March 9, 2025: 33rd DAE-BRNS National Laser Symposium (NLS-33) Successfully Concluded at Medi-Caps University, Indore
The prestigious 33rd DAE-BRNS National Laser Symposium (NLS-33) successfully concluded its significant proceedings at Medi-Caps University, Indore, marking a vital and impactful congregation of India's foremost scientific intellect in laser technology. Organized through a collaborative partnership with AIC π-Hub, the pivotal symposium, held during March 6th - 9th, 2025, served as a dynamic platform where esteemed scientists, experienced engineers, skilled technocrats, and influential industry partners from the expansive and rapidly evolving laser technology sector presented their cutting-edge research and impactful development initiatives.
The enriching and comprehensive program featured insightful expert talks delivered by twenty-two eminent researchers representing a diverse spectrum of esteemed universities and distinguished national laboratories. These presentations provided a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of the latest advancements and groundbreaking discoveries in laser science. Furthermore, over 200 meticulously prepared research papers were presented, offering a deep dive into the innovative applications and cutting-edge explorations within the field, thereby fostering robust academic discourse and the crucial exchange of knowledge. Shri R C Mittal, Chancellor of Medi-Caps University, extended a warm welcome to the Chief Guest, Guest of Honour, and other distinguished attendees to the vibrant and green campus of Medi-Caps University, Indore.
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Dr. S K Majumder, President ILA facilitating Chief Guest, Prof. I Manna, Vice Chancellor, BIT, Mesra, Ranchi |
Shri R C Mittal, Chancellor, Medi-Caps University facilitating the Guest of Honour, Dr. S V Nakhe, Former Chairman AIC π-Hub and Former Director of RRCAT |
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Release of NLS-33 Abstract Book by the dignitries. |
Inauguration of Industrial exhibition organized during NLS-33 |
The inaugural ceremony was graced by the distinguished presence of the Chief Guest, Prof. I. Manna, a renowned material scientist and the esteemed Vice-Chancellor of BIT, Mesra, Ranchi. His profound expertise lent significant weight and prestige to this important symposium. Dr. S. K. Majumder, President of the Indian Laser Association (ILA) and Director of the Material Science and Advanced Technology Group at RRCAT, offered a warm and gracious welcome to the Chief Guest and all participants, establishing a tone of collaborative engagement and intellectual camaraderie.
In his insightful inaugural address, Prof. Manna reflected on his long-standing and productive association with RRCAT and eloquently highlighted the substantial and enduring contributions of DAE institutions, including RRCAT, in the sustained advancement of laser technology and its diverse and transformative applications across India. He emphasized the critical need for various institutions to unite in such collaborative endeavors, thereby propelling India to the forefront of Laser Science and Technology on the global stage, fostering innovation and technological leadership.
Prof. Manna further underscored that while laser technology offers a multitude of applications, laser additive manufacturing (LAM) presented a particularly compelling and strategic opportunity for India to collectively advance. He noted its potential to significantly boost contributions to the national GDP from the manufacturing sector, achieve technological self-reliance, and solidify India's position as a global leader in advanced manufacturing. The ongoing initiatives from RRCAT in the realm of LAM were lauded as both timely and encouraging, demonstrating a strong commitment to national development and technological progress.
Dr. S. V. Nakhe, Former ILA President and Former Director of RRCAT, served as the esteemed Guest of Honour. In his address, he eloquently articulated the pervasive and transformative role of laser technology in everyday life, illustrating its revolutionary impact on medical diagnostics, its empowerment of advanced manufacturing processes, and its fundamental reshaping of the world around us, driving progress and innovation across numerous sectors.
The inaugural session was presided over by Shri R C Mittal, Chancellor of Medi-Caps University, Indore. In his address, he emphasized the critical and indispensable need for such collaborative ventures between academia and national laboratories, highlighting the mutual benefits derived from these synergistic partnerships. He stressed that the rich experience and sophisticated infrastructure of national labs can be immensely beneficial to academia, while the innovative and "out-of-the-box" thinking of young minds from academia can significantly contribute to research and development, fostering a vibrant culture of innovation and discovery.
Prof. D K Pattnaik, Vice-Chancellor of Medi-Caps University, aptly described the event as a "Kumbh of Laser specialists and scholars," highlighting its significance as a crucial gathering of leading minds in the field, facilitating vital knowledge exchange and collaborative research initiatives. Dr. C P Paul, ILA General Secretary, emphasized the necessity of embracing challenges, pushing the boundaries of knowledge, and working collaboratively to harness the transformative power of light for the betterment of the nation and the realization of the vision of a "developed nation by 2047."
Following the inaugural session, Prof. I. Manna officially opened an industrial exhibition, showcasing the latest, state-of-the-art laser-related technologies and products presented by leading companies from both India and abroad, often represented by their principals. This exhibition provided a valuable platform for industry collaboration and crucial technology transfer. A dedicated session for industries was also organized during the symposium, aiming to facilitate the dissemination of comprehensive information about lasers and related products, thereby fostering enhanced industry engagement and knowledge sharing.
Prior to the commencement of NLS-33, the ILA organized two intensive two-day special short courses on March 4th and 5th, 2025. The courses focused on "Advanced Solid-State Lasers" and the emerging field of "Nanophotonics using Structured Light." These highly beneficial courses attracted over 60 participants from various reputed academic institutes and national laboratories across the country, significantly contributing to knowledge dissemination, skill enhancement, and professional development within the dynamic field of laser technology.
NLS-33 proceeding is available:
Day – 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELTw1UDicR0
Day – 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPQ51Pd_mG4