The 102nd Indian Science Congress, hosted by Mumbai University, which concluded on Wednesday was marred by mismanagement, chaos and controversy.
Over 16,000 delegates from across the country had landed in the city to attend the science mega event, organised at a cost of Rs 30 crore.
Professors and Nobel laureates had flown in from different countries especially for the science convention, but many of them, including top scientists, left disappointed for reasons ranging from non-availability of food, accommodation, transport facility, and inadequate signage for the venues of various seminars spread across sprawling campuses.
But the last day was perhaps the most embarrassing, with shortage of food leaving attendees fuming. "Both rice and chapatis were over by 1:30 pm. We filled the belly with curries and dal," complained several delegates. While catering contractors claimed they were asked to prepare food for 5,000 people, over 9,000 people turned up for which the organisers were not prepared.
A scientist from AIIMS, Bhopal had to stay in a hotel as the varsity failed to provide him accommodation despite collecting money from him in advance.
Most of the venues were buzzing with mosquitoes and lacked adequate toilet facilities, complained delegates.
Several people could not see the 'Pride of India' exhibition, where entities such as ISRO, DRDO, BARC and union ministries had put up their stalls. Reason? It was held at MMRDA ground which was at least two kilometres from the main venue.
"There was enough space on the campus to hold the exhibition. The varsity just wasted money by organising it outside," a delegate said.
Professors also alleged waste of money in hiring costly cab services for ferrying guests. None of the venues were equipped with internet or wi-fi, even though the event was organised to showcase the scientific advancements in the country.
Several renowned speakers including four Nobel laureates and UGC chairman Ved Prakash, did not turn up at the congress.
A whole session on counterterrorism had to be rescinded, as none of the five speakers - all defence experts - turned up, irking delegates. Mridul Nile, a Mumbai University professor who was to convene the session, claimed that all five of them were from the same centre in Delhi and couldn't arrive due to delay in flights.
The university, however, believes that the event was successful. "We have provided good services to all the delegates," said varsity vice-chancellor Rajan Welukar at the closing ceremony.
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