Botany

Shiksha Mandal’s

Bajaj College of Science, Wardha

About the Botany Department:

Department of Botany was established in 1962. The post graduate Department was established in 2003. The Botany Department has received a place for Higher learning and Research, affiliated to RTM Nagpur University, Nagpur in 2012. Prof. V. P. Damle was the founder Principal and the founder Head of Botany Department. Since its inception, the Department was recognized for teaching and research in the various areas of Botany. A well-balanced curriculum consisting theory and practical and qualified faculty has been the hall mark of this Department. Today the department has 03 permanent and 2 contractual faculty members. All the faculty members hold PhD, and some have qualified CSIR-NET, SET, IIT-GATE. The faculty members command high level of respect amongst students because of their excellent teaching and student-friendly nature. Besides teaching, faculty members are also involved in research activities and have published papers in National and International peer reviewed journals. Some have successfully completed major and minor research projects funded by UGC, RGST, Govt. of Maharashtra. Faculty members have active collaborations with scientists from Institutes in and outside India. The overall goal of Autonomous Botany Department is to impart quality education at senior, post graduate level along with continuous efforts on basic and applied aspects of plant science research at doctoral and postdoctoral level.

Highlights of the Department:

• Qualified and experienced faculty
• Well-equipped laboratory, Instrumental facility and Botanical Garden. Click Here

• Recognized as a place for Higher Learning and Research, with capacity of 20 students
• Well functional Botanical Society
• Linkage for student Internship programme with recognized National Research Institutes.
• Guidance centre for CSIR-NET, SET, IIT-JAM, and other competitive exams.
• Organization of the guest lecturers of eminent scientists/academicians
• Organization of Seminars of UG and PG students.
• Placement of students in different organizations.
• Execution of ‘Star College Scheme’ of DBT, Ministry of Science and Technology, Govt. of India
• Students’ participation in intercollegiate seminar, elocution competition, conferences, etc.
• UG students executing their experimental projects under CPE since 2010-11.
• Research papers published by faculty and students in various Journals and in conference proceedings.
• Students’ and faculty undertaking in online SWAYAM courses.
• Implemented Massive Open Online Course using MOODLE/Gnomio software since July 2020.
•  Excursion tour to National Institutes, Industries and Field visits.
• Hands on Training on sophisticated instruments
• Teachers’ and Students’ participation in different extension activities like CWSS, PEC, NSS, NCC, etc.
• Certificate courses in ‘Herbs and Herbal Products’, ‘Statistical analysis using R’ and ‘Mushroom Cultivation’.
• Major Research Project sanctioned by Rajiv Gandhi Science and Technology Commission (RGSTC), Government of Maharashtra of amount Rs. 63,54,300/- to Dr. D.D. Naik

Sophisticated Major Instruments:

   List of Sophisticated Major Instruments – Click Here

• Trinocular microscope
• U V visible Spectrophotometer
•  Single beam spectrophotometer
• Environmental Growth chamber
• Table top refrigerated high-speed centrifuge
•  Analytical weighing balance
•  Tilak air sampler
• Water analysis kit
• Vertical and horizontal laminar air flow
•  Incubating shaker
•  Stereo zoom Microscope
• -20⁰ C Deep Freezer
• Autoclave 100 Lit.
• Magnus Zoom Stereo Trinocular Microscope
• Industrial Refrigerator and Deep Freezer
• Soxhlet Extraction Unit
• Hot Air Oven
• Hot Plate with magnetic Stirrer
• Canon Digital Camera  

Courses/Programmes:

Programmes	No. of Seats
Bachelor of Science in Botany (UG) CBCS	96
Master of Science in Botany (PG) CBCS	22
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D)	20
Certificate Courses
Certificate Course in Herbs and Herbal Products	30
Certificate Course in Statistical Analysis using R	40
Certificate Course in Mushroom Cultivation	30

Research Programme:

Ph. D. – Laboratory recognized as a place for Higher Learning and Research (Ph.D.) by R. T. M. Nagpur University, Nagpur in 2012.

