Daly Davis from Somaiya Vidyavihar University, Mumbai, moderating a session on ‘century of quantum physics’ at Malappuram Science Fest at Government College, Malappuram, on February 1.
| Photo Credit: SAKEER HUSSAIN
A two-day Malappuram Science Fest organised by the Kerala Sasthra Sahitya Parishad (KSSP) concluded here on Sunday (February 1). The festival, held in collaboration with Luka Science Portal and Government College, Malappuram, aimed to celebrate and promote scientific inquiry.
The fest was a highlight of the ongoing Quantum Century Exhibition at Government College, Malappuram, which runs from January 29 to February 4. Ajith Parameswaran, astronomer at the International Centre for Theoretical Sciences, Bengaluru, was the festival director.
Over the course of two days, 24 panellists led science discussions across six sessions. On Sunday, the session on the ‘century of quantum physics’ featured Anil Shaji from IISER, Thiruvananthapuram, Gin Jose from the University of Leeds, and Sebastian Koothottil from MES Kalladi College, Mannarkkad. Daly Davis from Somaiya Vidyavihar University, Mumbai, moderated.
Another session on the ‘age of artificial intelligence’ included Deepak Rajendraprasad from IIT Palakkad, Ethiran Kathiravan and Jijo P. Ulahannan from Government College, Kasaragod, as panellists. Lajeesh V.L. from Calicut University was the moderator.
The festival concluded with remarks by convener V. Vinod and festival director Ajith Parameswaran.
Minister for Local Self-Government M.B. Rajesh inaugurated the festival on Saturday (January 31). P. Ubaidullah, MLA, presided over the function. Zainul Abid Kotta, principal of Government College, Malappuram, and T.K. Meerabai, State president of KSSP, also addressed the gathering.
In his inaugural speech, Mr. Rajesh underscored the importance of science festivals in the current Indian context.
“Science is the foundation of human progress and civilisation. Building a progressive, forward-looking democracy requires a scientific temper, critical thinking and freedom of thought,” he said.
Highlighting global trends, the Minister added that challenges opposing free thought, rationality and intellectual inquiry were rising worldwide, and India was no exception. He said initiatives like the Malappuram Science Fest were crucial in addressing these challenges.
Published – February 01, 2026 08:04 pm IST
