Year of Chemistry

• On January 1, 2011  eminent scientist CNR Rao, inaugurating the celebrations at the premier Indian Institute of Science at Bangalore said:
• "The new year will be celebrated as the IYC in line with the resolution adopted by the 63rd general assembly of the United Nations in December 2008, with Unesco and the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) organising the year-long event,"
• The year also coincides with the centenary year of the Nobel Prize for chemistry to Marie Curie (1867-1934) for her discovery of radioactivity.

Rao Said

• “All known matter is based on chemical elements or compounds and our understanding of the chemical nature is based on our knowledge of the subject, as all living process is controlled by chemical reactions,"
• "Chemistry does not seem to be as fascinating as other branches of science though it deals with the basic aspects of life such as food, water, energy, health and transportation. Teaching chemistry as an interesting subject is lacking due to the absence of quality teachers in the field,"
• The Chemical Research Society of India (CRSI), set up in this tech hub in 1999 to mark the 50th year of Indian republic, will spearhead the celebrations of the IYC with a wide range of activities, including demonstrations, workshops, prize rewards to chemistry teachers at university level, partnerships with industry for creation of national wealth and popularization of achievements in the field to the public.
• To popularise chemistry, the society brought out a book titled "Chemistry Today", authored by Rao, for free distribution among schools and colleges and teachers across the country.