World Wetlands Day Celebration at Namrup College

On February 2, 2025, the Department of Botany and Zoology at Namrup College, in collaboration with the Institutional Biotech Hub, organized a field visit to various wetland areas in the suburbs of Namrup to commemorate World Wetlands Day. This initiative aimed to raise awareness among local communities and students about the significance of wetlands, their rich biodiversity, the alarming loss of these ecosystems, and the urgent need for conservation efforts.

Objectives of the Program

The program was designed with several key objectives:

• Awareness Raising: Educate participants about the ecological importance of wetlands and their role in supporting biodiversity.
• Biodiversity Education: Highlight the diverse species that depend on wetland habitats and the threats they face due to environmental changes.
• Conservation Advocacy: Discuss the critical need for wetland conservation to protect future generations from ecological degradation.

Leadership and Support

The event was led by Dr. Jayanta Sonowal, Head of the Botany Department and Principal Investigator of the Institutional Biotech Hub. He was supported by:

• Dr. Urmika Phangchopi, Assistant Professor of Botany
• Ms. Kakali Baruah, Assistant Professor of Botany
• Dr. Susmita Thakur, Assistant Professor of Zoology

Their expertise and guidance were instrumental in conducting informative sessions throughout the program.

Participation

Students from both the Botany and Zoology departments actively participated in the field visit, engaging in hands-on learning experiences that emphasized the importance of wetlands.

Program Activities

The field visit included:

• Exploration of Wetland Areas: Participants observed various wetland ecosystems, gaining insights into their biodiversity and ecological functions.
• Interactive Discussions: Faculty members facilitated discussions on the current threats facing wetlands, including pollution, habitat loss, and climate change impacts.

Photographs

Conclusion

The World Wetlands Day program at Namrup College successfully highlighted the critical importance of wetlands and fostered a sense of responsibility among students and local communities towards their conservation. Through education and engagement, this initiative aims to inspire ongoing efforts to protect these vital ecosystems for future generations.

Students' Orientation for New session

On January 23, 2025, the Department of Botany organized an orientation program for new semester students, marking a significant event in the academic calendar. Dr. Jayanta Sonowal, the Department head, led the program and provided an insightful overview of the course outlines and strategic plans for the upcoming session.

Overview of the Orientation Program

Key Highlights:

• Introduction by Dr. Jayanta Sonowal: Dr. Sonowal emphasised the importance of understanding the curriculum and how it aligns with the department's goals. His presentation set a positive tone for the session, ensuring students grasped the expectations and opportunities ahead.
• Faculty Contributions: Other faculty members, including Dr. Urmika Phangchopi and Ms. Kakoli Baruah, also addressed the students. They elaborated on specific syllabi and detailed action plans designed to enhance students' learning experiences throughout their studies.

Objectives of the Program

The orientation aimed to:

• Familiarize new students with the academic structure and resources available within the Department of Botany.
• Outline key strategies that will be implemented during the semester to foster a conducive learning environment.
• Encourage interaction between faculty and students, promoting a collaborative educational atmosphere.

Importance of Faculty Engagement

Faculty members' involvement in this orientation underscores their commitment to student success. By sharing their insights and outlining departmental strategies, they aim to create a supportive framework that empowers students to excel in their academic pursuits.

Conclusion

This orientation program not only served as an introduction to the semester but also reinforced the department's dedication to providing quality education and support for its students. As they embark on this new academic journey, students are equipped with essential knowledge about their courses and the resources available to them, setting a promising foundation for their future endeavors in botany.

World Environment Day, 2024

 Theme "Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience"

Department of Zoology along with Department of Botany in collaboration with the IQAC and NSS-Unit, Namrup College organized a three hour talk-cum-discussion on the theme "Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience" on the occasion of The World Environment Day, 2024. The programme was inaugurated by Dr. Durga Prasad Gogoi, Principal, Namrup College with a short speech on the topic.

The programme was organized by members of Green Life Society, Dept. of Zoolozy, where students were given opportunity to anchor (Ms. Rini Talukdar) the event and gave some presentations from their parts.Mr. Pranjal Nanda, Mr. Sourav Tasa and Mr. Pranjal Dhatumia(all 6th SEM) put their ppt presentations related to the topic, while Mr. Hijam Homendro Singh, HoD, Dept. of Zoology, gave an overall scenario on the functioning and deteriorating conditions of the earth's ecological systems impacted from human's exploitive nature of natural resources for want of economic returns.

Ms. Pranita Rajkhowa, Asst. Prof., Dept. of Economics, delivered a short interactive speech on why we need to study and practically apply the principle of sustainability in all works of life to save the earth for all of us. Dr. Jayanta Sonowal. HoD, Dept. of Botany and also Asst. Coordinator, IQAC, Namrup College, opined that our EVS starts from home, and it is everyone's responsibly that we manage and preserve biodiversity for our own very existence.

