AMRITSAR: The Department of Botanical and Environmental Sciences of Guru Nanak Dev University organized Prof. I.S. Grover Memorial Lectureship Award on November 13 which has been instituted under MoU between Guru Nanak Dev University and Dr. Avinash Kaur (Professor Retd.). She apprised that this award was instituted in the name of Late Prof. I.S. Grover, Founder Head, Department of Botany and Dean, Faculty of Life Sciences of the University, to pay tribute to all her teachers.
This year, the award was conferred upon an Eminent Scientist in the field of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Dr. Ashiho A. Mao, Director, Botanical Survey of India, Kolkata, who delivered lecture on the topic "Floristic Wealth of India". The award consisted of cash prize of Rs. 20, 000/-, a plaque and a certificate. This Award is meant to honour eminent scientists in the fields of plant and environmental sciences as well as to give exposure to students and faculty about cutting edge research being carried out by leading scientists of the nation.
The function was started by the candle lighting by Dr. Mao, awardee of the lecture, Prof. Vasudha Sambyal, Dean, Faculty of Life Sciences along with faculty members of the department. Prof. Rajinder Kaur, Head of Department welcomed the guests and gave brief overview of achievements of the department. Prof. Satwinderjeet Kaur presented brief overview of the Botanical Garden. Prof. Jatinder Kaur, coordinator and nodal officer of the event, introduced the Lectureship Awardee.
Dr. Mao gave an overview of floristic resource of the country covering both lower and higher plants. He emphasized importance of taxonomy for conservation of plant diversity which is being lost at a rapid pace. His lecture has opened new vistas to overextend and substantiate research on plant taxonomy to be taken up further for the benefit of society. His discourse on different groups of plants motivated the young minds to explore the nature for its further applications in modern and challenging areas of research in plant and environmental sciences.
Prof. Palwinder Singh, Dean, Academic Affairs, presided over the function. He stressed thatplants are potential source of chemicals, most of them have been used in preparation of allopathic medicines. Plants are important not only for human race but all life on earth. He encouraged the researchers of the department to pursue further research in isolation and characterization of bioactive compounds from different plant species.
Prof. Jatinder Kaur offered vote of thanks while Dr. Nitika Kapoor coordinated the stage. Prof. Vasudha Sambhyal, Dean, Faculty of Life Sciences, Dr. Harmohinder Singh Nagpal from Hartej Nursing Home, Dr. Jagmeet Singh Nagpal of Avimeet Dental Clinic and Dr. G. S. Virk (Retd. Prof.) graced the occasion with their presence. All the faculty members of the department and other departments of life sciences were also present.