Pics: Ramesh Pandith
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (CLP)

Mangaluru, Dec 18: A two day national workshop on “DNA Barcoding -Concept and applications" began at Ravindra Kala Bhavan of University College, Hamapankatta here on Thursday December 18.

The two-day National Workshop has been organized by the departments of botany, microbiology and zoology, University College, Hampankatta in collaboration with Paul Hebert Centre for DNA Barcoding and Biodiversity Studies, Aurangabad and Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad.

Prof K Byrappa Vice Chancellor, Mangalore University presided over the inaugural programme.

The programme began with invocation by students, followed by the welcome speech by Prof Sunanda U, principal of University College.

The workshop introduction was given by Dr Bharathi Prakash, organizing secretary, followed by lighting of lamp by vice chancellor and by the dignitaries on the dias.

A souvenir was released by Prof K Byrappa, vice vhancellor of Mangalore University.

The chief guest for the programme, Dr Indrani Karunasagar, director(R&D) from NITTE University in her address said, "This workshop is not only for acquiring knowledge but for developing collaboration. I congratulate the organizers on conducting the wonderful programme. I know G D Khedkar from a very long time, I believe this workshop will be usefull for all."

An early bird prize was given to the first person registered for the workshop, to Uma Maheshwari from Mysore. A total of 115 have registered from various parts of India.

In his presidential speech Prof K Byrappa said, "I am very happy to be here to inaugurate the programme. As we do not have a separate department in University College for Biotechnology, we are planning to open one as soon as possible. A small centre for DNA Barcoding and Biodiversity Studies has to be opened here, as 43 percent of the herbal medicines are produced from Western Ghats. I call all the 115 members present here to utilize this workshop, as Khedkar and his team have come here with lots of information. Please enjoy your stay here in Mangaluru."

The chief resource person for this training is Dr G D Khedkar, director, Paul Hebert Centre for DNA Barcoding and Biodiversity Studies, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University Aurangabad.

Dr, Nagarathna K A (department of zoology), Dr Siddaraju M N (department of botany) were also present on the occasion.

Dr Shobha proposed the vote of thanks.