Dr. Padma Shree Vankar, the Head of the Shimadzu-Somaiya Vidyavihar Centre of Excellence in Analytical & Measurement Sciences, SIRAC, recently took centre stage at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, where she delivered a captivating series of 40 lectures. Hosted on the Swayam Prabha portal, her course titled “Natural Dyes and Innovative Natural Dyeing” offers a profound dive into the heritage and innovation behind using natural materials for dyeing.
Spanning from March 16th to 23rd, 2024, at IIT Kanpur’s Media Technology Centre, Dr. Vankar’s sessions recorded for Swayam Prabha explored everything from the cultivation of dye plants to their application on various substrates. Her lectures are not just academic; they are a blend of history, chemistry, and practical techniques that bring to life the vibrant world of natural dyes.
Dr. Vankar, renowned for her pioneering research and previous educational contributions to platforms like NPTEL and Swayam since 2012, elaborated on modern dyeing techniques such as waterless supercritical fluid dyeing, Nebulizer dyeing, and foam dyeing. Through her teachings, she highlighted the environmental impact of synthetic dyes and advocated for the crucial role that natural alternatives play in sustainable practices.
The Swayam Prabha initiative, backed by the GSAT-15 satellite, ensures that this valuable knowledge reaches a broad audience. The platform’s commitment to broadcasting high-quality educational programs will allow learners across India and beyond to access the course at their convenience, ensuring broad reach and impact.
This lecture series is set to become an invaluable resource for students of textile engineering and chemistry, as well as for artists, designers, and textile enthusiasts who wish to deepen their knowledge and appreciation for the sustainable craft of natural dyeing.
Dr. Vankar’s expertise and dedication illuminate Somaiya Vidyavihar University’s commitment to advancing both education and environmental sustainability. As these lectures prepare to be broadcasted through Swayam Prabha, they promise to inspire and educate audiences about the rich potential of natural dyes in modern textile applications.
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