Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee University in Ranchi proudly announces its collaboration with the Botanical Survey of India in Kolkata, West Bengal, to organize a national-level workshop focusing on the collection, identification, nomenclature, and botanical illustration of plants and fungi. This is the first time a University in Jharkhand has partnered with the Botanical Survey of India for such an event.
The workshop, taking place at Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee University from December 11th to 13th, 2023, was inaugurated by the Honourable Vice-Chancellor of the University, in the presence of the Chief Guest, Dr. A.A. Mao, Director of the Botanical Survey of India, Guest of Honour Dr. T. N. Sahu, Vice- Chancellor of Jharkhand State Open University and Registrar Dr. Namita Singh.
During the inaugural function, Dr. A.A. Mao discussed various career options in Botany beyond academics and research, such as start-ups and entrepreneurship. Professor Dr. Tapan Kumar Shandilya, Vice Chancellor of Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee University in Ranchi, highlighted the importance of plant taxonomy and biodiversity for sustainable development and its role in the green economy. Dr. Namita Singh, Registrar of Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee University in Ranchi, stressed the significance of organizing regular workshops, conferences, and seminars for the benefit of students. A distinguished team of 14 scientists and resource persons from the Botanical Survey of India is spearheading the workshop. The program is skilfully coordinated by the University's Assistant Professors of the Department of Botany, Dr. Shalini Lal and Dr. Geetanjali Singh.
The three-day training program comprises hands-on sessions covering various aspects of botanical sciences. On the first day, Dr. A.A. Mao interacted with the students of Botany Department; Dr. R.K. Gupta focused on the identification of algae, Dr. Manoj E. Hembrom and Dr. Aniket Ghosh led the sessions on the identification of macrofungi (mushrooms), and Dr. Devendra Singh and Sk. Nasim Ali provided expertise in the identification of Bryophytes.
This collaborative initiative aims to enhance knowledge and skills in the field of botanical sciences and foster a greater understanding of plant and fungi diversity. The workshop brings together experts, scholars, and enthusiasts to share insights and contribute to the advancement of botanical research.
