibition

An exhibition showcasing the achievements of ancient and modern Indian science and technology and Swadeshi Science Movement publications was arranged by the volunteers of Swadeshi Science Movement of Kerala in the College auditorium.

Competitions for Students
In order to develop awareness about “Indian Scientific Achievements”, a poster designing competition was conducted for PG students. Ms. Jiji Abraham & Ms. Jessica Elizabeth Philip (lV Sem M.Sc. Chemistry), Ms. Smitha M. Kumar & Ms. Suneetha Sebastian (IV Sem M.Sc. Physics) and Mr. Prince George & Mr. Pious Thomas Mathew (II Sem M.Sc. Chemistry) won the first, second and third prizes respectively.