2019-'20 - St. Albert's College (Autonomous), Kochi, Ernakulam

Anthesis Year book 2019-20

2 Department of Botany, St. Albert’s College (Autonomous) Ernakulam


Department of Botany, St. Albert’s College (Autonomous) Ernakulam 3


Department of Botany

(We are united in propagation and promotion of the Interests of Botany on Earth)

St. Albert’s College (Autonomous) Ernakulam, Kerala,

India

PREFACE

As all are aware Plant Science is once again assuming a prominent role in academics and research. Renewed emphasis on developing medicinal products from native plants has encouraged ethno-botanical endeavours a clear mileage. The destruction of the rain forests has made the need for research more imperative and has spurred efforts to catalogue the plant biodiversity in these environments. Efforts to feed the growing populations in developing nations have also given plant scientists a cutting edge with genetic engineering and the creation of transgenic crops. However, Botany courses have seen a decline in enrolment. By taking a multidisciplinary approach to studying the relationship between plants and people, we are trying constantly to stimulate interest in students more to plant sciences and encourage them to take up further studies in these areas. By exposing students to society’s historical connection to plants, we hope to instil a greater appreciation for the botanical world. With our endeavours as botanists we aim at blossoming of young minds into true plant lovers.

Established in 1947 Department of Botany St Albert’s College, Ernakulam is preparing knowledge seekers in Botany for the past 73 years. As all are aware the Department is entering into its platinum jubilee and a period of five years spanning from 2017-22 has been marked for the celebrations. The announcement of the same was made during the Sapthathy celebrations of the college in 2017 along with the Albauto Communique 2016 followed by Albertian International Knowledge Summit (AIKS 2017) Albertian Knowledge Summit every year with seminars, workshops and trainings programmes were organized with a special thrust to the development of the students, faculty, supporting staff, alumnus, retired faculty and staff with their involvement and incorporation was ensured for the same. A good number of programmes are being conducted and more are in the pipeline. Our mission is to retain the place of our Department as the best centre for knowledge seekers in Botany in the state and to stake a claim in the country as well.



In 2016, when the College was granted academic autonomy by the University Grant’s Commission, the department was also vested with the power and freedom for framing the curriculum to cater to the needs of students in Botany of the region and time. A new curriculum and syllabi for the students from 2019 admission has been framed by the esteemed members of the BoS in Botany, with the limited freedom vested upon it for satisfying the local, regional, national and global requirement of the subject.

We wish to acknowledge most gratefully the helpful criticisms, comments and suggestions received from the Teachers, Friends, Botanists and Educationists who have helped during the functioning of last one year. We place on record our greatest gratitude to Chairman, Principal and all the associating staff of the College and every member of the Board of Studies in UG Botany, former faculty and staff, Alumni Association and all involved who were instrumental in guiding us in the desired direction set forth by the visionaries.

Team Botany, SACA.



TABLE OF CONTENTS

Preface 03 1. ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES 07

i. Staff Profile 07 ii. Academic Retreat & Strategic Planning Workshop 10 iii. Board of Studies in Botany 10 iv. Sponsion 2019 : Annual Convocation Ceremony 11 v. Internal Examinations and Open Houses 13 vi. Study Tours 13

2. ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIVITIES 19

i. Academic and Administrative Audit (AAA) Internal Team Visit 19 3. CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES 19

i. Botany Association 19 ii. Onam Celebrations 21 iii. Sports Meets 22 iv. Department Celebrations and Get together 24 v. Christmas Celebrations 25 vi. New Year Celebrations 27 vii. Farewell Programmes to Students and Teachers 27 viii. Arts Festivals 31

4. EXTENSION/ OUTREACH ACTIVITIES 34

i. Environment Day Celebrations 34 ii. NIPAH Awareness 36 iii. Albertian Swatchata Mission 37 iv. Energy Conservation Awards 41 v. Graffiti for Environmental Awareness 44 vi. Albertian Expo 45 vii. Covid 19 Awareness 49



5. RESEARCH ACTIVITIES 50

i. Albertian Knowledge Summit 52 ii. National Seminar 53 iii. Half-yearly Presentations 58 iv. Ph.D. Award 60

6. SPECIAL PROGRAMMES 61

i. Innovative Learning Methods 61 ii. Additional training on Botanical Drawings 62 iii. Field and Lab oriental Assistance 63 iv. Consultancy Services 63 v. Know Your Plant Initiatives 64



ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES

Department Overview

Staff Profile

Presently, there are seven faculty members in the Department of which five are doctorate holders and two are pursuing their Ph.D. At present the Department has Three Research Guides and eight research scholars working in diverse areas of biological sciences

NAME DESIGNATION

QUALIFICATION SPECIALIZATION Email

DR. J JAMESON

HOD & ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR

Ph.D. Physiology, Environmental Biology

[email protected]

DR. SIJU M. VARGHESE

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR (Deputy COE)

Ph.D. Microbiology [email protected]

DR. MADHUSUDHANAN

K

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR Ph.D.

Mycology Applied Botany

[email protected]

SMT. DRISHYA

K.REGHUVARAN

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR M.Sc.

Phytochemistry & Pharmacognosy

[email protected]

SMT. MARY JOSEPH

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR (Dean Student affairs)

M.Sc. Environmental Science [email protected]

DR. ANNA ANCY

ANTONY A.

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR Ph.D. Taxonomy, Molecular

Phylogeny [email protected]



DR. ANISHA S

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR (Deputy Dean Research)

Ph.D. Molecular Biology [email protected]

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFFS NAME DESIGNATI

ON QUALIFICATION SPECIALIZATION Email

ARJUN THOMAS

HERBARIUM KEEPER

M.Sc. Botany (Herbarium Methodology : BSI)

Herbarium Methodology

[email protected]

AMBROSE T. J.

LAB ASSISTANT

SSLC

Lab Management

[email protected]

Academic Programs with papers and Credits Programmes offered: (UG, PG, Ph. D. and Certificate programmes) B. Sc. Botany Program.

Semester Course Credits Semester I Methodology of Science and Introduction to Botany 2+1 Semester II Microbiology, Mycology and plant pathology. 2+1 Semester III Phycology, Bryology. 3+1 Semester IV Pteridology, Gymnosperms and Paleobotany. 3+1 Semester V Anatomy, Reproductive Botany, Microtechnique. 3+1

Research Methodology, Biophysics and Biostatistics 3+1 Plant Physiology and Biochemistry 3+1 Environmental Science and Human rights 3+1

Open Course Agri. Based Microenterprises 4+0 Semester VI Genetics Plant Breeding and Horticulture 3+1 Cell and Molecular Biology 3+1 Angiosperm Morphology, Taxonomy and Economic

Botany 3+1

Biotechnology and Bioinformatics 3+1



Core- Choice Based Course

Agribusiness 3+0

Project & Viva 0+1

Complementary Program - Botany for Zoology Students Semester Course Credits Semester I Cryptogams, Gymnosperms and Plant Pathology 2+1 Semester II Plant Physiology. 2+1 Semester III Angiosperm Taxonomy and Economic Botany 3+1 Semester IV Anatomy and Applied Botany 3+1

M.Sc. Botany Program - Plant Biotechnology.

