The Department of Botany, Bishop Chulaparambil Memorial College, Kottayam organized a two-day National Seminar on “Biodiversity and its Relevance for Sustainable Development in Kerala State” on 4^th and 5^th December 2025, sponsored by the Kerala State Biodiversity Board. The programme received an encouraging academic response with a total of 131 participants, including faculty members, research scholars and students from various institutions. The seminar aimed at promoting research-oriented discussions and knowledge sharing on biodiversity and sustainable development priorities in Kerala.

The Inaugural session was held on 4 December at Sr. Savio Memorial Hall. The seminar was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Thomas K. V., Principal of BCM College, who emphasized the present ecological challenges faced by Kerala and the importance of biodiversity-based strategies in mitigating environmental degradation. Dr. Thomson Davis, Kottayam District Coordinator, Kerala State Biodiversity Board, was present during the inauguration

After the inaugural ceremony, the first technical session of the seminar began. The first talk of Day 1 was delivered by Dr. Jomy Augustine, Professor (Retd.), St. Thomas College, Palai, who explained the ecological features and fragile conservation status of the Western Ghats as one of the most important biological hotspots in the country as well as globally. His session enriched

participants with scientific perspectives on conservation threats in the Western Ghats ecosystem. This was followed by the second talk of Day 1, handled by Dr. Lincy Sara Varghese, Associate Professor, B. K. College, Amalagiri. Her presentation focused on microbial diversity and the essential roles played by microorganisms in maintaining ecological stability, highlighting ecosystem-level microbial interactions and environmental implications. The day concluded with paper presentation sessions, allowing research scholars and students to present their findings and interact with experts.

The programme continued on Day 2, beginning with a lecture by Dr. Jinu John, Assistant Professor, CMS College, Kottayam, during the first session of the day. He delivered a detailed talk on “Biotechnological Strategies to Conserve Biodiversity,” emphasizing recent biotechnological approaches, applied conservation strategies, and the emerging scope of biotechnology-driven ecological restoration.

The second session of Day 2 was conducted by Dr. Arabhi P., Associate Professor, Baselius College, Kottayam, who spoke on “Blooming Diversity: The Fascinating World of Flowering Plants.” Her talk highlighted the floristic wealth of Kerala and the scientific relevance of flowering plant diversity in ecosystem functioning and conservation planning.

A total of six scientific paper presentations were conducted across the two days, covering a variety of themes such as floristics, ecosystem studies, photochemical investigations, biodiversity documentation, microbial ecology and allied fields. The discussions and interactive questions during these sessions enhanced the research exposure of students.

The seminar concluded with a valedictory session, expressing gratitude to the Kerala State Biodiversity Board for sponsorship support and acknowledging all resource persons and participants for their meaningful academic contributions. Certificates were provided to all participants at the end of the programme in recognition of their active participation. The two-day seminar successfully achieved its objective by enhancing scientific understanding, encouraging academic dialogue and promoting conservation-oriented research towards sustainable development in Kerala.

1. Introduction

The Department of Botany’s Lavandula Association organized the 4th Annual Botany Quiz Competition for school students. The event was held to observe the memorial day of Dr. E.K. Janaki Ammal (1897–1984), a pioneering Indian botanist and the first Indian woman to earn a Ph.D. in Botany.

2. Competition Details & Participation

The quiz was specifically designed for students between the ages of 13 and 18 years. The rules for participation were as follows:

* Each team consisted of two students from the same school.

* A maximum of three teams were permitted to participate from a single school.

* Participants were required to present their school ID cards and a formal letter from their Head of Institution.

* Registration was conducted via WhatsApp or QR code by November 8, 2025, with spot registration also made available on the day of the event.

3. Awards and Recognition

To encourage academic excellence, the following cash prizes were awarded to the winners:

* First Prize: ₹3000

* Second Prize: ₹2000

* Third Prize: ₹1000

4. Coordination

The event was successfully executed under the guidance of Staff Coordinators Dr. Reshma T. R. and Miss Archana G. Nair, along with Student Coordinator Anuja Susan Joy.

