CHEMISTRY FOR HUMAN WELFARE Sun- the ultimate laboratory of chemical reactions.

Human body-the supreme crucible of chemistry at work, at its best with Chemical reactions taking place every second in this massive mechanism. And for the welfare of human beings, chemistry comes into play, every single day, in every single way. Friends, in this international year of Chemistry, we cannot praise its marvelous contributions enough. Respected chief guest, esteemed teachers and my dear friends, my topic for today is Chemistry for Human Welfare. Chemistry has been in human life even before man understood what it is. The day the first man struck two stones together to produce a spark that Prometheus was supposed to have stolen from gods, chemistry came to stay. When he ate ripe fruits, he was eating chemistry, when he saw leaves turn green, he was witnessing chemistry. When he saw nature replenish her own self after farming practices, he was living chemistry. Later, when man realized the importance of fertilizers and pesticides in farming, he brought green revolution to feed millions of his brethren. Alexander Fleming, as a microbiologist was experimenting with natural chemicals being produced by the human body to heal itself. Hence came the first antibiotics. Louis Pasteur was among those first chemists who used chemistry to save lives. Using carbolic acid and other antiseptics to save millions from death was one desperate step to serve humanity. Chemistry has always emerged as a savior for the human race. Dear audience, the dictionary defines welfare as the health, happiness and fortunes of a person or a group or a procedure or social effort designed to promote the basic physical and material well being of people in need. Chemistry, my friends, does precisely this. From affordable clothing to readily available books, your iphones, computers and plasma televsions- all are the babies of this wonderful science of chemistry. From a simple cake of soap you use everyday to the most complicated healthcare product used in the hospital emergency room, chemistry stands like a goddess to bless humanity. The human race has been able to travel better due to fuel innovations, and where do these innovations come from? Chemistry friends, chemistry. Better housing, better food modifications, fibres, x ray and ultra sound machines-all exist because of the breakthrough in this science of chemistry. However, we have not been very responsible with the use of the blessings it has showered on us. Bhopal gas leak tragedy, Chernobyl disaster, and anthrax terrors are only to name a few,

The biggest terror of all-of Global Warming-is attributed to reckless use of technology, suspended CFCs, profuse discharge of Carbon monoxide and dioxide4. Irresponsible disposal of plastics, dumping of noxious waste have resulted in spoiling the earths future. But, I would not hold chemistry responsible for this deterioration. You can use nuclear fission to create a Hiroshima or to create electricity. Chemistry is a blessing. Let it remain exactly that. Thank you.