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Delhi to Host Workshop on 'Fascinating Light and Colour Phenomena in Nature'. (Photo: Dynamite news)
On August 4, National Capital City is poised to celebrate UNESCO's International Day of Light (IDL) 2026 by hosting a special scientific workshop titled “Fascinating Light and Colour Phenomena in Nature” . The workshop will take place at the Conference Room-II, India International Centre (IIC), New Delhi, from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM. It will bring together well-known scientists, researchers, and teachers to explore the science behind light, colours and optical phenomena in nature.
Zaheer Science Foundation is organising the workshop in partnership with the India International Centre (IIC) and with the support of Shanti Foundation and vsworld.com. By making the science of light more accessible, the programme aims to highlight the significance of light in research, technology and daily life.
A highlighted feature of the event is the keynote address by Prof. John M. Dudley, Professor at Université Marie et Louis Pasteur, France, and Chair of the International Day of Light 2026 Steering Committee.
Prof. Dudley will appear via video to give a recorded lecture on “Photonics as a Key Enabling Technology: A Two-Way Link Between Basic Research and Innovation”. In his talk, he will discuss how photonics has become instrumental in driving scientific breakthroughs and technological innovation across several domains, including healthcare, communications and environmental sciences.
The keynote session will be followed by an interactive question-and-answer session, allowing participants to engage directly with the ideas presented during the lecture.
The event will open with an inaugural session from 6:00 to 6:30 PM.
Welcome address will be given by Shri K.N. Shrivastava, Director of the India International Centre. Dr. Tabassum Jamal, Chair of the IDL Workshop, will also address the gathering, while Prof. Zahid Husain Khan, the IDL2026 National Node for India, will introduce participants to the objectives and significance of the workshop.
Organisers say the event is designed to celebrate UNESCO's International Day of Light by encouraging scientific curiosity and promoting a better understanding of the role light plays in nature and modern technology.
Post the keynote lecture, the workshop will enter a technical session chaired by Prof. Ravi K. Soni, former Professor of Physics at IIT Delhi.
During the session, experts from leading scientific institutions will present a range of topics exploring the fascinating behaviour of light in the natural world.
Prof. Zahid Husain Khan of the Zaheer Science Foundation will discuss the fundamental principles behind fascinating light and colour phenomena in nature, including the intriguing "Mystery of the Three Blues."
Dr. Nakul Parashar from Shanti Foundation International will explain how light and colours influence celestial bodies and create fascinating atmospheric phenomena observed on Earth.
Prof. N. Raghuram of the School of Biotechnology, GGS Indraprastha University, will focus on light and colours in flora and oceanic fauna, highlighting how living organisms use light for survival, communication and adaptation.
Meanwhile, Dr. Nita Dilawar Sharma from the National Physical Laboratory, New Delhi, will present a talk on interesting optical phenomena found in nature, helping participants understand the scientific principles behind many everyday visual experiences.
This workshop is expected to attract students, educators, researchers and science enthusiasts interested in optics, photonics and natural sciences. By bringing together experts from India and abroad, the event aims to bridge the gap between scientific research and public understanding.
The programme will conclude on a note of thanks from the session chair, followed by a summing-up address by Mr. Venkatesh Sharma, CEO of Virtual Studio (vsworld.com). Dr. Mohammad Rais, IDL Workshop Organizing Secretary will give the vote of thanks.
Tea, coffee and snacks will be available to participants in the Lounge Verandah of the India International Centre from 5:30 PM to 6:00 PM, before the inaugural session of the workshop.
With discussions ranging from photonics and atmospheric optics to biological colors and optical motifs in nature, the UNESCO International Day of Light 2026 workshop promises to offer an engaging space for learning, collaboration, and scientific exploration celebrating the all-important role of light in shaping our world.