Semester Courses Credits

Semester I Microbiology and Phycology 4

Mycology and Crop Pathology 4

Bryology and Pteridology 4

Gymnosperms, Paleobotany and Evolution 3

Practicals 2+2

Semester II

Plant anatomy, Developmental Biology and Horticulture 4

Cell Biology, Genetics and Plant Breeding 4

Plant Physiology and Biochemistry 4

Molecular Biology 3

Practicals 2+2

Semester III Research Methodology, Microtechnique, Biostatistics and Biophysical Instrumentation

4

Biotechnology, Bioinformatics and Bionanotechnology 4

Angiosperm Taxonomy, Economic Botany and Ethnobotany 4

Environmental Science 3

Practicals 2+2

Semester IV Elective course – Biotechnology

Plant tissue culture and Microbial Biotechnology 4



Genetic engineering, Genome editing and Immunology 4 Genomics, Transcriptomics, Proteomics and Bioinformatics 4 Practicals 2+2

Project work 4 Viva voce 3

Ph. D. Program. offered in the following areas; Environmental Biology, Plant Physiology, Algal biology and Taxonomy Applied Botany and Mycology Biotechnology, Molecular biology and Genetic engineering

Certificate Program in Herbarium Methodology Herbarium Preparation and Management

Theory: 18hrs

Practical 9hrs



ACADEMIC RETREAT & STRATEGIC PLANNING WORKSHOP ‘WELL BEGUN IS HALF DONE’

The three-day academic retreat and strategic planning workshop- “To Transform and To Lead” was held in May, 2019 at Ashirbhavan, Kacheripady with the aim of equipping and orienting all the staff members for the challenges in the academic year ahead. The entire faculty of the Department of Botany participated in the same.

Board of Studies in Botany Programme Structure & Outcome

The Board of Studies in Botany (UG) recognizes that curriculum, course content and assessment of scholastic achievement play complementary roles in shaping education. The restructured Curriculum for Undergraduate Programme of Botany envisages Undergraduate Education as a combination of general and specialized education, simultaneously introducing the concepts of breadth and depth in learning. It also stresses learning to learn rather than learning of specific lessons. The attempt is to prepare the students for lifelong learning by drawing attention to the vast world of knowledge of plants and introducing him/her to the methodology of systematic academic enquiry. With this in mind, we aim to provide a firm foundation in every aspect of Botany and to explain a broad spectrum of modern trends in Botany and to develop experimental, observational, computational skills also which lead him as an ambassador of sustainable development of our country. The programme is hence designed with the following outcomes in 10 diverse spheres of human development and truth searching through plant sciences.

Regular sitting of BOS team in connection with curriculum revision was initiated in the department and the final draft was submitted to the governing council before submitting the same in the University.



Sl.No: Name Designation Qualification

Dr. J. Jameson (Chairman) HoD, Associate Professor Ph.D a) Entire faculty with qualification

1. Dr. J Jameson HoD and Associate Professor, SACA* Ph.D 2. Dr.Siju M. Varghese Assistant Professor, Secretary, Botany,

SACA, Ph. D

3. Dr. K. Madhusudhanan Assistant Professor, SACA Ph.D. 4. Smt .DrishyaK.Reghuvaran Assistant Professor, SACA M.Sc 5. Smt. Mary Joseph Assistant Professor, SACA M.Sc 6. Dr. Anna Ancy Antony A Assistant Professor,SACA Ph.D 7. Dr.Anisha S Assistant Professor, SACA Ph.D

b) Experts in the Subject: (two) 1. Dr Siril E A Assistant Professor, Dept. of Botany, Kerala

University. Ph.D

2. Dr. Jose Puthoor Associate Professor, Dept. of Botany, Calicut University.

Ph.D

c) Nominee of Vice Chancellor (one) 1. Dr.Jomy Augustine HoD and Associate Professor,

St Thomas College, Pala. Ph.D

d) Placement Representative. Sri. Jose .P Corporate Sector (Garden & Nursery) MD,

National nursery, Trichur.

e) Meritorious alumnus. Dr.StephenSequeira, Assistant Professor, Maharaja's College,

Ernakulam Ph.D

f) Experts from outside whenever special courses of studies are to be formulated 1. Dr.Vinod Thomas Scientist, Rubber Board of India, Kottayam Scientist

2. Mr.Nikesh R Agricultural Assistant,

Neriamangalam,Kerala M.Sc.

a) Other Teachers of the same Faculty Dr.Krishnakumar KS Assistant Professor,SACA Ph.D.

2. Dr.Bijoy V M Assistant Professor,SACA Ph.D.

Sponsion 2019: Annual Convocation Ceremony 29th June, 2019

Sponsion 2019 the first annual convocation ceremony of the college was conducted on 29 th June in the Papali Hall. Archbishop of the diocese of Verapoly Dr. Joseph Kalathiparambil inaugurated the ceremony. Dr. K.N Madhusudhanan, Vice chancellor, FISAT was the chief guest. Capping ceremony of the outgoing students wad done by HoD Dr. J. Jameson in the Department. The outgoing batches of the undergraduate and post graduate courses dressed in their graduation gowns received their graduation certificates from the chief guest. the Albertian Star contest 2018-19 winners, Aghila Samj of ,M.Sc Botany(2017-19 batch) first runner –up and second runner- up Sneha Gopinath of B.Sc Botany (2016-19 batch) were felicitated during this function .



Internal Examinations and Open Houses

The Internal exams of both the semesters along with the assignments/ seminars/ viva were conducted according to the centralized schedule given by the Office of the Controller of Examinations. Retest was conducted for those who were absent for the internal exams. The marks so obtained were tabulated and shown to the parents during the Open House that was conducted at the end of every semester.

Study Tours / Field Visits

Field Visit to Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary: As a part of the syllabus, the students of IB.Sc. Botany made an educational visit to Mangalavanam on 19th December 2019. The 32 students was accompanied by two the teachers Dr. Anna Ancy Antony and Dr.Sudheep N. Mangalavanam is an ecologically sensitive area, also called as the “green lung of Kochi city” situated at the heart of Kochi, covering about 2.74 hectares. It also houses a shallow tidal lake connected with Kochi backwaters by a canal. It is a nesting ground for a large variety of migratory birds and supports many types of mangroves.

Algal Collection Study Trip to Thirumullavarum Beach , Kollam :. The students of II.BSc & 1. MSc Botany of St. Albert’s College visited Thirumullavarum beach in Kollam district on 23rd September 2019, for algal collection .The Kollam beach is a site famous for its seaweeds. The tour was specially undertaken to collect various algal species as prescribed in the syllabus. Faculty members Dr. K Madhusudhanan and Dr. Anisha S and lab staff, Sri Ambrose T J. accompanied the 38 BSc students, 9 MSc students. Six different species of algae were collected namely Ulva, Gracilaria, Padina, two different species of Enteromorpha, and Hypnea. They were collected in containers and preserved using standard protocols.



Educational Visit to the Research Stations Around Kochi : On 13th December 2019, under the guidance of Dr.Terrence Rebello, the second year B.Sc. Botany students visited Research Stations around Kochi. The main idea of this visit was to bring students out of their classrooms and expose them to scientific community and to pique their scientific curiosity. They visited NIPHAT & CIFNET ,Ernakulam and learnt about the mechanism of aquaculture and the possibilities of commercial aquaculture .



Taxonomy Tour to Ooty : As per the syllabus of 3rd year B.Sc. Botany, a study tour was conducted to Ooty from 1st January 2020 till 5 January 2020, for the collection and exploration of the floral diversity (for Taxonomy) along with a visit to horticultural garden (for Horticulture).. 42 students were accompanied by the professors Dr. Siju M. Varghese and Mrs Mary Joseph along with lab staff Mr. Ambrose. The plants of certain families which can only be seen in the cold areas such as Ooty,were identified. Plants from about five families were collected from Ooty. The plants were collected for the preparation of the individual herbaria .The Karnataka Siri Horticulture garden was the second destination. It was a beautiful garden with a wide variety of plants and great diversity. The garden has extensive lawns which were well maintained. Topiary garden, flower bed, space garden, Rose garden, sunken garden, water bodies, tea gardens, etc. were the main features there along with a maple tree avenue, walls, hedges, screen, boundaries, etc were the other features over there and this makes the garden a fascinating space. The group visited Chikmagallore and Udupi in the following days and returned back to college on 5th January 2020.



