Yusuf Hamied Chemistry Camp

Introduction From September 15 to 19, 2023, the Department of Chemistry Kargil Campus University, in collaboration with the Royal Society of Chemistry, organized the Yusuf Hamied Chemistry Camp. This residential program brought together 74 participants from 47 different schools in the Kargil district, comprising 38 female and 36 male students, along with two escort teachers. The camp featured a diverse array of activities and technical sessions aimed at inspiring young minds in the field of chemistry. This report provides a concise overview of the camp's activities, including lectures, experiments, motivational talks, and cultural programs, highlighting the enthusiasm and dedication of all involved in fostering scientific curiosity and education in the region. Day 1: September 15, 2023 Reception and evening activities (03:30 p.m. to 07:30 p.m.) The students arrived at Goba Guest House Sankoo, and the registration process swiftly took place. A total of 74 participants from 47 different schools in the Kargil district enthusiastically joined the camp, consisting of 38 female and 36 male students, along with two teachers from the education department. Icebreaking activity and motivational talk (5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.) After enjoying snacks and tea, the students gathered at GDC Kargil, Sankoo Campus for the evening program activities. The evening commenced with an ice-breaker activity led by Mr. Gh. Ali, followed by the students being divided into Blue, Red, Green, Purple, Orange, and Yellow groups. Subsequently, camp materials including an instruction book, pen, T-shirt, backpack, lab coat, safety goggles, ID cards, and caps in respective group colours were distributed to participants and volunteers. Between 5:30 pm and 7:30 pm, Mr. Mohammad Ali, Headmaster of Government Middle School Karit, a distinguished recipient of national and state-level awards, delivered a motivational talk. His engaging presentation combined motivational talks with interactive activities. Prof. Deskyong Namgyal and coordinators from various departments of UoL attended the session, showing their support for the event. In recognition of Mr. Mohammad Ali's valuable contribution, he was honoured with traditional Khataks and a memento. Day 2: September 16, 2023 Inaugural and technical sessions (10:00 p.m. to 07:30 p.m.) The inaugural session commenced at 10:00 a.m. with Prof. S. K. Mehta, the Honorable Vice Chancellor of the University of Ladakh, gracing the event as the Chief Guest. Prof. Deskyong Namgyal, Controller of Examinations, UoL, Madam Kaneez Fatima, Rector of Kargil Campus, UoL, Mr. Mohammad Hadi, Deputy CEO, and other esteemed dignitaries, students, and volunteers were also in attendance Dr. Mohd Taqi Assistant Professor Geography and Dr. Mohd Issa Assistant Professor Urdu Moderated the inaugural session in a well-organised manner. The program began with the national anthem followed by a welcome of the dignitaries by Madam Kaneez Fatima with traditional Khataks. Madam Kaneez Fatima, in her welcome speech, thanked all the dignitaries for gracing the occasion and the students from various schools for their participation. She considered this program as part of UoL outreach efforts and an important initiative for the collaboration of higher education with school education as per NEP-2020. She motivated the students with inspiring words of wisdom for their active involvement in the 4-day program and encouraged them to ask questions during their activitiesMiss. Melissa Mendonza, Program Executive of the Royal Society of India, expressed her sincere gratitude to the Honorable Vice Chancellor of UoL and Rector of Kargil Campus, UoL for organizing the camp Prof. Deskyong Namgyal, Controller of Examinations at UoL, in his keynote address, expressed his gratitude towards the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), India, for their collaboration with the University of Ladakh for this residential chemistry camp. He also highlighted the significant contribution of Dr. Yusuf Hamied in conducting such programs in India to inspire young students towards chemistry and its importance. Mr. Mohamad Hadi, Deputy CEO, thanked the university authorities for providing this opportunity and exposure to their students Prof. S.K Mehta, the Honourable Vice Chancellor of UoL and fellow of RSC (FRSC), congratulated the Rector Madam for her extraordinary contribution in making the Kargil Campus the most efficient campus of UoL. He further encouraged the students to actively participate in such programs and aspire to become future researchers and scientists. Mr. Gh. Ali, Assistant Professor of Chemistry & Camp Coordinator, presented the formal word of thanks for the session. High tea was served for the dignitaries and participants around 11:00 am. Day 3: September 17, 2023 Technical Session-I (09:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.): Colour Creation and Crystallization Experiment In the first session of the day, the remaining group of students from the purple, red, and blue groups visited Lab-C to conduct "Colour Creation" experiments like Rainbow formation, Chemical Traffic light, and Golden Rain experiments, led by Dr. Hadi Ali and his team. Meanwhile, in Lab-B, the orange, green, and yellow groups explored crystallization and Chemical Flag formation with Dr. Akbar Ali and his team. Day 4: September 18, 2023 Technical Session-I (09:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.): Clock Reaction, Fun with Lollipop and Slime Formation The first session began at 9 a.m. Dr. Jawed Aijaz Hussain and his team conducted the "Iodine Clock Reaction" and "Lollipop Experiment" for three groups, while Dr. Hadi Ali and his team engaged the other three groups with the "Slime Experiment" and "Bouncy Ball Experiment Valedictory Session (03:30 p.m.-05:00 p.m.) The valedictory session commenced at 03:30 p.m. and was attended by Prof. Deskyong Namgyal, Controller of Examinations at UoL, Madam Kaneez Fatima, Rector of Kargil Campus, UoL, Dr. Aijaz Ahmad Dar, Miss Melissa Mendonza, students, volunteers, and other esteemed guests. The program started with the national anthem followed by a welcome address by Camp Coordinator Mr. Gh. Ali. He also presented a brief summary of the four-day Yusuf Hamied Chemistry camp. Miss. Melissa Mendonza thanked the authorities of the University of Ladakh for the successful completion of the program on behalf of the Royal Society of Chemistry and presented a gift on behalf of RSC to Prof. Deskyong Namgyal, Madam Kaneez Fatima, and Mr. Gh. Ali. Following this, students from each group shared their views about the whole program. They expressed gratitude on behalf of their school and parents to the university authorities for conducting this wonderful program and providing them with opportunities to participate. The students also appreciated the management, teacher mentors, and student volunteers for offering good accommodation, a variety of food items, wonderful demonstrations, lab facilities, and fun-filled activities. Day 5 Students departed to their respective schools at 9:00 a.m. after having breakfast at the guest house.