MBSI in collaboration with School of Biotechnology, Jammu University organized a poster making competition

Microbiology, as a field of study, delves into the intricate world of microorganisms, playing a crucial role in various aspects of human life, agriculture, and industry. With the theme "Contribution of Microbiologists in Healthy Republic Indian", Microbiologists Society, India (MBSI) in collaboration with School of Biotechnology, Jammu University organized a poster making competition on the 30^th January 2024. The aim of this poster making competition was to drive these young minds to highlight the often-unsung contributions of microbiology in shaping a healthier and more resilient nation.

The students from the Faculty of Life Sciences embarked on a creative initiative to illuminate the invaluable "Contributions of Microbiologists in Promoting a Healthy Republic India." The posters made by the students showcased the significant impact of microbiologists in various domains, such as healthcare, agriculture, and environmental sustainability. From breakthroughs in disease prevention to ensuring food safety and security, the students aim to raise awareness about the multifaceted contributions that microbiologists make to the well-being of the nation.

Prof. Sanjana Kaul, Director School of Biotechnology, shared some encouraging words with the audience. Prof. Kaul expressed her gratitude to MBSI for organizing such an innovative activity within the School. She highlighted the importance of conducting such activities, fostering a spirit of curiosity and academic engagement among the students. She emphasized that such initiatives not only serve as a platform to showcase the depth and breadth of microbiological advancements but also encourages the broader community to appreciate the crucial role these scientists play in maintaining a robust and healthy Republic India. Through their creativity and dedication, these students greatly understood and recognized the vital work carried out by microbiologists, fostering a sense of pride in the contributions that science makes to our daily lives and more of such activities must be organized within the School of Biotechnology.

The event culminated with a momentous prize distribution ceremony where the best students and best Scholars nominated by MBSI society evaluation committee as well as students selected for poster making competition. The first position was secured by Ritika of Environmental Sciences department of Jammu University; second position was secured by Visheshta, 1^st Semester M.Sc Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology; Third position by Akash Deep Motton, 4^th Semester M.Sc Microbiology, School of Biotechnology and the certificate of appreciation was secured by Himanshi, 1^st Semester, Biochemistry, School of Biotechnology.

The formal vote of Thanks was delivered by Dr. Madhulika Bhagat, the State President (UT of Jammu and Kashmir), MBSI, expressing gratitude to Prof. Sanjana Kaul for her continuous support to make this event happen. She further proposed to continue organizing similar activities at various platform, ensuring a sustained commitment to fostering scientific curiosity and academic excellence.

The program was coordinated by the members of MBSI committee Dr. Madhulika Bhagat, Dr. S. Bharathiraja, Dr. Sheetal Ambardar, Dr. Mridhu Sharma, Shajaat Hussain, Isar Sharma, Ashish Raina, Sushmeeta, and Ankita. Additionally, members from the School of Biotechnology, including Dr. Ritu Mahajan, Dr. YashPal Khajuria, and Dr. Sakshi Sharma, also played a key role in coordinating the program and making it a huge success.