Mysuru, March 9, 2020: The Postgraduate Department of Botany at JSS College of Arts, Commerce and Science, Ooty Road, Mysuru, organized a UGC-sponsored one-day State-level seminar on the topic “Emerging Trends in Plant Science.”
Dr. Venkatesh Prasad, AVP and Head of the Synthetic Biology Function at Reliance Industries Ltd., Ghansoli, Navi Mumbai, inaugurated the seminar and delivered the keynote address. The Chief Guest, Sri N.M. Shivashankarappa, Director of the Horticulture Division at JSS Mahavidyapeetha, also inaugurated the JSS-BOTANICA Forum, a botanical club for Botany students at JSS College. Sri Shivashankarappa highlighted the diverse uses of common plants like Tulasi, including its role as a mouth freshener and in the preparation of homemade green tea, emphasizing the importance of bridging traditional knowledge with scientific advancements.
Presiding over the event, Prof. B. V. Sambashivaiah, Chief Executive of the college, emphasized the significance of plant science in today’s world. He highlighted the transformative nature of the discipline, incorporating advanced technologies such as Biotechnology, Metabolomics, Transcriptomics, and Genetics. Prof. Sambashivaiah noted that plant science holds potential solutions for pressing global concerns, such as the current outbreak of the Corona virus. He further discussed key areas of plant science, including cell membrane studies and gene splicing, which are expected to lead to groundbreaking discoveries in the near future.
The chief guest, Sri N.M. Shivashankarappa, was honored by Prof. M. Mahadevappa, Principal of JSS College of Arts, Commerce and Science, B.N. Road, Mysuru. Dr. Beligiriranga V., Organizing Secretary, extended a vote of thanks.
During the seminar, Dr. Rashmi S., Convener, Mrs. Sindhu G.M., Co-convener, and Ms. Meghashree A.M., Organizing Member, honored the distinguished speakers Dr. Venkatesh Prasad, Prof. M.B. Shivanna, and Prof. Rajkumar H. Garampalli, respectively.
The seminar witnessed the participation of over 200 attendees, including students and staff members. The program was skillfully compered by Ms. K. Spandana (II MSc), while the invocation was presented by Ms. H.S. Poornima (I MSc). Ms. S.M. Divyashree warmly welcomed the guests, and Ms. C. Tejaswini (II MSc) and Ms. Niveditha N. Bhat (I MSc) introduced the esteemed speakers. The seminar concluded with Ms. Sujatha Pal (II MSc) providing a comprehensive summary of the insightful discussions.