The inaugural function of the 2 day national seminar on ‘Advances in Biological Science Research’, organized by the department of Botany, Nagaland University, Tuesday, was held at the department of Botany hall, NU Lumami, with chief executive officer, Biotech Park, Lucknow & former vice-chancellor of NEHU, Prof. Pramod Tandon (Padma Shree Awardee), as the guest of honour.
While delivering his inaugural speech on the topic of the seminar, Prof. Pramod Tandon termed the North-East (NE) of India as “rich in cultural, ethnic, linguistic and bio-diversities”. He stated that the NE comprising of just 7.9 % of the country’s (India) total geographical area, host 160 schedule tribes with 220 languages spoken with 86% of the people living in villages, the area, which also harbours many plants and animals, unique to the rest of the world.
Prof. Pramod lamented that the richness of the bio-diversity was steadily depleting with the imminent reality effect of climate change around the world. At the same, he was optimistic that the revival and practice of the rich traditional knowledge and experience system (of the NE tribals) could be the positive factor.
He further opined that the conservation of bio-diversity in the region(NE) could be achieved with the active participation of the people by way of creating strong awareness to preserve and harness the sustainable resources, with bio-tech entrepreneurial assistance livelihoods through herbal products, floriculture, bamboo mission, agriculture, etc.
Prof. Pramod Tandon was also optimistic that the “Indian Application programmes will go a long way to help in conservation, sustainable utilization and management of plant genetic resources – key to the survival and economic well being of human kind”.
The key note address was delivered by sr. consultant, NER-BPMC, DBT, New Delhi, Dr. Pawan Sharma while the aims and objectives of the seminar was highlighted by organizing secretary, NU, Prof. C R Deb, who highlighted that, “this is the 4th National seminar being organized by the Department of Botany, Nagaland University, Lumami.” The welcome address was said by head, department of Botany, Dr. Talijungla and vote of thanks by Dr. A Paul. The welcome song was presented by the students of M.Sc.
Earlier, a short speech was delivered by the vice-chancellor (Acting), NU, Lumami, Prof. N S Jamir and the ‘Abstract’ was released by the guest of honour. More than 50 renowned academicians and scientists from all over Indian universities and institutions are attending the seminars.