All participants took pledge that they all would start doing small things to minimize impacts on the earth by way of using eco-friendly products for their gardens, planting more trees in their lands and reduce the use of plastics in personal levels. They also expressed that they will spread the message to friends and neighbours that we need to minimize non eco-friendly products on day today basis and need of planting more trees for our better future.

A total of five (5) teachers and fifty six(56) students participated the event.

The programme came to an end after Vote of Thanks delivered by Ms. Rini Talukdar

Banana sapling plantation

On June 19, 2024, a collaborative effort between the Departments of Botany and Zoology, and the NSS Unit of Namrup College, along with the Department of Botany, Eco Club, and NSS Unit of Tingkhong College, led to a significant plantation event at Dihing Patkai National Park in the Dangori Kumar area, an identified human-elephant conflict zone. This initiative saw the planting of 30 indigenous Bhim Kol banana saplings and the sowing of rice seeds in the open areas within the forest. Such measures are essential steps towards mitigating human-wildlife conflicts.

This marks the first joint initiative by both colleges in addressing the complex issue of human and wildlife coexistence. Through this action, the organizers aim to inspire future generations to participate in conservation efforts and understand the critical role of wildlife in ecosystem management.

From Namrup College, Dr. Jayanta Sonowal, Assistant Professor and Head of the Botany Department, and Mr. Sajidur Rahman, Assistant Professor of the Zoology Department, along with students from the Botany, Zoology, and NSS Units, participated enthusiastically. Tingkhong College was represented by Dr. Mouchumi Gogoi, Principal; Ms. Parinita Devi Nath, Head and Assistant Professor of the Botany Department; Mr. Jonardan Hazarika, Assistant Professor of the Botany Department; students from the Botany Department, Eco Club, NSS Unit; and reporters from NewsLive, NK TV, and Dy365.

The program was a resounding success, and we are optimistic about conducting more such awareness initiatives with the support of all stakeholders in the future.

We extend our sincere gratitude to the Beat Forest Officer and the employees of the Namrup Forest Office for their technical and security support during the event. We hope for their continued support for the greater benefit of both people and wildlife.

Awareness programme on "Environment and Soil Moisture Conservation

             An awareness program on “ Environment Conservation and Soil Moisture Conservation” was organized by department of Botany, Zoology, and NSS unit in collaboration with Forest department (under Jeypore range) & AARANYAK on 25th of May 2024 in the Seminar Hall from 12:00 noon onwards.                 The programme was graced by a total audience of 125, which comprised of 5 forest officials, 6 AARANYAK members, 6 teaching faculties and 108 students. The awareness programme was conducted to celebrate the upcoming “World Environment Day”. The programme hosted by Ms Kakoli Baruah, (Assistant Professor dept of Botany) began with inaugural speech by Dr. Durga Prasad Gogoi, Principal, Namrup College. He expressed his happiness for organising the awareness programme on such a burning issue. 

        Mr H. H. Singh, H.O.D and Associate Professor Dept. of Zoology bestowed his wisdom and valuable insights on soil moisture conservation. Mr Zakir Islam Bora, Assistant Manager, Elephant Research and Conservation Division Dibrugarh, AARANYAK delivered a wonderful lecture on Environment Conservation. Mr Ejaj Ahmed, member of AARANYAK gave an enlightening speech on Elephant human conflict. 

            The entire session gave several eye opening insights to the young minds. The beaming faces of the students seemed satisfied with the programme and it ended around 1:30pm with vote of thanks conveyed by Ms Kakoli Baruah.

International Day for Biodiversity 2024

On the occasion of the globally significant event, "International Day for Biodiversity," Namrup College observed the day under the organization of the Botany and Zoology departments in collaboration with IQAC, Namrup College. The main objective of this awareness program was to disseminate the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) action plan message to the local communities, emphasizing the restoration of degraded biodiversity and the conservation of our planet through targeted action plans for 2030 and 2050.

In connection with these objectives, we assigned our Class 11 and 12 students the task of collecting various seeds, fruits, medicinal plant specimens, etc., used in their daily diets. A group of students collected and exhibited the samples used in their households.

Based on the collected samples, Dr. Jayanta Sonowal, Assistant Professor & HoD of the Botany department, explained the concept of biodiversity, its importance in human life, and the urgent need for its conservation for future generations.

The program was further enriched by a speech from Mr. H. H. Singh, HoD of the Zoology department, who shared his extensive experience in the region regarding the threats to butterflies, indigenous fishes, and other local species. He emphasized the importance of student involvement in biodiversity conservation strategies.

The program commenced at 10:00 AM and concluded at 11:00 AM. A total of 67 students participated and were motivated to contribute to biodiversity conservation and create awareness in society. In addition to the students, faculty members from the Botany and Zoology departments and junior researchers from the Biotech Hub were also present at the program.

Click here to view program video