Botany

online seminar and virtual Lab visit of Biotechnology Lab of J.P. University

Department of Botany at V.G.C. Mandi has organized a virtual training program for the students of B.Sc 3rd year on 18.11.2021 at Room no. 208. Dr. Hemant Sood, associate Professor  from the department of Biotechnology J.P.University Solan was the demonstrator of this  outreach Program.  The live demonstration of techniques of preparation of the MS Media, Callus culture, suspension culture, working on Laminar Air Flow Hood , Hydroponics was made by Dr. Hemant Sood and her team. The students were also sensitized by Dr. Y.P.Sharma , Principal V.G.C. Mandi about the current applications and needs  of Biotechnology. The Faculty members of Botany department and 200 students of B.Sc 3rd were present in this virtual training program.

Declamation contest

The Faculty of Sciences , VGC Mandi had organized a 'declamation contest' under the directions of Vigyan Bharati in collaboration with Ministry of Culture, Government of India to celebrate Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav on-title "Year long Celebration on Role of Science, Scientists and Scientific institutions in India's Freedom Struggle" on 31/10/2022 .The topic of the declamation contest was "Role of Radhanath Sikdar in India's freedom struggle". 35 students of B.Sc final life sciences participated in the events

Exposure visit to Plant tissue culture Lab

An exposure visit was arranged for the students of B.Sc IIIrd year life science to Flora Bio, a plant tissue culture laboratory owned and run by Dr. Shilpa, situated at Bhadyal Distt Mandi H.P on 10th November 2022.  The 56 students visited the laboratory and learned about the media preparations, autoclaving ,raising the plants from explant and clonal propagations of apple and cherry plants. Dr. Shilpa explained the various operations performed in the lab to the students. Prof. Priyanka Thakur and Dr. Mamta Parmar accompanied the students.

International conference

International level conference is organized by Botany Department of  Vallabh Government College. Mandi on dated 10, 11 and 12th August 2019 in Collaboration with IIT Mandi.

List of plant available in the college campus

Website on local wild food plants under DEST awarded research project .

Dr. Tara has created a Website www.himalayanwildfoodplants.com in April 2019 under DEST awarded research project on Traditional Processing of Wild Food Plants. This website  contains articles on 237 wild growing plants of Western Himalayas . These plants are fondly eaten by local people. Website has full description of wild food plants  their traditional processing, season of harvesting  and indigenous uses.  This website has received more than 12,50,000 hits  since its establishment  and received  more than 4,00,000 encouraging comments from round the world .

YOU TUBE CHANNEL.

Dr. Tara Devi Sen  is host of You Tube Channel Dr. Tara Sen Thakur. This channel  is uploaded with 400 plus videos related to Plant science, awareness for sustainable use, biodiversity conservation, plantation, local flora, domestication of Wild Edible Plants and recipes of wild food plants etc.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6bmX4I9G65mKyzZNEJpwZQ

Research Project

 Dr Tara Devi Sen awarded a research project of amount of Rs 18,90,000/ entitled “Withania somnifera: Awareness for Cultivation and optimum utilization in Mandi District of Himachal Pradesh for boosting health and immunity”, from National Medicinal Plants Board, Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India

Inspire Project

Dr. Tara Devi Sen  guided a inspire research project  of B.Sc.  2nd Year student Miss Bhavana Kumari under inspire scholarship programme titled " Domestication and

One Day capacity building programme

One Day capacity building workshop for students of Ethnobotany and Zoology Major  on Biological Diversity Act, 2002 in collaboration with HP State Biodiversity Board Shimla at CPRI. 15 students attended this workshop   at CPRI Shimla under supervision of Dr, Tara Devi Sen. 

Exhibition of local wild On World Environment Day.

Dr. Tara Devi Sen organized an exhibition of local wild growing millets and food plants at Hotel Peter Hoff, Shimla on World Environment Day, 2024 along with 06 Students and Self-Help Group representative of Mandi.

https://youtu.be/AcPfKSTjs9s?si=zXVIFpXzpBbnpzZD

One day educational tour .

 Dr. Tara organized one day educational tour for students of Ethnobotany to medicinal plant nursery at Devidardh. in collaboration  with HP Forest Department and R&D Sundernagar.

