6-day faculty development workshop on Molecular Taxonomy inaugurated in Botany, JU

Jammu, Feb 06:  Six day hands on training cum workshop on Molecular Taxonomy was inaugurated in Museum Hall of Department of Botany, University of Jammu in collaboration with Malaviya Mission Teacher Training(MMTT), University of Jammu on 5^th of Feb., 2024.

Sh. Suresh K. Gupta, IFS, Principle Secretary, Department of Culture, Jammu and Kashmir Government inaugurated the event as chief guest who shared the dias with Dr. J L Karihaloo, Former Director, NBPGR and Coordinator Asia Pacific Consortium on Agriculture Biotechnology as guest of honor. Speaking on the occasion Mr. Gupta said that molecular science has brought advancements in taxonomy which is quite visible through the available literature.

This revolution in plant taxonomy is helping in conservation of biodiversity too.  Since as one of the alumnus of the Department of Botany, Shri S. K. Gupta felt proud in seeing the progression of Department of Botany over a period of more than 35 years of his association. Dr. Karihaloo, another illustrious alumnus in his inaugural lecture demonstrated the advancement in the scientific approachesin resolving many ambiguities in botanical science. He elaborated on the diversity of Brinjal in India and also highlighted the application of molecular science in resolving taxonomic problems associated with species complexes.

Prof. Sandeep Pandita, Director, MMTC spoke on the contributions of MMTC in the faculty development of the University of Jammu and other associated colleges and sister universities. Earlier, Prof.

SusheelVerma, Head of The Department and Convener of the workshop welcomed the dignitaries and the participants of the workshop and spoke on the relevance of the workshop in the current scenario. 

Participants from various institutes like University of Jammu, Central University of Jammu, SKUAST-Jammu, Cluster University, Jammu Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University, Rajouri, and Akal University, Talwandi Sabo, Bathinda (Punjab)from different colleges have joined the workshop.

In the six days’ event the participants will be subjected to rigorous hands on training with respect to different molecular approaches used in plant identification and resolving inaccuracies in Taxonomy. Among others, Dr. A. K.Koul, Dr. R. N. Gohil, Prof. Seema Langer, Prof. Yash Pal Sharma, Prof. SanjanaKaul, Prof. VeenuKaul, Dr. Sikander, Dr. Sarbjeet, Dr.Geeta, Dr. Skarma, Dr. Romika, Dr. Sapna, Dr. Abhishek and Dr. H C Dutt, Mr. Nitan were also present during the occasion. Proceedings of the inaugural  functionwere conducted by Ms. Arusa and vote of thanks was purposed by Dr. Sajan Thakur.