5. Results

1^st– Acsa Susan Moncy, Class 11

Abinitha V, Class 11

Team 1, Montfort School, Anakkara

2^nd– Sanjay Anilkumar, Class 9

Niya Sanoop, Class 8

Team 1, M.D Seminary Higher Secondary School, Kottayam

3^rd– Jeswin Maria Joseph, Class 11

Chriswin Maria Joseph, Class 9

Team 2, Montfort School, Anakkara

4^th– Joshua S. Mathew, Class 11

Abel James, Class 11

Team 1, Holy Family Higher Secondary School, Kottayam

5^th– Soju Philipose, Class 9

Devadath, Class 9

Team 2, M. D. Seminary Higher Secondary School, Kottayam

1. Introduction

The Department of Botany at BCM College, Kottayam, organized a hands-on Terrarium Workshop on November 18, 2025. The event, led by Ms. Antu Mariya Jose, Assistant Professor, was designed to provide students and participants with practical knowledge of creating and maintaining miniature glass-enclosed ecosystems.

2. Objectives

The primary goals of the workshop were:

* To teach the fundamental principles of ecosystem sustainability in a closed or semi-closed environment.

* To provide hands-on training in the selection of plants, soil layering, and moisture control.

* To encourage indoor gardening as a tool for stress relief and environmental awareness.

The Department of Botany, Bishop Chulaparambil Memorial College, Kottayam, organized a Workshop on Practical Skills in Botany as part of an academic extension activity on 1^st November 2025. The workshop was specially designed for Plus Two Botany students to enhance their practical understanding of core biological concepts through live demonstrations and guided training.

The session was conducted from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and witnessed the enthusiastic participation of 15 students from nearby schools in Kottayam. The program was inaugurated by the Head of the Department of Botany, followed by an introduction to the objectives and structure of the workshop.

Highlights of the workshop include:

• Hands-on practical sessions
• Individual microscope handling
• Interactive demonstrations
• Free registration and participation
• Distribution of e-certificates
• Provision of all necessary materials

Outcome

The workshop successfully fulfilled its aim of enabling students to enhance, explore, and experience practical Botany. A lab manual and kit were provided to each student. The event concluded with an interactive feedback session, during which students expressed their excitement and appreciation for the hands-on learning experience. E-certificates of participation were distributed to all attendees.

The Department of Botany, Bishop Chulaparambil Memorial College, Kottayam, organized a community extension activity titled “Introduction to Kamba Composting” on 12th October 2025. The programme aimed to create awareness among non-academic groups about effective domestic waste management practices.

The session, held from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM, saw the active participation of 17 members from the Lakshmi Kudumbashree Unit, Ward 31, Kottayam. The event was inaugurated by Mrs. Vijayasree S. N., Secretary of the Kudumbashree Unit, followed by an informative PowerPoint presentation on Kamba composting by third-year Botany students, Anuja Susan Joy and Sindoora Santhosh.

Highlights of the Workshop

• Introduction to simple and effective domestic waste management methods
• Promotion of eco-friendly and odour-free composting practices
• Awareness on producing organic manure through efficient composting techniques

The programme successfully achieved its objective of educating participants about sustainable waste management using Kamba composting. The event concluded with an interactive feedback session, where participants clarified their doubts and expressed their enthusiasm and appreciation for the informative session

The Department of Botany, conducted the Inauguration of Lavandula Association of 2025-26 and a Seminar on “Exploring Avenues After B.Sc. Botany” on 22 August, at 2 PM, at the Department of Botany. Dr. Chandralekha C. T., Assistant professor, Post Graduate Department of Botany of Devamatha College, Kuravilangad inaugurated the Association and gave a talk on the topic.

The Election for the Lavandula Association 2025-26 was conducted and office bearers were selected, led by Dr. Peter K. Mani, HOD,  as President and Anuja Susan Joy, 3 DC, as Vice-President.

The Agira Union of BCM College, conducted an “Ethnic day”, on 14 August, at 11 am in the College Auditorium. The Department of Botany represented the State of Rajasthan and displayed a wonderful presentation of the dance and culture

The Department of Botany, organized an Interdepartmental Quiz Competition on the topic “Sasyangalum Saahithyavum (Plants and Literature) on 24 June, at 2 pm, in room no. 201. Two teams of 2 members each from the Department of Sociology participated the competition

As part of World Fruits day, the Department of Botany, BCM College, Kottayam, conducted a Fruit Exhibition, on 2 July 2025, from 10:30 onwards in Room no. 201. Prof. Dr. Thomas K.V., the principal, inaugurated the Exhibition. The teaching and non-teaching staff as well as students of the college and St. Ann’s GHSS, Kottayam, attended the exhibition. An interactive word-finding game on fruits was also conducted.