On 07.10.2023, 38 students of B.Sc third year embarked on an enlightening educational trip to Devidarh. The primary objectives were to document the rich plant diversity of the region and visit a nursery dedicated to the conservation of endangered and medicinal plants.

Exploration of Plant Diversity:

The journey commenced with a guided tour through the lush landscapes of Devidarh, offering students a first hand experience of the region's diverse flora. Dr. Tara Sen, accompanied the group, providing valuable insights into the various plant species, their ecological significance, and the unique adaptations that enable them to thrive in this specific environment.

Visit to the Endangered and Medicinal Plant Nursery:

A highlight of the trip was the visit to the nursery dedicated to endangered and medicinal plants. Here, students witnessed ongoing efforts to safeguard and propagate plant species facing the threat of extinction. The nursery's mission aligns with the crucial task of preserving biodiversity and maintaining ecological balance.

Students had the opportunity to interact with the knowledgeable staff (B.O. and Forest Guard) managing the nursery, gaining insights into the challenges and successes of their conservation initiatives. The nursery not only focuses on endangered species but also cultivates medicinal plants, emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices in utilizing plant resources for human well-being.

Medicinal plants distribution programme

Dr. Tara Devi Sen organized a medicinal plants distribution programme for students and self- help groups in collaboration with RCFC NR-1 Jogindernagar National Plant Medicinal Board.

Botany Department of Vallabh Govt. College Mandi in association with Ministry of Ayush government  of India, Plant medicinal board RCFC Jogindernagar and Bal ashram Talayahar organized distribution  of medicinal plant propagation material activity on dated 5th August 2023. Main objectives of this activity were

1.  Awareness for medicinal uses of plants to students and community.

2.   Cultivation of medicinal plants to ensure good health, entrepreneurship development and sustainable environment. During this program Principal Madam Ms. Surina Sharma along with 12faculty members were present. During activity about 60 students were present.

 In this activity 200medicinal plants of Harad, Behera, Amala, Aloe vera and Lassura were  received from RCFC Jogindernagar and distributed to the  students, college staff and SHGs for cultivation. 100 plants were given to the Bal AshramTalayarh for cultivation in school and distribution to community around Bal-Ashram.

Exhibition of local wild in collaboration with SHGs in a National Seminar

Dr Tara organized a exhibition of Wild Food Items (Processed & Value added)  along with 03 students and 04 Self- help group reprentatives in a national seminar on sustainable livelihood promotion organized by Govt. Degree College Shahpur  and Regional cum Facilitation Centre  Joginder Nagar.

https://youtu.be/X59kzwBzl6I?si=G2TB0lnfdVOoVD91

Herbal Garden at DAV Dadour Nerchowk

Dr. Tara Devi Sen was resource person to initiate a herbal garden at DAV Dadour Nerchowk. She delivered her talk on Traditional value of medicinal wild food plants and sowed seeds of medicinal plants like Aswagandha, Satawari, Tulsi, Wild Yam etc. along with school children.

https://youtu.be/EzddxTyITOU?si=aDbP09Gc8I-PDFxK

Awareness Programme for SHGs of Duhan Devi regarding sustainable use of wild food plants.

Dr. Tara Devi Sen organized an awareness programme for healthy food ( sustainable harvesting, utilization, processing, value addition and marketing of wild food plants) Self-Help Groups (04) of Duhan Devi along with 2 students.

https://youtu.be/-q2qX2dDD3E?si=ORq3Pyatllqadduq  

Patent filed for recipe of amla-lukath tea

SYNERGISTIC COMPOSITION OF HERBAL TEACONTAINING ERIOBOTRYA JAPONICA ANDMETHOD FOR PREPARATION THEREOF

FIELD OF INVENTION    

The present invention generally relates to herbal tea compositions.  More specifically it pertains to synergistic composition of herbal tea containing Eriobotrya Japonica and method for preparation thereof.

 https://youtu.be/wsRcmfsxkd4?si=o-QmUloI3gvMx9uM

Patent filed for Nutritious Pasta

NUTRITIOUS PASTA FORTIFIED WITH EUPHORBIA HIRTA AND TINOSPORACORDIFOLIA LEAVES POWDER AND PREPARATION PROCESS THEREOF

Dr. Tara has invented a new recipe of homemade pasta with wild herbal plants.

