Guest Lecture on The Innate Role of Chemistry in Natural Products | Kamaraj College

The PG and Research Department of Chemistry of Kamaraj College (Autonomous), Thoothukudi, conducted a Guest Lecture on The Innate Role of Chemistry in Natural Products on October 10, 2025, from 10.00 am to 12.00 pm at the Golden Jubilee Block. The event was organised to help students understand how chemistry plays a key role in exploring and using natural products for scientific and industrial purposes.

Purpose of the Lecture

The main goal of the Guest Lecture on The Innate Role of Chemistry in Natural Products was to enhance student knowledge about the scientific principles behind natural substances. It aimed to explain how chemistry supports innovation in medicine, agriculture, and materials science by studying compounds found in nature. The department encouraged students to think about sustainable ways to use natural resources while respecting environmental balance.

About the Resource Person

The guest speaker for the session was Dr. M. Jeyachandran, Associate Professor from the Department of Chemistry, Sri Paramakalyani College, Alwarkurichi. With his rich teaching and research experience, he delivered an inspiring lecture that connected classroom concepts with real-life examples from the field of natural chemistry.

Dr. Jeyachandran shared insights into how chemical processes help extract, study, and modify natural substances for the benefit of humankind. He explained the importance of organic compounds derived from plants and microorganisms and how they form the base for many modern-day drugs and materials. His talk encouraged students to explore research opportunities in natural product chemistry.

Key Topics Discussed

During the Guest Lecture on The Innate Role of Chemistry in Natural Products, Dr. Jeyachandran highlighted several important aspects such as:

• The link between natural compounds and modern drug development
• The contribution of chemistry to understanding plant-based substances
• The benefits and risks of using synthetic alternatives
• The influence of Nobel Prize-winning discoveries related to natural products

He also explained how chemists around the world study natural compounds to design eco-friendly solutions for industries and healthcare. His examples of scientific breakthroughs and Nobel Prize research helped students see how chemistry connects to global progress.

Programme Details

The programme was well coordinated by Dr. N. Chandra Lekha, Head of the Department of Chemistry, along with the dedicated faculty team. The event began with a warm welcome address by E. Cherma Ramya of III B.Sc. Chemistry. Dr. K. Krishnaveni introduced the resource person with appreciation for his contributions to chemical education and research.

The lecture ended with a vote of thanks proposed by Vasantha of III B.Sc. Chemistry, who expressed gratitude to the guest speaker, faculty members, and participants for making the session meaningful. The event saw enthusiastic participation from undergraduate and postgraduate students, all eager to gain deeper insights into the field of chemistry.

Student Takeaways

The Guest Lecture on The Innate Role of Chemistry in Natural Products provided a valuable learning experience for students. They learned how chemistry is essential for studying natural elements, understanding their molecular structures, and creating useful products from them. Students were fascinated to learn how simple natural substances could lead to groundbreaking scientific discoveries.

The lecture also stressed the need for ethical and sustainable practices in scientific research. Students were encouraged to think about how chemistry can solve real-world problems such as environmental pollution, drug resistance, and the overuse of synthetic materials. Many participants expressed interest in pursuing further studies in organic and green chemistry.

Academic Significance

The Department of Chemistry at Kamaraj College continues to focus on bridging the gap between academic learning and practical application. Through this Guest Lecture on The Innate Role of Chemistry in Natural Products, the department strengthened its commitment to quality education and research. Such programmes not only enhance subject understanding but also motivate students to explore the relationship between science and society.

The department plans to organize more guest lectures, seminars, and workshops in the future to build curiosity and innovation among students. Each event is designed to expose students to current trends in chemical research and to inspire them to contribute to sustainable scientific progress.

Conclusion

The Guest Lecture on The Innate Role of Chemistry in Natural Products held on October 10, 2025, was an enriching academic experience for everyone involved. The college community deeply appreciated Dr. M. Jeyachandran for sharing his expertise and sparking intellectual curiosity among the students. His explanations on natural chemistry and Nobel Prize research added great value to the session.

Through this lecture, the Department of Chemistry reaffirmed its goal of promoting scientific awareness, sustainability, and innovation. It also demonstrated how chemistry can serve as a bridge between nature and human development. The session ended on a positive note, with participants motivated to explore new ideas and contribute meaningfully to the field of chemistry.

The Department of Chemistry at Kamaraj College looks forward to conducting more insightful lectures that nurture scientific curiosity and inspire future researchers.