NCLC CONFERENCE 2024

                                31^st National Conference on Liquid Crystals (NCLC-2024) organized by Navyug Science College, Surat, Gujarat, India

The 31^st National Conference on Liquid Crystals (NCLC-2024) was successfully organized at Navyug Science College, Surat, from 20^th to 22^nd December 2024. Despite being a non-university department, the conference was executed with remarkable precision, professionalism, and grandeur, earning widespread appreciation from all attendees. The conference brought together leading researchers, scientists, and academicians in the field of liquid crystals, providing an outstanding platform for the exchange of ideas and research advancements. We were extremely fortunate to get the best wishes for the success of NCLC-2024 conveyed by Shree Bhupendra R. Patel ji, Honourable Chief Minister of Gujarat, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya ji, Honourable Cabinet Minister of Labour and Employment, Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, Shree Rushikesh G. Patel ji, Honourable Minister of State, Health and Family Welfare and Medical Education, Higher and Technical Education, Law, Justice, Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs, Shree Praful Pansheriya ji, Honourable Minister of State, Parliamentary Affairs, Primary, Secondary and Adult Education, Higher Education & Member of the Gujarat Legislative Assembly (MLA) 158 Kamrej Assembly constituency, Dr. K. K. Raina, The Honourable Vice-Chancellor, The M. S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, India, Dr. Kishorsinh N. Chavda, The Honourable Vice Chancellor, Veer Narmad South Gujarat University, Surat, Dr. Ravindra Dhar, The President, Indian Liquid Crystal Society (ILCS), Bangalore, and Prof. K. A. Suresh, Former Director of Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS) & Former President of Indian Liquid Crystal Society (ILCS), and Professor, Condensed Matter Group, Raman Research Institute, Bengaluru-560080, India. Their encouragement and support were instrumental in making the event a resounding success.

Inauguration and Chief Guests:

The conference commenced with a grand inaugural ceremony graced by eminent dignitaries. The inaugural function was held on 20^th December, 2024 at 9:30 am. Dr. K. K. Raina, The Honourable Vice Chancellor, M. S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bangalore and Dr. Kishorsinh N. Chavda, The Honourable Vice Chancellor, Veer Narmad South Gujarat University, Surat were the CHIEF GUESTs.    

Distinguished Speakers and Sessions:

The conference featured a well-structured scientific program that included 3 keynote lectures and 24 invited lectures. Prominent scientists from across the globe contributed to the knowledge-sharing process. Notably, Prof. Dharmendra Pratap Singh from Université du Littoral Côte d'Opale, 62228 Calais cedex, France and Dr. Hari K. Bisoyi, Kent State University Kent, Ohio, United States of America (USA) attended the conference and delivered highly insightful invited lectures, enriching the participants with their expertise. Priyanka Kumari of Kent State University, USA specially arrived to present her research work in the conference. In addition, Ms. Ayusha Paul from Kent State University, USA, joined the conference virtually and presented her oral presentation online. Her participation highlighted the international reach of the event and demonstrated the integration of digital platforms in academic conferences.

Participation and Research Presentations:

A total of 142 participants from various academic institutions and research organizations (M.S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bangalore, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj, Indian Institute of Technology Madras-IIT Madras, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, Indian Institute of Technology Mandi-IIT Mandi, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research-IISER Mohali, National Defence Academy-Pune, Aligarh Muslim University, DIT University, Dehradun, Defence Research and Development Organisation-DRDO, CSIR-National Physical Laboratory, New Delhi, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani-BITS Pilani, Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences, CeNS-Bangalore, KSV University, Gandhinagar, University of North Bengal-Siliguri, Chitkara University, Rajpura, Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology, Bangalore, Amity University, Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology-VNIT Nagpur, Gujarat University-Ahmedabad, Shri Govind Guru University-Godhra, Saurashtra University-Rajkot, The M. S. University-Baroda, Siliguri Institute of Technology-Siliguri, Pune University-Pune, University of Lucknow-Lucknow, Veer Narmad South Gujarat University-Surat, Parul University-Vadodara, Navyug Science College-Surat, Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research – AcSIR Ghaziabad, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam, Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence (SNIoE)- Greater Noida,) attended NCLC-2024. Researchers, faculty members, and students enthusiastically presented their findings through oral and poster presentations, showcasing advancements in liquid crystal research and applications. The conference provided an invaluable opportunity for networking, collaboration, and discussion among researchers.

Hospitality and Facilities:

One of the standout aspects of the conference was the exceptional hospitality extended to all attendees. To ensure a comfortable and hassle-free experience, free accommodation was provided for all participants, including research scholars, invited speakers, keynote speakers, and the chief guest. Apart from that, the pick-up and drop facilities from the airport and railway station to accommodation and local transport to the conference venue were also provided to all above listed attendees prior to conference and also after completion of the conference. Additionally, participants were provided with travel allowances to facilitate their participation in the conference, ensuring accessibility for researchers from diverse backgrounds. The organizing committee took special care in arranging high-quality meals throughout the three-day conference. Participants were treated to the best food, which was widely praised for its variety and taste. The efforts made by the organizers in providing top-notch hospitality further contributed to the overall success of the event.

Organizational Excellence:

Despite being hosted by a relatively small academic institution (not a university, IIT, or NIT), the organization of NCLC-2024 was nothing short of extraordinary. The seamless execution of all conference activities, from registration to technical sessions and networking events, reflected the meticulous planning and dedication of the organizing team. The conference management, hospitality, and scientific program received immense appreciation from all attendees, setting a new benchmark for future academic events.

Acknowledgments and Appreciation:

The organizers convey sincere gratitude to Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) for providing financial assistance of Rs. 3,00,000/-. A special thanks are also extended to the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), Bangalore, India, for their financial assistance of Rs. 30,000/-. A special thanks to Dr. Anand Desai, Anupam Rasayan Private Limited, Surat for providing financial assistance of Rs. 1,00,000/-. These generous supports greatly contributed to the successful execution of the conference. The successful execution of NCLC-2024 would not have been possible without the collective efforts of the organizing committee, faculty members, student volunteers, and supporting staff. The unwavering support from government officials, played a crucial role in motivating the organizers. Participants expressed their gratitude and admiration for the smooth conduct of the conference. Many attendees highlighted the warm hospitality, excellent arrangements, and the high quality of the scientific discussions as key aspects that made the conference a memorable experience.

A special acknowledgment is also extended to Professor B. T. Thaker Sir, whose invaluable guidance and continuous encouragement played a pivotal role in the successful organization of the conference. Despite staying behind the stage, his unwavering support and mentorship greatly contributed to the seamless execution of the event.

Above all, we express our heartfelt gratitude to Almighty God, who provided us with the strength, courage, and wisdom to organize such a prestigious event at Navyug Science College successfully.

The 31^st National Conference on Liquid Crystals (NCLC-2024) at Navyug Science College, Surat, was a resounding success. The event not only facilitated knowledge exchange among researchers but also demonstrated the ability of smaller academic institutions to host high-caliber scientific gatherings with excellence. The conference reinforced the importance of liquid crystal research and provided a robust platform for fostering collaborations and future advancements in the field.

The overwhelming appreciation from national and international participants, coupled with the seamless organization and hospitality, has set a precedent for future editions of NCLC. With the success of NCLC-2024, Navyug Science College has firmly established itself as a capable host for significant academic events, inspiring further contributions to the scientific community.