Collection Trip For Bryophytes, Pteridophytes And Gymnosperms: As part of the curriculum, the students of 1st M.Sc. Botany went on a field trip to Munnar on 12th October 2019. The idyllic hill station Munnar famous for its tea estates, exotic lush greenery and craggy peaks, is located in the Western Ghats, in the state of Kerala. It serves as the commercial centre for some of the world's largest tea estates. In addition, Munnar has many protected areas which are home to endemic and highly endangered species like the Nilgiri Thar and Neelakurinji. Dr. Siju M. Varghese, Mrs. Mary Joseph and Mr. Arjun Thomas accompanied the students. Being the amphibians of the plant kingdom, bryophytes prefer moist, humid, shady area for their growth and the same applies also for Pteridophytes., Marchantia gametophyte, Anthoceros gametophyte with sporophyte. Riccia gametophyte. Pogonatum with capsule, Targionia with capsule. Marchantia polymorpha were collected during the trip. Pteridophytes like Lycopodium, Lygodium and ruby coloured Selaginella were found in Nerimangalam forest reserve. Gleichenia sporophyll from Kallur and Osmunda with tassel from Mankulam were collected. On the way to Mankulam, gymnosperms like Cupressus, Auracaria and Pinus were collected. The tour was highly interesting and also informative in the sense that students gained knowledge about the habitat and morphology of different species of bryophytes, pteridophytes and gymnosperms.



Taxonomy Tour to Ooty: The third semester M.Sc Botany students of St. Albert’s College, Ernakulam as a part of syllabus went on a taxonomy plant collection trip to Ooty on 1st and 2nd October 2019.Ooty officially known as Udagamandalam is a town in the Nilgiris district of the Indian state of Tamil nadu. The 12 students were accompanied by teachers, Dr. Anna Ancy Antony & Dr.Sudheep N. the students were able to see a variety of plants belonging to various families in their natural habitat. Callistemon of family Myrtaceae and Trianthema portulacastrum of family Aizoaceae were collected from Palakkad. Brassica nigra (Brassicaceae), Stellaria media (Caryophyllaceae), Triumfettarhomboidea (Tiliaceae), Tribulusterrestris (Zygophyllaceae), Cytisusstriatus (Fabaceae), Rubuscaesius(Rosaceae), Partheniumhysterophorus (Asteraceae), Solanummauritianum (Solanaceae), Physalisperuviana (Solanaceae) &Salvia leucantha (Lamiaceae) were collected from the roadsides along the route of Nilgiris to Ooty.The government botanical garden near Ooty, gardens



divided in to several sections cover an area of around 55 hectares hectares and lie on the lower slopes of Dodabetta peak. The garden has a terraced layout. The gardens have around a thousand species, both exotic and indigenous of plants, shrubs, ferns, trees, herbs and bonsai plant.

ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIVITIES

ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIVITIES

Academic and Administrative Audit (AAA) Internal Team Visit

19th February 2020

The internal team of the Academic and Administrative Audit (AAA), under the leadership of the Principal M L Joseph visited the department on the 19th of February 2020. The data of last four years were compiled and presented. The files and other information were



analysed and feedback was given regarding which action has been taken. The data conversion of files in the e form was also verified and necessary suggestions for improvement were given.

CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Inaugural Activities of Botany Association- 2019-2020

12th July, 2019.

Botany association, the umbrella body of both the teachers and student representatives in the department is the major coordinating body engaged in all activities of the department. The inauguration of the activities for the year 2019-20 was held on 12th July 2019. On that day a` clean up drive’ was organized by the department in collaboration with BPCL Kochi refinery, Encon club and Nature club of St. Albert’s College. The drive was intended to revive and rebuild more awareness in the direction of keeping our earth clean and safe from plastic for the sustenance of clean healthy and sustainable environment. The program began with a walkathon inaugurated by honorable Deputy Mayor T. J .Vinod .Mayor in his inaugural address emphasized the need for more vigilance in creating a sustainable environment which need to be clean and green. The rally went through the major parts of the city like Banerji Road and High court Junction. A good number of students barring Department and programmes took active participation. The students, faculties of different department actively participated in the cleaning programme at Marine Drive walkway. Plastic and other debris were manually removed and disposed. The chief guest Dr Kochubaby Manjooran(Head, Environment division & chief co-ordinator of Encon club,BPCLKochi Refinery) extended his whole hearted support .



Albertian Onam celebration

6 th September, 2019

This year Onam was celebrated on 6 th September, 2019 with the true spirit oneness. All the departments jointly celebrated onam as one family. The entire Albertian family including the students teachers non-teaching staff teamed up for making the traditional feast Sadhya. The entire Albertian family enjoyed the sumptuous meal and later engaged in recreational activities like tug of war.



Sports Meets Ludis Botanica 2020 Intradepartmental Sports Day 28thJanuary, 2020

Intradepartmental sports day of botany department ‘LUDIS BOTANICA’ was held on

28th January 2020 at St. Albert’s college ground, Kaloor with great zeal, excitement and frolicsome atmosphere. The programme began with a prayer song. Dr.J.Jameson, Head department of Botany, welcomed the esteemed gathering and emphasized on the importance of physical health in a child’s life. The chief guest was Dr.M.L.Joseph, Principal St. Albert’s College Autonomous (Ernakulam) who delivered the inaugural speech and Dr.Sajeev Jose, Head, Department of Physical Education gave the presidential address. The sports day was flagged off by the chief guest and Head of the Department Dr. J. Jameson . Sports items along with fun games were conducted. All of the students participated in at least one of the events. The events were as follows; 100m, 200m, 800m, race (for boys and girls), 4X100 m relay, short put, 1500 m race. It was then followed by prize distribution ceremony. The overall championship was secured by ‘Lotus’ group. Sachin Rony, 1st BSc Botany and Mary Ashna,3rd BSc Botany were crowned as the individual champions. The students performed aerobic dance after the prize distribution ceremony. The programme concluded with vote of thanks, by Harsha Jaison, 3rd BSc Botany. Refreshments were served after the program.



Annual Sports of St. Albert’s College Interdepartmental Competitions 20th February, 2020

The Department of Botany took active part in the interdepartmental competitions. The colourful start of the programme was marked by the march- past. Department of Botany secured third prize in march-past. The students of the department participated in various events like 800 m race, shot put, vertical jump, aerobic dance. Aparna V.N of II. B.Sc Botany secured first prize in vertical jump.



Department Celebrations and Get-togethers

We may not have it all together, but together we have it all. It's such happiness when good people get together. It's time the family should be together and just be a family. Together is a wonderful place to be. This has become a bit of a family get-together.



Every special occasions in the department like student achievements, department achievements, staff and student birthdays, teachers days etc are celebrated in the department to its possible extend every time.



Christmas Celebrations 19th December,2019

“Christmas is celebrated with the spirit of giving without a thought of receiving back. It is also a joyful time as it brings happiness to everyone associated with us. Christmas is about totally pure, unconditional, irrepressible, inconceivably awesome, self-denying true love. It is an occasion to discard the meaningless part in life to seek the true values.” The Christmas celebrations of the college began with competitions at various levels. Card making and star making competitions were held on 19th December for which every department took part in the event. The well decorated college with all the student crafted stars in the competition and illumination made the college stand apart in its identity in this area also. The College Celebrations of Christmas was on 20th Dec 2019. The staff and students of the department participated in the occasion. The celebration took place in Bacchinelli hall. The students decorated the hall with beautiful Christmas cards made by



students of college for card competition. The programme began at 11 a.m. by invoking God’s blessing with a prayer song. The program was anchored by Aishwarya Johny of II M.Sc. Botany and Minal of III B.Sc. Botany. Dr. M.L. Joseph, Principal of college, VicePrincipals Dr. Rosalind Gonzaga, Rev. father John Christopher, Dean Student affairs and other teaching and nonteaching staff and students were present in the occasion. The chief guest of the day was former Alumini member E.A. Joseph. Our beloved Principal Dr. M.L. Joseph gave presidential address and wished whole college merry Christmas. The Christmas message was given by Rev. Father John Christopher. He blessed the students that they may spread the happiness of Christmas to the world at large. After all the formal procedures the Christmas celebration 2020 was inaugurated by honorable Chief Guest E.A. Joseph by cutting the Christmas cake and wished merry Christmas to gathering. The cake was distributed to all with lot of love. Santa Claus competition and Carol singing competition took whole college to Christmas mood.