As part of National Reading Day, the Department of Botany, conducted a Malayalam newspaper reading competition on 19 June, at the Botany department at 2 pm. Mr. Anil Stephen and Dr. Naveena J, Assistant Professors, Department of Oriental Languages were invited as judges.

Winners

1^st Prize :Susan Jacob, 3DC English

2^nd Prize: Sheby Susan Isaac Shaiju, 3DC English

3^rd Prize: Devu Vinodini, 3 DC English

Josme Josekutty, 3DC English

2024-2025

Workshop On Zotero- Reference Manager

Zotero is an effective reference manager used by many people for their research purposes. The Department conducted a workshop on Zotero on 12/2/2025 at Room No. 203 at 11.30 pm for the final year B Sc. Botany Students. Ms. Antu Mariya Jose lead the workshop. she explained the aspects of using Zotero as reference manager for their research purposes.

Workshop On Kokedama Making

Kokedama is a Japanese art of setting plants without pots. it is also called as poor man’s bonsai. The Department of Botany conducted a Workshop on Kokedama Making on 6th January 2025 at 3.30 pm at room no. 201. Ms Antu Mariya Jose demonstrated different steps of kokedama making to the students. the students made about five Kokedamas in the session

Christmas Star Making Workshop

Lavandula Botany Association 2024-25 conducted a star making workshop as a skill development program on December 12th 2024 at 1.00pm at Room no. 203. Sr. Hannah Elizabeth Jose of third B Sc. Botany lead the class. She explained students about different typed of stars using craft papers and news papers

Dr. E K Janaki Ammal Memorial Botany Quiz Competition

The Department of Botany of Bishop Chulaparambil conducted a Botany Quiz Competition for school students as part of memorial day of Dr. E K Janaki Ammal, the first Indian women who awarded Ph. D. Ms. Antu Mariya Jose was the quiz master. the quiz was completed in three rounds with questions related to different fields in Botany. A total of eight students from different schools near Kottayam participated in the quiz.

Association Inauguration and Talk on Mathematics in Nature

The Department of Botany, BCM College, Kottayam organized the inauguration of Botany Association 2024-25 on 9th October 2024 at 1.45 pm at room no 203. Capt. Jais Kurian, Assistant Professor in Mathematics of St. Stephens College, Uzhavoor was the chief guest of the event. After the inauguration session Capt. Jais Kurian delivered a talk on ‘Mathematics in Nature’.

Sapling Distribution- “Oru Varsham Oraayiram Sasyangal”

As part of World Environmental day, the department of Botany of Bishop Chulaparmbil Memorial College, Kottayam conducted a mega sapling distribution program called ‘ Oru Varsham Orayiram Sasyangal’ on 5th July 2024. Saplings and cuttings of several indoor and outdoor ornamental plants and vegetable plants propagules were distributed in the program.

Oyster Mushroom Cultivation Training For Housewives

The Department of Botany, Bishop Chulaparambil Memorial College, Kottayam started oyster mushroom Training for housewives on 13th June 2024 at 3:00 pm. Dr. Peter K Mani, Head of the Botany Department explained the types and uses of mushrooms, different steps of mushroom cultivation. Hands on training for mushroom bed preparation was given to the participants.

2023-2024

Millet Exhibition

As part of International year of Millets, on September 27, 2023, the Department of Botany conducted an exhibition of different types of millets in front of Botany department. Attendees and participants in the exhibition included teachers and students from several departments. By this exhibition we were able to spread the knowledge about the nutritional values of millets and the importance of adding millets in daily diet of people.

Microscopy Exhibition

The Department of Botany, Bishop Chulaparambil Memorial College, Kottayam conducted an exhibition of microscope on 8th November 2023 from 11:30 am at room number 201. Exhibition was mainly focused on familiarizing different types of microscopes, and view of different plant parts under light microscope for students and teachers from arts and commerce departments of the college. Many students from different departments visited the exhibition and wrote their feedbacks. Along with microscopes exhibition of different types of wood (xylarium) and herbarium were also there.

Workshop on Cultivation of Microgreens

The Department of Botany, Bishop Chulaparambil Memorial College, Kottayam conducted a workshop on cultivation of microgreens on 27th September, 2023 at 3;30 pm at room number 203. Abhirami P. B. of 2 DC Botany lead the workshop by using presentations and demonstrations. All students of the department attended the workshop and learned about the nutritional values of microgreens and importance of including microgreens in daily food habits. Students got a hand on training in the microgreen cultivation through this workshop.

