Celebration of Chemistry for a Better Future: Lessons and Inspirations

This will be a general lecture for chemists and non-chemists to serenade the International Year of Chemistry (IYC 2011). It will trace the evolution of chemistry from alchemy to a molecular science. The extraordinary attributes of chemistry to produce value from anything and everything, to create its own ‘molecular cosmos’ and its role in the ‘molecularization of science’ leading to breakthrough advances in material science and life sciences will be highlighted. The necessity of positioning chemistry as ‘sustainability science’ to address the emergent ‘grand challenges’ related to energy, environment and human health will be emphasized. Several motivational lessons, drawn from the life and works of the great masters and immortals of chemistry, will be recalled and contextualized to inspire and enthuse the young minds.