Shivamogga: The newly constructed Sagar Science Centre (SSF) in Sagara became a focal point for scientific discourse on Sunday morning with the inaugural session of the Prof HLS Rao memorial lecture series.The first endowment lecture at the fully completed SSF campus was delivered by Dr LS Shashidhara, renowned developmental biologist and director of the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), Bengaluru.The programme was organised by the Sagar Science Forum, formed in the Malnad region to promote scientific temper. Organisers noted that while endowment lectures are common in literature and humanities, they are relatively rare in science. The series was instituted in memory of veteran scientist and founding president of the Sagar Science Forum, late Prof HLS Rao, with financial support from his son, Sanjay Hestak. Forum president Dr HS Jeevan and director VC Patil said the memorial lecture would be held annually on the last Sunday of June.After Dr Shashidhara’s address, three meritorious teachers were felicitated for notable contributions to education and teaching.In his lecture, Dr Shashidhara spoke on the evolution of fundamental science in India and worldwide, describing its shift from curiosity-driven enquiry to a more purpose-driven pursuit. He recalled the challenges faced in the early decades after Independence, citing how pioneers such as CV Raman, JC Bose, Meghnad Saha and PC Ray carried out pathbreaking work with little or no govt backing.He also highlighted lesser-known contributors behind key advances, spanning milk and grain revolutions, tissue culture, blood banks, laser-based diamond cutting and the trajectory from IT-BT to present-day AI amid geopolitical uncertainty.The session drew students, teachers and dignitaries in large numbers.