.

New Year Celebrations

New Year was welcomed wholeheartedly by the department of Botany on its eve 31st December 2019 .The students of II M.Sc coordinated the event by cutting the cake. All the teaching and non - teaching staff along with the students of the department took part in the celebration. HoD Dr J. Jameson bestowed his blessings upon everyone and wished them a happy and prosperous new year ahead. The rest of the teachers also showered their blessings upon their students and wished them good luck for the coming year. The programme ended on a happy note with a vote of thanks given by Dr. Siju M Varghese.



Farwell to Teachers and Students

Felicitation cum Best Wishes to Our Loving Teachers.

As March start marching we can hear the silent whistle reminding us the coast of bygone days which are going definitely to be the lost in silence, a journey we all have well cherished. Meeting and making merry construct one side of the mirror of life while parting and departing another side. This year was again not different as every year as it is special in this side of the mirror in bidding adieu to few close companions for the past quarter a century. Dr M. L. Joseph, the Principal and Dr Vincent Terrence Rebello, Dean, Academics were to retire this year and Ms Arya a guest faculty also to join the farewell gathering. The programme felicitation cum best wishes to loving teachers was arranged by the students of II BSc Botany. Students paid their respect by cutting handmade cakes and sharing with their teachers. Principal in his reply thanked the students and the department as well for their support and love throughout his career. Students also felicitated him for the rare achievements he could bring to the college as a principal and as a dedicated teacher. They thanked Dr Terence and Ms Arya also for the love and care they have extended to them.



The staff level send-off was arranged by staff club in February end 2020 with a trekking cum site seeing trip to Elaveezhapoonchira an important tourist destination in Kerala. In the felicitation gathering each one present thanked the special contributions made by Dr Terrence, and Dr M L Joseph. In the reply speech they thanked the staff club for arranging such a memorable evening and all the support every one of them has extended to them.



bas yadem rah jathi hai dostom…….

Farewell to the Out Going Batch B.Sc & M.Sc 2019-2020 24th February, 2020

The farewell function for the final year students of BSc and MSc Botany of St. Albert’s College (Autonomous) was conducted on 24th Feb 2020. The programme “Sayonara2020” was organized by the students of II year BSc, I year MSc and I year BSc as per the guidelines laid by the College and suggestions from the teachers. The programme “Sayonara 2020” started at 10.30 am by inviting all the teachers and the senior students to the III year BSc classroom which was the venue for the event. The classroom and the Department corridor were well decorated by the students for the function. The programme started with a prayer song sung by Ms. Anjitha Treesa of 2nd BSc Botany. The inaugural speech was delivered by Dr. J Jameson, Head-Department of Botany. He offered his best wishes to all the outgoing students. The students entertained the audience with variety programmes which included fun games, songs by students and also dance performances of students. Some of the students shared their experiences in the College. Ms Vineetha (II MSc), Ms Geethu(III BSc) and Ms Aiswarya(II MSc) shared their experiences regarding their college life. As the tutor of 3rd

BSc, Smt. Mary Joseph shared her experience with the students for the past three years. During the programme, a video presentation of the memories of the senior students during the past years at St. Albert’s College was also shown. The programmes came to an end by



about 12:30 pm. Vivek of II. B.Sc gave the vote of thanks. At the end of the programme there was a group photo shoot followed by lunch.



Arts Festivals

Albertian Arts Celebrations 2019-20

As in every case St Albert’s College thinks differently; the conduct of the College arts fest too bring in new dimensions and changes. The College Arts Fest is intended in providing the youth an opportunity to familiarize with the glorious cultural heritage of India and also to inculcate a spirit of adventure, co-operation, creation of excellence in the domain of art and culture and feelings of fraternity, patriotism, unity and brotherhood in students.

St. Albert’s College Weekly Cultural Days. (WCD)

Focusing on the development and fine tuning of the artistic talents of the students joining the college (SACA), the college decided to organize regular weekly arts performing programmes emphasizing more on the University Youth Festival (UYC). The programme initiated in this direction was named the college weekly cultural days (WCD). The college weekly cultural dayz (WCD) is a yearlong arts festival having weekly or fortnightly performing days coordinated by various departments and monitored by SACA Arts and Sports monitoring committee.

Participation of Botany Students in Arts

Festivals. 2019-2020

The students of the Botany department participated in various arts programmes like Bharatnatyam,light music, semiclassical dance, instrumental music.

Albertian (Botany) Cultural Days 2019 (AbCD 2019) 19th July, 2019

Albertian (Botany) Cultural Days 2019 (AbCD 2019) was the cultural program that was co ordinated and organized by the Department of Botany in the Baccinelli Hall on 19th July ,2019.Students from all the classes of Botany and few other departments

performed various cultural programs.



Albertian Arts Fest (AAFT 2020)

Albertian Arts Fest and Royal Albertian Fest are unique events formulated by the college after gaining autonomous status in 2016. Started with the concept of giving wider reach in preparations of the participants for various competitions in University Youth Festival . A big stage for this was opened and christened the weekly cultural days under the coordination of departments. One week one department would coordinate and perform in the WCDs. WCDs have gradually paved way for the introduction of Albertian Arts Fest (AAFT2020). Albertian Arts Fest (AAFT2020) was scheduled with EXPO and AKS to complete the onstage and off stage competitions for selection to the University Youth Festivals.



Albertian Arts Fest and Royal Albertian Fest 2020 was inaugurated on 24 th January 2020.

Royal Albertian Fest (RAFT 2020)

From 2019 a new program was initiated the Royal Albertian Fest meant for intercollegiate programs on selected items.

Mahatma Gandhi University Youth Festival 2019-2020 27 th February to 2nd March

M G University youth festival was conducted from 27th February to 2nd March. The venue of the youth festival was at Thodupuzha, Al Azar Campus. Three students of 3 year BSc Botany, participated in the youth festival.

Sneha P.S participated in Bharathanatiyam at stage 3 (Fukrudheen Ali Nagar) on 28 february 20 20, and she received A grade for her performance.

Anphi Antony participated for On the spot painting and Poster designing at stage 8(Simon Britto Nagar) on 28 february 2020.



Aleena Peter was a member of the college team participated in Margamkali (group event) at stage 1(Dr.B R Ambedkar Nagar) on 29 February 2020.

EXTENSION/ OUTREACH ACTIVITIES

Environment Day- 2019 Celebrations

A day dedicated for our own mother Earth; World Environment Day- 2019 with its focal theme “Beat Air Pollution” was observed by Dept of Botany at the Sports Campus of the College at 8.30 a.m... The function began with a prayer sung by Rose Mary of II M.Sc. Botany.Dr K Madhusudanan, Secretary, Dept of Botany gave the welcome address. The meeting was inaugurated by Principal Dr. M.L. Joseph. In his inaugural address he emphasized the importance of changing the human lifestyles and creation of more awareness particularly in the direction of evading and reducing air pollution to protect Earth from the consequences of global warming and for the conservation of biodiversity. Dr Terrence Rebello, Dean Academics and Dr. Sajeev Jose, HoD Physical education made felicitations. They reminded each one of their duty in joining hands in this novel call to do their best to take care of earth. Dr J. Jameson HoD, in his Presidential address also urged the youth to identify their role as an environmentalist so that the coming generation will remain safe on this earth. Tree saplings were planted by the Principal, HOD Botany, other staff members and students present at Albert’s Sports Campus ground. Tree saplings were distributed to the students in association with Social Forestry Department of Ernakulam district, NSS unit of the college and the Department of Botany. The other projects announced in the previous year were also taken for discussion and follow ups in the meeting.

