One-day Research Facility Training Program for Researchers on “Diversity Assessment in Plants using Cytological and Molecular Techniques” under SERB Scientific Social Responsibility Policy (SSRP) was conducted at the Department of Botany, University of Jammu, Jammu for the researchers. This policy is associated with SERB project on ‘Assessment of cytological, biochemical and molecular variability in Viola species from Jammu and Kashmir’ funded to Dr. Geeta, organizing secretary and Assistant Professor, Department of Botany, University of Jammu. The main aim of this endeavour is to transfer expertise gained during the project to the researchers.

Dr. Geeta enlightened the gathering about the objectives of SERB sponsored programme. She informed that 18 researchers have registered for this programme as per the mandate of SERB. In brief, five experiments will be performed by the participants in the laboratory during the programme. Dr. Geeta further informed the august audience that participants from different Departments of the University of Jammu and sister universities viz. SMVDU, SKUAST-J and Central University of Jammu will be attending the training program.

Prof. Manoj Kumar Dhar,  Vice-Chancellor, University of Jammu, was the Chief Guest of the inaugural function. While speaking on the occasion, Prof. Dhar appreciated the efforts of the Department for organizing the research training programs which will provide a golden opportunity to the participants to learn practical aspects of the latest Cytological and Molecular techniques for Diversity Assessment and Analysis of Plants. Prof. Dhar emphasized that all the research projects should conduct similar types of training and workshops to disseminate the practical expertise to the researchers and faculty of the Colleges.  

Prof. Geeta Sumbali, Former Dean Faculty of Life Sciences and Former Head, Department of Botany, University of Jammu was the special invitee. Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Sumbali highlighted the importance of understanding different technologies and their significance in optimizing and improving the existing research systems and self-reliance in compliance with the National Education Policy.

Earlier, Prof. Veenu Kaul, Head, Department Botany, welcomed the Chief Guest, dignitaries and participants in her address. Prof. Kaul highlighted the endeavours of the Department in organizing various academic and research programs to inculcate research acumen among the scholars and faculty of different Colleges. Prof. Kaul also congratulated the team of gardeners led by Sh. Hari Chand for securing second prize in the botanical garden contest organized by the SKUAST-J recently. Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor also congratulated the gardeners and emphasized their role in this important achievement. He announced a cash prize of Rs. 1000/- to each of the gardeners as a token of his appreciation for their efforts. Dr. Madhu Raina conducted the proceedings of the function, while Dr. Sikander Pal proposed the formal vote of thanks. Among the others who attended the function included, Prof. Yash Pal Sharma, Prof. Namrata Sharma, Prof. Susheel Verma, Dr. Harish, Dr. Skarma, Dr. Harpreet, research scholars and garden staff.