FIELD OF INVENTION    

The present invention generally relates tothe field of Food Technology. More specifically it pertains to nutritiouspasta fortified with Euphorbia hirta and Tinospora cordifolia leavespowder and preparation process thereof.

https://youtu.be/bturXn_4M_s?si=IL5shflVtnVbe8HN

Endangered plant nursery at Nehri

Miss Bhavana a B.Sc.  3rd year student has established a endangered  plant nursery having  15 to 20 plants of each species such as Dioscorea deltoidea; Angelica glauca; Hedychium spicatum;Dactylorhiza hatagirea; Polygonatum cirrhifolium etc.  She has initiated this nursery under her inspire research project.

Workshop cum Exhibition on Medicinal Plants at RCFC-NR Jogindernagar

Dr. Tara along was resource person for a two day workshop cum training programme organised by RCFC-NR Jogindernager on 6th to 7th March,2024.She displayed exhibition of medicinal wild food plants where two students of Bsc Botany explained importance of medicinal wild food plants to participants and one  SHG representative  Mrs Sumita Sen displayed food items prepared with addition of Wild herbs. Dr. Tara and Sumita Sen were also honoured during this event for their exceptional work in cultivation, value addition and marketing of medicinal plants. 

Awareness Programme on Intellectual Property

Department of Botany organised an awareness Programme on Intellectual Property in collaboration with Department of Promotion of Intellectual and Internal Trade under Nipam Mission

Excursion trip to Sissu (Lahaul & Spiti)

On 8. Nov. 2023,62 students of B.Sc 3rd and 2nd yearembarked on an educational tour to Sissu (Lahaul and Spiti).

Itinerary:

1. Departure:The journey commenced promptly at 8 AMfrom VGC Mandi College.

2. Pit Stop:A brief pause for breakfast around 10 AMat Kullu Dev Dham restaurant.

3. Destination:The group reached the scenic locale ofSissu around 1 PM.

Activities:

1. Lunch:Upon arrival, students and faculty shared agroup lunch, fostering camaraderie and relaxation.

2. Adventure Activities:The thrill-seekers engaged inexhilarating experiences such as zip-lining and ATV Rides not only providing abreak from routine but also promoting team spirit and personal growth.

3. Floral Diversity Exploration:The tour included aninsightful exploration of local flora, offering hands-on experience in documentingand understanding regional ecosystems.

Conclusion:

One Week National Workshop on Nursery and Gardening Technique

MOU with Forest Department

Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between between Addl. Pr.CCF Pradeep Kumar Thakur (Research and Training) Sundernagar, Distt. Mandi, H.P. and  Principal Prof. Surina Sharma Vallabh Govt.  Degree College Mandi was signed on 26^th April,2024. IFS Subhash Chand Prasher HPFA and HPFS Surender Singh were witness from APCCF office and Dr. Tara Devi Sen and Dr. Deepali Ashok were witness from VGC Mandi.  This MoU sets for the terms and understanding between the APCCF (R&T) Sundernagar and Vallabh Government Degree College, Mandi to collaborate in Forestry Education, research on various issues related to NTFPs, medicinal plants, invasive species etc, capacity building and skills development of the various stake holders, Knowledge sharing on forests, biodiversity conservation, ecosystems, climate change vulnerability, climate change mitigation and adaptation and livelihood of forest dependent communities. Vallabh Govt College hereby agree to enter into this MoU to foster cooperation and enhance the academic experience of students and faculty.

Areas of Collaboration

         To develop programs as mutually agreed by both the parties in the following areas:

1. Teaching and Training:   Collaborate on joint training programs, workshops, and seminars to enhance knowledge exchange and skills development in the fields of forestry, environmental studies, and related disciplines.

2. Research and Development: Facilitate collaborative research projects, sharing of research findings, and joint publications to advance scientific knowledge and address environmental challenges.

3. Skill Development of Students: Provide opportunities for students to gain practical experience through internships, fieldwork, and hands-on projects related to forest management, conservation, and sustainable practices.

4. Exchange of Resources: Exchange academic resources such as textbooks, journals, and research materials to support teaching, learning, and research activities. 

5. Scholarships and Financial Support: Explore possibilities for scholarships, grants, and funding opportunities to support deserving students, particularly those interested in pursuing careers in forestry and environmental sciences.