➢ Green campus protocol adoption. ➢ Haritha yuva sena formation. ➢ College general beautification programmes. ➢ Ammakkoru pidi pachakkary (the social outreach programme of the Botany

Dept.)



➢ Public Transport Day adoption initiative for the staff and students of the College etc.

➢ Campus biodiversity register



Sapthathy Vanavalkaranam - Sports Campus Kaloor.

St Albert’s College, celebrating its 75 years of noble existence in the year 2020 – 2021 and the department of Botany Celebrating its Platinum Jubilee in 2021-2022, many programmes were envisaged to mark the same. As part of the celebrations, World Environment Day- 2019 with focal theme “Beat Air Pollution” the Peoples day for doing something to take care of Earth; was observed by Dept of Botany at the Sports Campus Kaloor. The beginning of the humble project Sapthathy Vanavalkaranam, a humble initiative of establishing a small urban forest at centre of a metro city was launched by planting of saplings which was inaugurated by College Principal Dr M .L .Joseph. Principal. HoD Botany, Dr J. Jameson , Dr Terence Rebello, Dean Academics, Dr Sajeev Jose HoD Physical Education, other staff members of Department of Botany, and students were present at Albert’s Sports Campus.

Periodical addition and regular maintenance was made by the students of the department. Since the major portion of the ground where the project envisaged is still under dispute the project is progressing very slowly but steadily.



NIPAH Awareness Campaign 7th June, 2019

The timely call on a social need and concern originated from true lovers of the fellow beings has forwarded a thought for creating awareness in the society around you for a Pre monsoon Cleaning Programme & Health Awareness (NIPAH) Campaign. Dept of Botany, St Albert’s College has promptly taken up the call and a programme in this direction was planned and arranged for the students staff and public at the Sports Campus of the College on 7/06/2019 at 9.30 AM.

The official meeting was inaugurated by Shri P. T. Thomas, M.L.A, Thrikkakara Assembly Constituency. In his inaugural address he emphasized the importance of changing the human lifestyle and creation of more awareness particularly in the direction of evading and reducing the contagious diseases especially during the monsoon season in Kerala. Smt. Beena A, Thahsildar, Kochi in her felicitation address reminded each one of their duty and the need for joining hands in this novel call to do something to take care of people around us. Dr J Jameson HoD, in his welcome address also urged the youth to



identify their role as an environmentalist so that the coming generation will remain safe on this earth.

A training program on how to handle the situation in monsoon and also in the outbreak of NIPAH was also arranged in connection with the campaign. Dr. Susan John, Senior Resident Doctor, Co Operative Medical College Kalamassery, gave important information and necessary training on handling the NIPAH affected especially when the mass is in panic in the affected areas. The class was well received with true spirit by all the participants. Dr. Madhusudhanan, Secretary and Coordinator of the program proposed the vote of thanks.

Albertian Swachatha Mission 27th September,2019 to 2nd October ,2019

As part of the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, Father of the Nation, St. Albert’s College (Autonomous), Ernakulam organised an Albertian clean campus week from 27th September to 2ndOctober, 2019. Under the leadership of our respected Principal,



Dr. M L Joseph many programmes were organised to accomplish this clean campus initiative. As part of this campaign, different programmes were allotted to all the Departments of the College. Programme on Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and Albertian Swachata Mission DAY-1: 27th September, 2019 Friday

On the first day of this campaign i.e. 27th September 2019, students of each class, under the supervision of class tutor, were appointed to take seminars on four topics to implement moral values regarding cleanliness and how to initiate them. The topics for the day were the following;

i) Fundamental duties of Indian citizen, ii) Cleanliness, iii) Japanese practice of cleanliness

iv) Model clean cities and clean village.



A pictorial representation of “personal hygiene and healthy practices” was put up by Gayathri S, Kavitha N, Margaret Neena, Silpa K S, AnjithaTreesa and Rashid Muhammed.

DAY-2: 28th September, 2019: SwachathaKudumbam

My clean drive in my home Initiative-The activity name is SwachathaKudumbam and it is all about my clean home challenge. All Students cleaned their home and premises and they took the photos before and after cleaning and documented it. All students of the Department took part in this challenge and understood the importance of cleanliness in daily life.

DAY -3: 29th September 2019: Changathi Kootam (My Friends and Clean Drive):

The activity is named as “Changathikoottam’. Each student with their friends clean an area near to their home preferably a public place and campaign for cleanliness. Photos of cleaning before and after were taken and submitted to college authorities. All the students involved in this programme by inviting their friends and relatives for cleaning.

DAY- 4: 30th September 2019: Swachatha Class Room (My Clean Class Room):

The Activity on Swachatha class room was held on 30th Sept. 2019 at 12.30 to 2 pm. The Students of 1 MSc Botany cleaned their class room, corridors and MSc lab. After cleaning, the class rooms were washed with cleaning lotion. All the students were actively



involved in the cleaning programme. A monthly time table of class room cleaning was prepared by the students to continue with the process of cleaning.

DAY-5:1st October 2019: SwachathaKalalayam (Clean Campus):

As a part of Albertian Swachatha Mission, all the students and teachers of Botany department actively participated in the cleaning program and cleaned the stair cases and corridors to the department. The students sweeped the steps, cleaned the cobwebs, dusted the handrails and finally mopped the steps. The college premises were made spick and span. The active participation, hard work and sincerity of the students made the programme a grand success.

DAY- 6: 2nd October 2019: SwachhathaNaadu (My Clean Village/ City):

On October 2nd, Gandhi Jayanthi day, Mahatma Gandhiji’s 150th Birth Anniversary Day Celebrations, the students and the faculty dedicated themselves to the clean mission by taking up clean drive in Banerji Road, Ernakulam. With the quotes of Mahatma Gandhi



in mind (Be the change you want to see in the world) everyone involved in the cleaning activities.

The programme was inaugurated by the Kochi Mayor Mrs. Soumini Jain. The programme was made purposeful by different awareness programes and cleaning campaigns. The inauguration ceremony of SwachathaNaadu cleaning drive of Botany department was held under the chair of HOD, Dr. J. Jameson. Dr. K. Madhusudhanan welcomed all and program was inaugurated by Sri. Johnson, a tea vendor in Banerji Road. In his inaugural speech, Sri. Johnson congratulated the efforts of St. Albert’s College and Botany students for coming forward to spread the message of cleaning and dedicating valuable time for a noble cause.



The college authorities allocated the area between Madhava Pharmacy junction and St. Albert’s School Gate for cleaning for the Department of Botany. This area was divided among different classes . All the waste from the mentioned area was collected and filled up in garbage bags. At the end of the programme about 20 bags of wastes were collected.

At about 10 A.M everyone rallied towards the Gandhi Square at Kacheripady for ‘Swatcha Bharath Sandesh Yatra’ . the students offered floral tributes to Mahatmaji’s statue and further proceeded to St. Albert’s Sports Campus, Kaloor for the concluding ceremony of Albertian Swachhatha Mission programme.

ALBERTIAN ENERGY CONSERVATION AWARDS 2020

Energy conservation is the effort made to reduce the consumption of energy by using less of an energy service. This can be achieved either by using energy more efficiently (using less energy for a constant service) or by reducing the amount of service used (for example, by driving less). Energy conservation is a part of the concept of Eco-sufficiency. Energy conservation reduces the need for energy services and can result in increased environmental quality, national security, personal financial security and higher savings. It is at the top of the sustainable energy hierarchy. It also lowers energy costs by preventing future resource depletion.

Energy can be conserved by reducing wastage and losses, improving efficiency through technological upgrades and improved operation and maintenance. On a global level energy use can also be reduced by the stabilization of growth. It is possible to minimize these losses by adopting green engineering practices to improve life cycle of the components. In order to make people more aware of the need, Energy conservation day is celebrated every year on 14th December.


