Page 18 - Spectrum Volume 14 Issue 3

18 2020 | Spectrum | Volume 14 Number 3

ICePhaST-2020

RAMAY RAJ SINGH The discussion encompassed a
lot of topics such as Analog and
The modern lifestyle is highly Digital Circuits, Nano electronics
dependent on electricity and and Micro-electronics, Very
electrical equipment for its Large-Scale Integration (VLSI),
functioning, and innovation THz Sources and Detectors,
in this area helps push the Quantum Electronics, Laser
world forward. ICePhaST 3D Manufacturing, Vehicular
(International Conference on Communication Systems,
Electronics, Photonics and Cyber-Physical Systems and
Smart Technologies) is one Society, and more.
such conference that fosters
innovation, and is organised by The chief guest of the
the Department of Electronics conference was Padmashri
and Communication Engineering Dr. Mylswamy Annadurai,
(ECE) of SRM Institute of with Prof. Hiroshi Inokawa,
Science and Technology every Prof. Chennupati Jagadish A group of happy gypsy Indian children.
year. and Prof. Stephen C. Rand as
Guests of Honour. Speeches Why is India so low
ICePhaST-2020 was held were given by professors from
online between 16th and 18th different institutions from across
November 2020 on Zoom. the world like Professor Jun
There has been rapid research Japan), Dr. Balaji Srinivasan on happiness index?
Kondoh (Shizuoka University,
and development in technology
related to these areas during the (Indian Institute of Technology -
past few years, and it has resulted Madras, India), Dr. K. R. Murali
in dramatic changes in techniques Mohan (Mission Director, NM- AASTHA AGGARWAL be the amalgamation of social, are finding it difficult to afford
adopted in various applications. ICPS Department of Science political, and economic stresses a living. This further leads to
But development never stops; & Technology, New Delhi, The happiness of a country such as overpopulation, lack mental health problems like
and this conference was aimed India), Dr. Dhruba Jyoti Biswas depends a lot on its people, and of awareness of mental health hypertension and depression,
to lay out the opportunity to (Bhabha Atomic Research not only on its annual budget. problems, and discrimination. thus increasing the suicide
discuss state-of-the-art research Centre, Mumbai, India), Prof. Although India has significantly Besides, does the real measure rates. India indeed has a lot of
contributions, and to explore Hugh Barr (Gloucestershire progressed since independence, of Indian happiness come from potential; however, satisfaction
arenas for future work. It aimed Hospitals, NHS Foundation even when compared to countries a survey of business leaders in is something that prevents the
to bring researchers, practicing trust, United Kingdom) and never been quashed by a foreign Forbes or from a 12-year-old citizens from realizing and
engineers, faculty members and many others. power. However, according to ragpicker?. discovering the positives of
students to a common platform the World Happiness Report life. Only when it understands
to share their research work. ICePhaST- 2020 truly explored released by the United Nations Elucidating on the above, the true essence of the phrase
Many eminent researchers from the research contributions in on 20th March 2020, India overpopulation can be considered “money cannot buy happiness”,
different countries submitted recent technologies to aid future ranked 144 out of a total of 153 as the father of all the causes. it can actually feel and see the
their papers for presentation development, and helped budding countries. So, the question that It not only leads to the lack same. People from all over the
and also interacted with young researchers and engineers to here arises is why India so low of basic amenities but also world come to India to find inner
students of various institutions. think, innovate and create. on happiness index and how can lesser jobs, hence increasing peace and happiness. However,
one truly measure the happiness unemployment. With the market ironically what India gave the
of a country? Well, the main rates of everything as small as a world as a remedy, failed to
reason for the former could toothbrush skyrocketing, people apply it to itself.

Diwali and Crackers:

A Relationship to Reconsider

SHRUTI RAMESH others criticized it. A recent study that firecrackers weren’t even
revealed that New Delhi alone associated with Diwali before
Diwali, the Festival of Lights, burnt around 50 lakh kilograms the fifteenth century, in a claim
is arguably India’s favourite of crackers in 2018, raising the made by historian P. K. Gode.
festival. It celebrates the triumph AQI to 451, or “severe”. Crackers Even then, most common folk
of good over evil and people from that were most commonly burst did not burst crackers till they
all walks of life come together emitted gases such as oxides of were further popularized in the
to light lamps, exchange gifts, cadmium, lead, and zinc, which 1940s. Diwali has always been
and most importantly, burst can lead to lung diseases and low about lights. In fact, ‘Deepavali’
crackers over the week-long oxygen levels in the bloodstream. means ‘row of lamps’. The origin
festivities. However, with rising The study also found that during of the festival saw the people
environmental concerns, maybe Diwali, there was a 40% increase of Ayodhya lighting lamps
it’s time to reconsider the way in PM2.5, particles that are to signify the victory of light
this festival is celebrated? extremely harmful to health, over darkness. It has aesthetic
and a significant increase in the appeal, sparks joy, and can
State governments such as number of cases of bronchitis bring the community together
Delhi and Karnataka issued a and other respiratory diseases. like no other celebration can.
ban on the sale of firecrackers Additional issues include pollution Most importantly, it is good for
before Diwali this year. While of all three kinds and the distress the environment. So, why not
The perfect opportunity to broaden minds a few people welcomed this faced by street animals and pets. keep ancient traditions going
decision with open arms, most Another angle to consider is and ditch the crackers?.