VOC- Agri -Horticulture (Group 1)

The HS First Year students who have opted for the Vocational Course in Agriculture–Horticulture are actively engaged in practical learning. As part of their hands-on training, they have started sowing seeds in their respective plots within the cultivation area. The students have selected a variety of 

 of winter vegetable crops, which will help them understand different aspects of crop growth, duration, maintenance practices, and overall management. Through this activity, they are gaining valuable exposure to real-time agricultural practices and developing essential skills for future horticultural work.

Field Study Conducted by the Department of Botany for Skill Enhancement Course – Nursery and Gardening

On 6th November 2026, the Department of Botany, Namrup College successfully conducted a hands-on practical class and field study for the students of SEC, Semester III (FYUGP), as part of their practical education program.

During the hands-on session, various cutting methods—with and without the use of root hormones—along with the air-layering technique on lemon, guava, and mango trees were demonstrated. Students actively participated by planting leaf and stem cuttings of different ornamental flowering plants and gained practical experience in the process of air layering.

For the field visit, students were taken to the Botanical Garden of Namrup College, where they were introduced to a wide range of horticultural crops, ornamental plants, and indigenous varieties of fruit trees. They also learned about different cultivation, propagation, and maintenance techniques.

This practical learning experience will help students develop the skills required for nurturing plants and inspire creativity in garden design, while also enhancing their understanding of ecosystems and sustainability.

Teachers and students during field study 

Students engaged in practical activities 

Report on Hands-on Practical Classes Conducted by the Department of Botany

The Department of Botany has successfully initiated hands-on practical classes for the Higher Secondary First Year (Agriculture) students as part of their experiential learning programme. The first session focused on field preparation for the raising of seasonal crops, marking the beginning of a series of practical activities designed to enhance students’ agricultural skills.

During this activity, students engaged in the preparation of cultivation plots where they will grow various vegetables and seasonal flowers. The objective of this initiative is to provide students with practical exposure to the complete process of crop production—from land preparation and planting to harvesting and marketing.

After the harvesting phase, students will actively participate in selling their produce in the local market, thereby gaining first-hand experience in marketing and entrepreneurship. Through this integrated approach, the Department aims to develop both management and sales skills, enabling students to understand the economic aspects of agricultural practices.

This practical training will empower every student to raise a nursery or vegetable garden independently and effectively manage its production and sales. The Department remains committed to nurturing students’ practical knowledge, self-reliance, and entrepreneurial spirit through such activity-based learning experiences.

Students in the field 

Workshop on Microbial Culture Technique

Department of Botany and Zoology of Namrup College and Department of Botany and Zoology of Duliajan College under the laboratory facilities of Institional Biotech Hub of Namrup College has organized two day workshop on "Microbial Culture Technique" on 16th and 17th October 2025.

HS 2nd year practical on Floristics Study

The Department of Botany, Namrup College, conducted a field practical within the college campus, which is known for its rich diversity of herbaceous plant species. As part of the practical course and to strengthen field-level understanding, the exercise was organized by Dr. Jayanta Sonowal, Head of the Department of Botany, for the Higher Secondary Second Year Science students. 

Through this activity, beyond the routine laboratory work, an effort was made to acquaint students with species composition in their natural habitats, patterns of distribution, and ecological assessment methodologies. 

A total of eighteen enthusiastic students actively participated in the field experiment and expressed great satisfaction with the valuable hands-on experience they gained.

Students are in the field

Data are collected by students through quadrat sampling

During data collection

Class Seminar

The Botany Department conducted a class seminar for Botany major and minor students on 13-10-2025 at the Conference Hall from 9:30 a.m. onwards. The class seminar is an integral part of the internal assessment for semester students. The number of students who presented seminars is as follows—

1. SEM I (Major)   02 nos.

2. SEM I (Minor)   13 nos.

3. SEM III (Major)  04 nos.

4. SEM III (Minor)  06 nos.

4. SEM V (Major)  03 nos.

5. SEM V (Minor)  03 nos.

Apart from the students, the Departmental Faculty members Dr. Jayanta Sonowal, Dr. Urmika Phangchopi, and Ms. Kakoli Baruah were present. Faculty members from the Zoology Department, Mr. Sajidur Rahman and Ms. Susmita Nag, were also in attendance.

Condolences function at Namrup College

Namrup College organized a heartfelt condolence function today on 20th September 2025 at the morning assembly ground, led by the Botany Department, to pay tribute to the legendary musician Zubeen Garg, who tragically lost his life in an accident on 19th September 2025 at Signature, while on route to perform at the Northeast Festival.​

Background and Purpose

The condolence meeting was convened in response to the untimely demise of Zubeen Garg, a music icon whose influence spanned several decades and touched the hearts of countless admirers. Zubeen Garg, 52, was celebrated for his enormous body of work, which included over 38,000 songs across 40 languages, as well as his role as a cultural ambassador for Assam and the Northeast region. His passing on September 19 sent shockwaves throughout Assam and the broader cultural community, with fans mourning his loss and public institutions organizing tributes and remembrance functions. The condolence function was hosted by Dr. Jayanta Sonowal, Assistant Professor and Head of the Botany Department.​

Event Proceedings

The Botany Department took the initiative to organize the event, reflecting the college's commitment to celebrating and upholding the cultural values Zubeen Garg represented. Faculty members, students, staff, and members of the local community assembled at the morning assembly ground, observing silence and sharing words of remembrance. The program began with the offering of floral tributes before a photograph of Zubeen Garg, followed by speeches from the Principal Dr. Durga Prasad Gogoi. A deep condolence letter was prepared and read out by Principal. Along with senior faculty highlighting his contributions to music, cultural unity, and philanthropy.​

During the ceremony, a brief biography of Zubeen Garg was presented, emphasizing his pioneering efforts in bringing Assamese music to national prominence and his tireless advocacy for social causes. The event also included a group rendition of some of his acclaimed songs, in soulful tribute to his legacy. ​

Community Impact and Reflections

The condolence function was a poignant moment for the entire Namrup College community, symbolizing both a collective sense of loss and gratitude. Attendees expressed their sorrow over Zubeen Garg's tragic end and resolved to keep alive his spirit of unity, artistry, and innovation. Dr. Durga Prasad Gogoi, Principal of Namrup College announced plans to organize future music-related cultural programs in memory of Zubeen Garg, aiming to inspire future generations to pursue creative and meaningful endeavors. He also announced that the Open Stage of the assembly ground will be named as Zubeen Garg Open Stage to memorize him in the college campus.​

Significance

Zubeen Garg's death has sparked widespread mourning, bringing together people across Assam and the Northeast regardless of language or faith, testifying to his unifying effect during times of social tension. Namrup College’s tribute reflects the region’s gratitude for his enduring legacy, setting an example of cultural solidarity and artistic appreciation amid loss.​

What this means for you: As an engaged academic and organizer, participating or leading such memorial events can help foster unity and cultural awareness among students and the broader college community. Consider collaborating across departments to sustain the vibrancy of art and remembrance at Namrup College, using moments like these to inspire future initiatives and instill a sense of belonging and pride among all stakeholders.