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Energy_consumption

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Efficient_energy_use

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Efficient_energy_use

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eco-sufficiency

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_environment

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_security

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Personal_security

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Energy_hierarchy

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Resource_depletion

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_engineering


To inculcate a culture of energy conservation and to make aware of the need for working out an alternative source for energy ,a competition was organized in the college by Albertian Centre for Human Resource Development and Research.

The competition was held in three categories namely student, staff and alumni for Albertian Energy conservation Awards 2020 with specific criteria and panel for evaluating the same. Shri Shine Antony the Dean, Training and Development Dr Sjeev Jose, HoD, Physical Education Department coordinated the programmes with debates, quizzes, and seminars, spreading the theme.



Department of Botany, St. Albert’s College adjudged 1st Runner-up in the Departments’ category

While Dr. K. Madhusudhanan of the department was awarded with Albertan Energy Conservation Award in the staff category.



Graffiti for Environmental Awareness.

18th December, 2019

As part of social outreach programme, of Department of Botany, students of Department of Botany and Mathematics did graffiti art on the wall of Babuji Memorial Library, Adikulam, Koonammavu, Kerala, based on the theme plastic awareness. Programme was inaugurated by Paravur Block Panchayath President.



Albertian Educational Expo 2020 9th to 11th January 2020

Man has travelled a long way in his endeavours to advance in each and every field of knowledge and life. Almost all the achievements of man can be attributed to his curiosity, which has led him in understanding and discovering many secrets of the globe. As a consequence, he has reached today’s level of development in all the areas of life. However, despite of all these achievements, he has been facing so many problems and challenges and the major challenges are the ones which are created by himself.



We at St. Albert’s College (Autonomous) strongly believe in sharing cutting edge research outcomes for opening the right path in scholastic minds particularly the younger ones by taking up challenges to create and demonstrate the same to all the knowledge seekers in the society. The fourth edition of the Albertian Educational Expo 2020 with its focal theme Knowledge for everyone in the Society was organized on 9th, 10th and 11th January 2020. AEE 2020 a marvellous and inspiring event conducted by the College every year from 2016, opens up the doors of technology and education to the students and the general public as well.

The event was inaugurated by the Archbishop of Verapoly, Dr. Joseph Kalathiparambil and Prof. Greeta Hoperner (Professor, Catholic College, Germany) .She gave a candid speech on the modern education system which inspired everyone. After the inaugural ceremony, the stalls were opened.

Students of 1st MSc Botany along with their tutor K. Madhusudhanan put up a stall named "Galas" meaning Tuber Crops. the stall was an initiative taken as part of the International



Year of Plant Health, 2020. Tuber crops are plants that grow underground which yields starchy roots, tubers, rhizomes, corms and stems that are mainly used as human food. Kerala is a land that is rich in tuber crop diversity. The students exhibited different varieties of tuber crops that were collected from different parts of Kerala. Some of the breathtaking exhibits were Dioscorea alata, Dioscorea bulbifera, Dioscorea esculenta, Maranta arundinacea, Ipomoea batatas, Colacasia esculenta, Canna indica etc..The takeaway message of this stall was "Developing a model for participating in the conservation of biodiversity and management of tuber crop diversity of Kerala by the student community in the campus and also to familiarise the diversity of tuber crops among the general public". The stall received good responses from both the students as well as from the public. On the last day of the expo, the judges visited the stall, had an questionnaire and they were very much impressed with the exhibit and the message behind it.

I year MSc Botany stall on Tuber crop Diversity of Kerala named “Galas”

The III year BSc Botany students came up with a highly informative stall on the diversity and application of the wonderful pigment anthocyanin. They could dissipate an awareness and better understanding of all the diverse aspect of this pigment to the visitors in the stall.



The II year BSc students came up with a stall on ‘Craft from Trash’ in which they demonstrated the wonderful possibilities in the area of waste management and their conversion into beautiful products of economic value.



II BSc Botany stall

The students of I year BSc tried to propagate the need of going green with their stalls on demos on containing and converting plastic for the protection of nature.



I BSc Botany Stall on Go Green

Besides this the department also put one career stall where the knowledge seekers in plant sciences were guided well with the career possibilities.

The programme concluded on 11th January 2020 at 5pm . The program was a grand success as it was noted and appreciated by the media all over Kerala. Once again St. Albert's College showed that with hard work and enthusiasm anything is possible.



COVID 19 Awareness Session 12th March 2020

In the event of the spread of Coronavirus (SARS-CoV2), the Department of Botany conducted awareness sessions for the students to effectively deal with the spread of the same. Being exam time for students, the students of II BSc Botany were called for the session on 12th March 2020, one of their examination days, after their exam time i.e. after 12:30 pm. The session was handled by Dr J Jameson, Head of the Department. The tutor of

the class, Dr Anisha S was also present for the same. Dr. Jameson briefed about the severity of the spread and the dire need for taking precautions at all levels. He insisted on the need for washing hands at regular intervals using soap and water. He also asked the students to use hand sanitizers when access to soap and water was not possible. He also mentioned that there was no need to panic but the students definitely needed to act and behave rationally. A similar session was conducted for I. MSc students by tutor Dr. K. Madusudhanan and HoD Dr. J . Jameson.

RESEARCH ACTIVITIES

National Seminar on “Climate Change and its Impact on Kerala” Cum Felicitation Gathering 26th September ,2019.

National Seminar on “Climate Change and its Impact on Kerala” was organised by Department of Botany, St. Albert’s College, (Autonomous) in association with India



March for Science, Kochi Organising Committee. The program started at 11:30 am in Immanuel hall with prayer lead by Miss. Asha Mendez 2nd MSc Botany. Dr. M.L Joseph, Principal, St. Albert’s College, Autonomous presided over the function. Dr. K. Madhusudhanan, Asst. Prof. Dept. of Botany welcomed the gathering. Shri. K.S Hari Kumar, Organising Committee member, India March for Science, Kochi in his introductory remarks gave an overview about the seminar theme and its relevance in the current scenario of climate change.



Dr. Ajith K, Climatologist and Asst. Prof., Regional Agriculture Research Station (RARS), Kumarakom was then introduced by Shri. K.S Hari Kumar, for his talk on ‘Impact of floods on Agriculture’. He discussed all the areas related with climate change, its impacts on sustainable development including agriculture, water resources, soil conditions, natural disasters etc. He reminded that all the economic and social developments adopted need to be more “climate friendly”. The talk was followed by a 5 minute interactive session where delegates made free interaction.

The second talk was given by Dr. Shyam Kumar, Asst. Prof. Dept of Botany, Maharaja’s College on ‘Effect of climate change on harmful algal blooms’. He was introduced by Mrs. Mary Joseph, Assistant Professor, Dept.of Botany. Dr. Shyam Kumar in his presentation gave an insight into areas like different algal groups, harmful algal blooms, its effects, climate change etc. He urged the students to pass the knowledge about harmful algal blooms and its effects to fishermen .



As part of Platinum Jubilee Celebration (1947-2022) of the Department, unique achievers, Dr. Shyam, 2nd rank holder of MSc in 2004 batch (in Alumini Category),Dr. Shahina N.K, the first PhD awarded scholar of the department, Miss Princy Bose, JRF holder of CSIR, 2019, Dr Madhusudhanan the first research guide to successfully complete his student towards the award of Ph.D degree, were felicitated by presenting mementos in the other categories .Dr. J. Jameson HOD Botany made the felicitation address. Faculties, research scholars and students from various colleges participated in this program. Dr. Siju Varghese gave vote of thanks and the programme concluded with National Anthem.