One Day Seminar on Plant Source Derived Nanocellulose and It’s Technological Applications

The Department of Botany in association with IQAC and Research Development Cell of Bishop Chulaparambil Memorial College, Kottayam organized a one day seminar on “Plant source derived Nanocellulose and its technological applications” as part of Vykhari lecturer series on 29th February 2024 at 3:00 pm at Sr.. Savio Memorial Hall. Dr. Jinu Jacob John Assistant Professor, Department of Polymer Science and Rubber Technology, CUSAT, Kochi was the resource person.  Dr. Jinu talked about the methods of extraction methods of nanocellulose and its applications in future. He talked about the importance of nanocellulose paper and nanocellulose aerogel and their resistance to water and fire. The significance of cellulose as a renewable resource was discussed in the session.

Distribution of Indoor Plants to General Hospital, Kottayam

The Department of Botany, Bishop Chulaparambil Memorial College, Kottayam, distributed different varieties of indoor plant to General Hospital Kottayam on 18th October 2023 at 1;30 pm. The students reused waste glass bottles obtained from the hospital for placing the indoor plants. Students made beautiful bottle hangers using craft thread for hanging the bottles.

Dr. E. K. Janaki Ammal Memorial Quiz Competition For School Students

The Department of Botany, Bishop Chulaparambil Memorial College, Kottayam conducted a quiz competition for high school students on 15th November 2023, at room number 2023 at 2:00 pm. Mrs Renju Ammu Joseph, Research Scholar, Fathima Matha National College, Kollam was the quiz master. 12 students in 6 teams from different schools participated in the competition. Athul Sajeev and Aashbin Reji Peter of SH Higher Secondary School, Changanacherry won the first prize and Parvathy Vijayan and Sona Susan Mathew of SH Higher Secondary School, Changanacherry won second prize.

Mushroom Cultivation Training For Housewives

The Department of Botany, Bishop Chulaparambil Memorial College, Kottayam conducted a certificate course on Oyster Mushroom Cultivation from 18th January 2024 at Botany department. Dr. Peter K Mani, HOD of the Botany department lead the classes. A total of 10 people including 8 house wives and two men from different regions of Kottayam district attended the course. Dr. Peter K Mani explained about the types of mushrooms, methods of preparing spawn and mushroom beds, substratum used for the cultivations, equipments required and steps of mushroom cultivation to the participants in detail. Along with theory classes, hands on training on mushroom bed preparation were also provided to the participants.

Class on QR Coding And Website Creation

The Department of Botany, Bishop Chulaparambil Memorial College, Kottayam conducted an online class on QR code making and website creation on 29th December 2023 at 6:30pm through google meet. Ms. Sona Maria Saju, former student of Department of Botany was the speaker. 20 students of the department attended the class. Ms. Sona explained about QR codes and their preparation and importance in detail. And she also explained about the creation of Google sites and the benefits of Google sites.

Class on Brochure Making

The Department of Botany, Bishop Chulaparambil Memorial College, Kottayam conducted an online class on brochure making on 29th December 2023 at 6:00 pm through Google meet. Ardra Sunilkumar of 3rd year B Sc. Botany explained about preparation of different types of brochures using different mobile applications. She explained about the important features that we need to be careful in brochure making. She demonstrated the preparation of brochure by sharing the screen in Google meet. Students clarified their doubts regarding brochures.

Career Opportunities In Botany

The Department of Botany, Bishop Chulaparambil Memorial College, Kottayam conducted a career guidance seminar on the topic career opportunities in Botany on 15th November, 2023 at 12:45 pm at room number 2023. Mrs. Renju Ammu Joseph, Research scholar, Fathima Matha National College, Kollam was the resource person. She spoke about different competitive exams and job opportunities in the field of Botany.

Talk On Possibilities Of Research And Higher Education

The Department of Botany, Bishop Chulaparambil Memorial College, Kottayam organized a talk on possibilities of research and higher education on 15th February 2024 at room no. 203 at 1:30 pm. Ms Mable Maria Mathew, Ph. D scholar, Department of Biology, IISER Pune was the resource person. Ms Mable told about different competitive examinations that can apply by botany UG Students for getting admissions in national institutes, how to get admission for research in national institutes, benefits of studying in such institutions, different scholarships and fellowships etc. She also spoke about different job opportunities in the field
of Biology.