6. Exchange of Experience and Scientific Knowledge: Foster regular interactions between faculty members, researchers, and students to share experiences, best practices, and scientific insights through seminars, lectures, and collaborative projects.

vii. Herbarium and Preserved Plants Exchange:  As an additional initiative, Vallabh Govt College agrees to share herbarium specimens and preserved plants with APCCF (R&T) for educational and research purposes, enhancing the botanical resources available for study.

Scope of MoU

1     The MoU will help in exchange of students, researchers and faculty, developing research projects and study material for mutual beneficial research activities and to utilize the research expertise and infrastructure facilities.

2      Both the parties agree to conduct collaborative research on forest resource management, adaptation and mitigation to climate change, forest genetics and breeding, wildlife, ecology, remote sensing, insect and disease pests, extension, conservation of flora and fauna, biotechnology, bio-energy, bio-economy, etc

3       Both the parties agree for the exchange of students/researchers and faculty members. 

4      Capacity building on data collection and analysis of Permanent observational sample plots under forest inventory for growth, stand structure, biodiversity and climate change parameters.

5       To promote academics, research and development, arranging joint conferences, seminar, workshops and exhibitions.

Exposure visit of students to APCCF office Sundernagar.

Department of Botany organised an exposure visit to the students of Botany Majour Bsc.11 year in collaboration with Department of forest research and training being. This visit was organised under the leadership of Prof. Tara, Prof, Deepali and Prof. Neetu to give first hand knowledge of nursery techniques, herbarium preparation and cultivation of medicinal plants. Forest officers under the leadership of DFO Surender Singh shared knowledge and demonstrated skills to students. A total 40 students visited the museum maintained by APCCF office Research and Training) Sundernagar. 

Promotion of Medicinal Plant cultivation.

Botany Department of VGC Mandi organised a Promotion of Medicinal Plant cultivation programme ( Awareness distribution and cultivation of medicinal plants to students, SHGs and Mahila -Mandal for Health, Environment and Livelihood) from 20  July to 4^th August, 2024. This programme was organised in collaboration with RCFC-Northern Region-1NMPB, Ministry AYUSH GOI Research Institute in Indian Systems of Medicine,   (RIISM), Joginder Nagar-175015 Mandi HP,  NGO Rise-Up Mandi, Mahila Mandal, Padhiun (Block: Sadar Mandi) and  SHG, Jai Dev Kamrunag (Block; Gohar). Main objectives of this programme were

1. To create awareness among students and community for medicinal plants.

2. Awareness for cultivation of plants.

3. Distribution of plants for cultivation.

4. Cultivation 

4. Awareness for sustainable harvesting, marketing and utilization of medicinal plants.

Overview of Programme

1. Gathering requirements for planting of medicinal plants from students, faculty members and SHGs 20-22nd July ,2024

2. Request to RCFC-Northern Region for supply of plants acc. to requirements. 22nd July,2024. 

3. Received 1200 medicinal plants (Moringa, Ashok, Lemon grass, Harad, Neem, Bael etc) 30,July,2024.

3. Awareness for importance of medicinal plants in current scenario to SHGs and students through different means (Physical mode and social media) 24July-4th Aug 

4. Workshop on medicinal plants at VGC Mandi ( Demonstration andDistribution of medicinal plants to students and faculty members of VGC)  31th July .

5. Cultivation techniques to SHG of Padhiun & Gohar 1-4th Aug,2024.

6. Distribution of plants and their cultivation with help of Rise-Up, students and SHGs  30-4th Aug, 2024. 

Out of total  1200 medicinal plants received from 


RCFC, 300 plants  were distributed to 100 students and 50 faculty members of VGC Mandi  on 31 th Aug, 2024 by Chief Gust Prof. Devika Vadiya. 200 plants were distributed to inhabitants of Mandi. 300 plants were distributed after a awareness programm to SHGs and community members of Padhiun.  400 plants were distributed and planted by SHG of Gohar block. 

Expected Outcomes;1. Awareness for effectiveness of medicinal plants.

2. Skill development in students for cultivation of medicinal plants. 

3. Mass cultivation

4. Enhanced green cover.

5. Biodiversity conservation.

6. Livelihood promotion.

7. Awareness for commercialization of medicinal plants. 

8. Opportunities for start-up in medicinal plants.

9. Better community health.

10.  Sustainable development harvesting and utilization.

Macrophotography Competition