Albertian Knowledge Summit

International Talk on‘C-Phycocyanin Accelerateddermal Wound Healing and Associated Molecular Machinery’. 24th November, 2019

The Department of Botany, St. Albert’s College (Autonomous) conducted an international talk on “C- phycocyanin accelerated dermal wound healing”by Dr. Harishkumar Madhyastha on 24th November 2019 at 2.00 pm in Bernard Hall,as a prelude to the Albertian Knowledge Summit -2020. The talk was delivered by eminent scientist and academician, Dr. Harishkumar Madhyastha, Associate Professor,Faculty of Medicine from the University of Miyazaki, Japan. The programme started with a prayer song sung by Ms. Asha Mendez of II MSc Botany. It was followed by welcome address by Dr. K Madhusudhanan, Assistant Professor, and Department of Botany. The meeting was presided by Vice Principal, Rev.Fr. John Christopher Vadassery who delivered the presidential address. Felicitations were offered by Dr. Rosalind Gonzaga, Vice Principal, St. Albert’s College. Dr. Anisha, Coordinator of the programme, introduced the resource person, Dr. Harishkumar Madhyastha,to the audience. Dr. Harishkumar in his talk shared his experience of exploring wound healing properties of C- phycocyanin.



The vote of thanks was given by Dr. J. Jameson, Head- Department of Botany. A memento was presented to Dr. Harishkumar by Dr. Siju. M. Varghese, Assistant Professor, Department of Botany,as a token of our gratitude and appreciation. The participation certificates were distributed by Dr. Harishkumar to the participants. The programme came to an end at 4.15pm and tea was served in the Baccinelli hall. A photo session was conducted with all the participants and the resource person.

This formal meeting was followed by a small discussion of the Resource person with the Faculty members of the Department of Botany in the concilium along with the Vice Principal, Rev Fr. John Christopher, the college PRO, Mr Shine Antony and the Dean of Management, Dr Geo Jose Fernandez. The discussion was aimed at exploring possibilities of collaboration with University of Miyazaki in the coming days. The discussion got over by about 5:15 pm.



National Seminar on Agro-Biodiversity in an Impelling Era of Climate Change (ABIC 2020) 14th January, 2020

St. Albert’s College (Autonomous), Ernakulam, Kerala has been organizing the Albertian Knowledge Summit every year since 2017. It is an International Conference on Multidisciplinary Research with the aim to provide a forum for academicians and professionals from multidisciplinary areas to network and to share knowledge. As a part of the Albertian Knowledge Summit (AKS) 2020, the Department of Botany conducted a National Seminar on “Agro Biodiversity in an Impelling Era of Climate Change (ABIC 2020)” on 14th January, 2020. Prior to this, the Department had conducted an international talk on “c- phycocyanin accelerated dermal wound healing” by Dr. Harishkumar Madhyastha, Associate Professor, Faculty of Medicine from the University of Miyazaki, Japan on 24th November 2019 at 2.00 pm in Bernard Hall, as a prelude to the Albertian Knowledge Summit - 2020.

The National Seminar started with the inaugural session at 9: 15 am. The same was presided by Dr. M L Joseph, Principal, St. Albert’s College (Autonomous). The session started with a prayer song rendered by Ms MinalThadevus V. J. of III BSc. The welcome address was delivered by the Head of the Department, Dr. J Jameson, also the convenor of the seminar. The inauguration was done by the Chief Guest, Dr. Elsy C .R, Professor & Head (AICRP on MAP & B), College of Horticulture, KAU, Thrissur.. She also released the abstract by handing over the first copy to the Principal. Felicitations were offered by the Vice Principal, Rev. Fr. John Christopher Vadassery and the Dean of Research, Dr. Krishnakumar K S. The inaugural session ended with the vote of thanks by Dr. Anisha S, Coordinator of the programme. Tea break followed the inaugural session.



There were two technical sessions. The first one started after tea break at 10:00 am. The Resource person was Dr. C R Elsy,Coordinator IPR Cell & Professor & Head (AICRP on MAP & B), College of Horticulture, KAU, Thrissur. The session was chaired by Smt. Drishya K Reghuvaran who also introduced the resource person. Dr. C. R. Elsy delivered the keynote address entitled “Agro Biodiversity Conservation for better future”. It was a refreshing talk with lot of emphasis on the significance of our indigenous crops and their germplasm. She had enriched the lecture by sharing her experiences in crop research including the visit to IRRI, Manila, Philippines. A memento was presented to the Guest of the day by Dr Siju M Varghese, Assistant Professor, Department of Botany. The vote of thanks was delivered by Smt. Mary Joseph.

The Keynote address was followed by an

interactive session entitled “Knowhow sharing

by a legitimate Bio-diversity conservator in

Jack fruits” with Shri. K .R. Jayan. Shri.

Jayan is a farmer from Thrissur who has been

striving hard to plant and nurture jackfruit

trees in Kerala.

The contest presentations in the Oral category followed the interactive session. The Lunch break was announced at 1:00 pm and the

session resumed at 1:45 pm. The afternoon session started with the Technical Session II. The resource person for the

same was Dr. Jacob Joseph, Director(i/c), Centre for Law and Agriculture, NUALS, Kochi. He delivered a talk on “Law and Policy Relating to Conservation and Sustainable Use of



Biological Diversity in India”. The presentation was rich with crucial information with regard to Biodiversity and the related laws.

The talk was followed by the resumption of the oral presentations. A total of ten papers were presented. The Jury for the same comprised of two teachers, Dr. Siju M Varghese and Dr. Anisha S. Alongwith oral papers, posters were also displayed. There were six posters and the judgement panel consisted of Dr. Madhusudhanan K and Dr. Sudheep N M. The oral and poster papers are listed below,

Oral Presentations

1. Influence of Environment on the Metabolite Production and Nutritive Parameters Among the Amaranthus L. Species in Kerala. Pinkie Cherian and D. Sheela

2. Changes in Growth and Secondary Metabolite Production in in vitro Shoot Cultures of Holostemma ada-kodien with the Effect of Sucrose Concentration. Aparna Balakrishnan, Aswindas T. P., Delse P. Sebastian and Satheesh George.

3. Plant Toxins are Another Form of Biological Contamination. Binu Thomas and Vrunda Vasudev

4. Comparative Study On The Presence Of Selected Heavy Metals In A Protected And Unprotected Mangrove Forests In Ernakulam, Kerala With Special Reference To Physico-Chemical And Algal Diversity. Aghila Samji and J. Jameson.

5. Cyanolichens of Mathikettan Shola National Park, Southern Western Ghats, India – A Preliminary Approach. A. Aswathi, Arun Christy Sebastian, S. M. Arsha and Stephen Sequeira.



6. Parmelioid Lichen Diversity of Two Eastern Border Forests of Munnar, Kerala. S. M. Arsha, Arun Christy Sebastian, A. Aswathi and Stephen Sequeira.

7. Vascular Floral Diversity in the Wetlands of Ernakulam, Kerala State. Fathima Zanbakh and Stephen Sequeira.

8. On the Identity of Heliotropium indicum L. (Heliotropiaceae) in India. Javad P. and Anna Ancy Antony A.

9. Comparative study of traditional knowledge, nutritive composition and domestication of Schizophyllum commune and Pleurotus ostreatus. Shahina N.K. and Madhusudhanan K.

10. Temperature and pH dependent enzyme production of fungi isolated from vegetable waste. Sudheep N. M. and Joyous T Joseph

Posters

1. Response of Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) spreng to Chromium Toxicity. Sudheeshna P.K. and Dr. Hussain K.

2. Studies on Cordia cylindrostachya (Ruiz. & Pav.) Roem. & Schult. and Heliotropium indicum L. of the Family Boraginaceae. Jilu John, Anna Ancy Antony A. and Javad P.

3. Synthesis and Studies on Biological activities of Silver Nanoparticles using Annona glabra L. Sheba P.T. and Elsam Joseph.

4. Pollution Tendencies of River Muvattupuzha in Ernakulum District, Kerala. TintuTomy and J. Jameson.



5. Vertical Stratification of Vascular Epiphytes in Tropical Montane Cloud Forest of Southern Western Ghats, Kerala, India. Arjun Thomas and J. Jameson.

