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

Seven Days Educational Trip

Day 6: Mussoorie and Kempty Falls

On the final day, we travelled to Mussoorie. Our first stop was the Kempty Falls,located about 15km from Mussoorie .Known for itsbreathtaking views and serene environment .The students were captivated by themajestic cascading waterfalls and the surrounding lush greenery .The sound ofwater crashing against the rockscreated a refreshing ambience perfect for relaxation .Later, we

explored the local marketsof Mussoorie, where students observedthe traditional handicrafts and unique local architecture, gaining insights into theregion's cultural and economic landscape. The group strolled along the famousmall road where they enjoyed shopping for local handicrafts,

Conclusion

This educational tour offered a comprehensive experience, blending learning with cultural

immersion. The studentstrip encompassing visitsto Patanjali Botanical Garden, The Ganga Aarti,Rishikesh temples, Dehradun FRI museums and Mussoorie was an enriching andmemorable experience for all participants. Trip provided valuable academicinsights, particularly in botany,

forestry, and environmental sciences.The recreational activities in Dehradun and Mussoorie fostered team bonding and relaxation,making the trip enjoyable for all. Each destination offered unique

insightsinto the naturalbeauty, cultural significance, and spiritual heritageof the region.

Overall,this trip not only fostered camaraderie among students but also encouraged themto appreciate the naturaland cultures wonderssurrounding them. The students returnedwith a deeper understanding of India’s rich heritage, naturalresources, and the importance of conservation, along with memories createdduring this journey will be cherished for years to come, inspiring a greaterappreciation for both nature and heritage .

Excursion Tour to Thirteen Valley for Botany Students of B.Sc.1st year

Introduction
An excursion tour to the Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and biodiversity hotspot, was organized on November 5, 2024, for 41 students from B.Sc. Botany. This educational expedition, made possible through the support of Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) Shri Sandeep Sharma, the Director of GHNP, aimed to expose students to the rich biodiversity of Himachal Pradesh. The trip was further enriched by the participation of Lab Assistant Praveen Kumar and Professor Rajeev Parmar from Banjar College, who joined with a group of students.

Journey to GHNP
The group embarked on their journey at 8:00 a.m., winding through picturesque mountainous roads lined with verdant forests and shimmering rivers, setting the stage for an immersive weekend in nature. Upon arrival at GHNP, we were warmly welcomed by Range Officer Dhyan Ji and guide Govind Thakur, whose in-depth knowledge added significant value to our visit.

Day 1: Exploring the Park
After a hearty lunch, the group embarked on a nature walk. Students encountered a fascinating mosaic of flora, including majestic yew trees, vibrant wildflowers, and rare plants like Taxus contorta. An impromptu session with Govind introduced students to unique local edibles such as Diospyros lotus (Amlok), Cornus capitata (Himalayan strawberry), Pyracantha crenulata, and Rhododendron.

This interaction served as a hands-on ethnobotanical documentation exercise, inspiring students to explore careers in botany, forestry, and ecology. The GHNP’s biodiversity, which includes 832 plant species and 375 faunal species (209 bird species), provided a dynamic learning platform. The trail was also dotted with artificial birds and animals, adding an interactive dimension to the educational journey.

Evening Activities at Sairopa
The day concluded with an enjoyable evening at Sairopa, where students were treated to delicious meals, a campfire, and music. The well-facilitated dormitories, equipped with CCTV, ensured comfort and safety, allowing students to relax and absorb their learning experiences.

Day 2: Visit to Serolsar Lake
The next morning, the group visited the scenic Serolsar Lake, surrounded by oak forests and home to the revered Nagni Mata temple. Legends about sparrows maintaining the lake’s purity added a spiritual dimension to the visit. Although some flora was dormant due to the season, students documented species like Cotoneaster, Cynoglossum, Clematis, and Achillea.

Key Outcomes and Reflections
This field trip was particularly impactful for first-year students, broadening their perspectives and introducing them to interdisciplinary career opportunities in science, conservation, and research. By directly experiencing the region’s biodiversity, students gained a deeper appreciation for the importance of preserving traditional and indigenous knowledge.

Aligned with the New Education Policy’s emphasis on experiential learning and sustainability, this excursion highlighted the potential for integrating modern science with traditional practices. Students left inspired to champion biodiversity conservation and apply their learning to future endeavors.

Acknowledgments
The success of this tour would not have been possible without the proactive efforts of CCF Shri Sandeep Sharma and DFO Sachin, whose meticulous arrangements ensured a smooth and enriching experience. Special thanks to guide Govind Thakur and Range Officer  Parmanand Ji for their invaluable contributions to the students’ learning journey.

Conclusion
The excursion to GHNP was an unforgettable experience that seamlessly blended education with enjoyment. It served as a platform for fostering environmental awareness and inspiring students to pursue careers that contribute to the conservation and sustainable management of biodiversity.

Food Day Celebration.Nursery Plant Raising, Marketing of Platelets, and Preparation of Innovative Value-Added Food Items.

From August to October 2024, a specialized training program was conducted for 250 students of B.Sc. 1st Year Life Sciences and the Skill Enhancement Course in Gardening and Floriculture. The training focused on raising medicinal and ornamental plantlets, while 30 students received additional training in preparing value-added recipes. This initiative aimed at promoting sustainable practices, creativity, and raising awareness of the importance of traditional and healthy food options.

The culmination of these efforts was showcased during the World Food Day celebration, where an exhibition and sale were organized in collaboration with the Botany Department. The students exhibited the plantlets they had raised, along with an array of innovative value-added recipes such as millet noodles, herb-infused momos, herb bhel poori, and fruit chaat.

The event garnered significant attention, attracting more than 400 students, 80 faculty members, 20 media persons, and 50 community members. The exhibition served as a platform to not only highlight the students' creativity but also to promote sustainability in food production and gardening practices.

The Chief Guest, Padma Shri awardee Shri Nekram Sharma, praised the students' efforts and encouraged them to continue engaging in such meaningful activities. The Guest of Honour, Assistant Commissioner of Food Safety, Mr. D.L. Thakur, appreciated the innovative value-added recipes on display. Principal Surina Sharma, along with other faculty members, also visited the exhibition and commended the students for their dedication and hard work.

As a result of their efforts, the plantlets raised by the students were sold for Rs. 3,700, while the value-added recipes earned  profit of Rs. 6,000 through sales. The students not only gained practical experience but also earned recognition and financial reward for their entrepreneurial spirit.

This event was a remarkable success in promoting sustainable practices, showcasing the students' creativity, and fostering community engagement, all while creating awareness about the significance of traditional food and gardening practices. The enthusiasm and participation from the guests and attendees reinforced the importance of such initiatives in building a more sustainable future.