6. Water quality assessment of river Periyar. Lhea Blue and J. Jameson.

The valedictory function started at 4:00 pm. The Convenor of the programme, Dr. J Jameson made his concluding remark which was followed by feedback from some of the participants. This was followed by the announcement of results and distribution of certificates.



ORAL

First Prize: Pinkie Cherian Second Prize: Sudheep N. M. Third Prize: i)Fathima Zanbakh and ii) Shahina N.K

POSTER

First Prize: Sudheeshna P.K. Second Prize: Arjun Thomas Third Prize: i) Sheba P.T and ii) Jilu John Half Yearly Research Presentations by Research Scholars - Department of Botany 2019 -2020

Half yearly research presentations by research scholars is a regular activity in department where research scholars and research guides assess the progress of their scholars. Two half yearly presentations were held during the academic year 2019 – 2020 before the Doctoral Committee of the Department.

DOCTORAL COMMITTEE

Chairman: Dr. M.L Joseph (Principal)

Vice Chairman: Dr. Krishna Kumar. K, (Dean Research)

External Expert: Dr. Krishnakumar .K (HoD Botany, Maharajas College)

HoD Botany: Dr. J.Jameson ,

Research Coordinator: Dr. Anisha.S,

Research guides:



Details of Research Students of Botany Department

Name of the Ph.D. Student

Name of the Research Guide

Nature of Research

Topic of Research

Tintu Tomy J Jameson U.O. No.7559/4/2017/Academic/AII89/2017 Full Time

Ecological Characterization of Certain Rivers of Kerala with Special Emphasis on Heavy Metals and Pharamaceutical Pollution

Ajeesh Joseph

J Jameson U.O. No.7559/4/2017/Academic/AII92/2017 Part Time

Biochemical and physiological characterization of resistance and susceptibility to stem borer (Odioporuslongicollis) in selected genotypes of banana and determination of genetic factors responsible for the resistance.

Arjun Thomas

J Jameson U.O. No.8664/4/2018 Acad./AII dt. 12-12-18 Full time

Ecology and Diversity of Vascular Epiphytes in Tropical Montane Cloud forest of Southern Western Ghats, Kerala India.

Mary Joseph Dr. L Jose 2014 Part time

Phytochemical and Micromorphoanatomical Characterization of sub – family Epidendroideae: Orchidaceae of Ernakulam and Idukki Districts, Kerala , India.

Drishya K. Reghuvaran

Dr. L Jose 2014 Part time

A Floristic Study on the freshwater Diatom Flora of Ernakulam District, Kerala, India

Jayesh K.

Dr. K. Madhusudhanan

2014 Part time

Identification, Domestication, Genetic Improvement and Bio prospecting of Wild Edible Mushroom of Kerala

Abi P K

Dr. K. Madhusudhanan

2015 Part time

Phytochemical Analysis of Melastoma malabaricumL. &Memecylon malabaricum Cogn. and Potential Utilization of their Charcoal Against Pollutants from Aqueous Medium

Javad P. - Project Fellow Taxonomy and Molecular Phylogeny of the genus



Heliotropium L. (Boraginaceae) in India

The first half yearly research progress evaluation presentation was held on 9/07/2019. All the research Committee members except the chairman were present. Dr. Krishnakumar K, HoD Botany, Maharajas College was the external expert. The presentations of Ms. Tintu Tomy, Ms Mary Joseph and Mr. Ajesh Joseph were evaluated. The committee expressed happiness over the satisfactory way in which the research is progressing and expressed their concern over the absence of the remaining researchers in the department.

The second half yearly research progress evaluation presentation was held on 30/01/2020 in the mini conference hall of the Department. Research scholars Ms Tintu Tomy, Mr. Ajesh Joseph and Mr Arjun Thomas presented their half yearly progress reports which were evaluated by the Doctoral Committee members. Dr. Stephen Sequeira, Assistant Professor and Research Guide, Department of Botany Maharajas College was the external expert. The committee warned that the scholar’scontinuous absence ultimately lead to the cancellation of their registration for Ph. D.

Award of Ph.D Degree 5th September 2019



The research scholar cum guest faculty of our department Shahina N.K , under the guidance of the research guide Dr. K. Madhusudhanan appeared for the public viva voce of Ph.D Thesis titled “Ethnomedicinal and Ecological Studies of Wild Edible Mushrooms Used by Selected Tribes in Palakkad and Wayanad Districts of Kerala”, on 5th September

2019 in the Seminar Hall , School of Applied Physics, M.G University, Kottayam. Dr. N.S Pradeep, Senior Scientist, Malabar Botanical Garden, Calicut chaired the viva. Teachers and the students of the department were present for the open defence. She was

awarded PhD on 5th September 2019 .It was a proud moment for the department as she is the first one to secure Ph.D degree since the inception of the department as a research department.

SPECIAL PROGRAMMES

Innovative Learning Methods

A variety of innovative methods of learning were adopted by the department to make learning more interesting. Cooperative learning Formal cooperative learning groups were formed by Dr. Shahina for teaching Taxonomy with the

aim of acquainting B.Sc subsidiary students ,the common angiosperm families, common species and their economic importance through group work .



.

Role play

Dr. Sudheep N.M adopted role play method in teaching the role of three eminent environmentalists MadhavGadgil, KasthuriRangan and Oommen V Oommen to the students of V sem B.Sc Botany students.

Buddy Learning System: The buddy system is a procedure in which two individuals, the "buddies", operate together as a single unit so that they are able to monitor and help each other. As per Merriam-Webster, the first known use of the phrase “buddy system” goes as far back as 1942. Webster goes on to define the buddy system as “an arrangement in which two individuals are paired (as for mutual safety in a hazardous situation).” The buddy system is basically working together in pairs in a large group or alone. Both the individuals have to do the job. The job could be to ensure that the work is finished safely or the skill/learning is transferred effectively from one individual to the other.

Group Learning: A collection of persons who are emotionally, intellectually, and aesthetically engaged in solving problems, creating products, and making meaning—an assemblage in which each person learns autonomously and through the ways of learning of others.



Blended Learning: Blended learning is a term increasingly used to describe the way e-learning is being combined with traditional classroom methods and independent study to create a new, hybrid teaching methodology. It represents a much greater change in basic technique than simply adding computers to classrooms; it represents, in many cases, a fundamental change in the way teachers and students approach the learning experience. It has already produced an offshoot – the flipped classroom – that has quickly become a distinct approach of its own

Each one Teach one: The department incorporates the "each one, teach one" principle by having each student act as a mentor to successive students in academic subjects and activities varying from Biochemistry to singing and dancing.

Additional training on Botanical Drawings:

Emphasis has been entrusted in the drawing of botany diagrams in terms of its scientific nature and labeling with proportionate dimensions. Individual attention to students during their drawing in practical session, correction of observation book and final record diagrams were attended.

Field and Lab oriented Assistance: Students were empowered with hands on training on various laboratory exercises and experiments. They have been assisted during specimen collection and also taught on the need to adopt a conservation oriented collection and discouraged on excessive material collection and give awareness on the need preserve biological diversity for future generation.



Consultancy services- During the academic year 2019 -2020 department of Botany Herbarium Consultancy provided consultancy service in plant identification, Herbarium preparation and Digital herbarium preparation to research scholars, pharmacy students, Medical research institutes and generated revenue of 2100 rupees. Dr. K. Madhusudhanan gave consultancy services in the field of fungal identification.

Know your plant today initiative (Tharumahima): A team of two students collect one plant and exhibits its parts in live form as well as present the botanical descriptions, using chart papers. In this exercise the students also introduce one botany term for the day with its description or definition. The details of the plants exhibited are



entered into the register book kept in the department. It’s a visual treat for the inquisitive minds.



M.Sc. Botany 2018-2020

B.Sc. Botany 2017-2020



On a mission to make the earth more

Green and verdant.

*****


2019-'20 - St. Albert's College (Autonomous), Kochi, Ernakulam

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