• Total No. of seats allotted in 2012 = 10 
• Total No. of seats allotted in 2022 = 20
• Ph. D. awarded = 05 and Registered = 07

Research Programme- Click Here

S.No.	Name of the Ph.D Scholar	Name of the Guide	Awarded/Submitted/Registered
1.	Dr. Arati Pranjale Ghusse	Dr. K.G. Dube	Awarded
2.	Dr. Rahul S. Nisal	Dr. L.P. Dalal	Awarded
3.	Dr. Sameer V. Deshpande	Dr. L.P. Dalal	Awarded
4.	Dr. Minal Shukla	Dr. K.G. Dube	Awarded
5.	Dr. Swati N. Kalode	Dr. L.P. Dalal	Awarded
6.	Ms. Megha Rahangdale	Dr. L.P. Dalal	Registered
7.	Ms. Smita Raut	Dr. L.P. Dalal	Registered
8.	Mr. Saurabh S. Bondre	Dr. P.F. Dhabarde	Registered
9.	Mr. Rahul A. Narnaware	Dr. P.F. Dhabarde	Registered
10.	Ms. Megha Chandankhede	Dr. P.F. Dhabarde	Registered
11.	Mr. Mohan Kapse	Dr D.D. Naik	Registered
12.	Ms. Bhagyashri Gharjale	Dr D.D. Naik	Registered

Faculty Profile:

S. N.	Name of faculty	Qualification	Designation	Date of Joining	Specialization	Area of Research	Photo
1.	Dr. P. F. Dhabarde https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=K4D03bEAAAAJ&hl=enhabarde	M.Sc., Ph.D.	Head and Associate Professor	22/12/2004	Paleobotany	Paleobotany, Mycology, Angiosperm Taxonomy, Phytochemistry
2.	Dr. D. D. Naik https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=_eIM-_cAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao	M.Sc., Ph.D Post Doc.	Assistant Professor	06/07/2015	Plant Biotechnology	Plant Biotechnology and Plant Physiology, Plant Ecology
3.	Dr. A.A. Maheshwari https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=OjwcD9QAAAAJ&hl=en	M.Sc. Ph.D, NET, GATE	Assistant Professor	02/12/2019	Plant Physiology	Plant Physiology, Angiosperm Taxonomy, Phytochemistry
4.	Dr. S. N. Kalode	M.Sc., M.Phil, Ph.D., B.Ed	Assistant Professor on Contract.	10/08/2013	Reproductive     Biology of Angiosperm	Mycology, Angiosperm Taxonomy
5.	Ms. A. S. Umate	M.Sc.	Assistant Professor on Contract.	18/07/2024	Molecular Biology & Plant Biotechnology	Angiosperms Taxonomy, Stress Physiology, Genetics
6.	Ms. S. D. Dhanule	M.Sc., SET	Assistant Professor on Clock Hour basis	04/07/2024	Molecular Biology & Plant Biotechnology	Plant Physiology, Molecular Biology, Taxonomy
7.	Ms. T.K. Uike	M.Sc., NET, SET	Assistant Professor on Clock Hour basis	03/07/2024	Mycology & Plant Pathology	Mycology, Plant Physiology, Ecology

Supporting Staff:

S. N.	Name	Designation	Experience
1	Mr. Pramod V. Wankhede	Laboratory Assistant	31
2	Mr. Chandrajit S. Chidam	Laboratory Attendant	22
3	Mr. Kanchan Solanki	Laboratory Attendant	12

Highlights of the Syllabus under NEP (2020):

• The curriculum has been revised and constructed in accordance with the stipulations outlined in the National Educational Policy (NEP 2020).
• The curriculum of the Bachelor of Science in Botany program covers fundamental areas of study within the field of plant science. These areas include plant diversity – I and II, plant systematics, cell biology and biostatistics, plant anatomy and embryology, plant physiology, plant biotechnology & Plant Molecular Biology.
• In addition to fundamental core subject knowledge, the curriculum incorporates vocational skill courses (VSC) and skill enhancement courses (SEC) such as mushroom cultivation, horticulture, hydroponics, and medicinal plant cultivation.
• These courses aim to facilitate experiential learning, foster the development of logical, creative, and innovative skills among students, and equip them with the necessary tools to bridge the divide between science, technology, and industries.
• The M.Sc. Botany syllabus has been meticulously developed in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) of 2020, emphasizing a comprehensive understanding of botany through specialized core subjects such as Phycology, Mycology, Genetics, Plant Breeding, Cell and Molecular Biology, as well as elective courses including Tools and Techniques, Angiosperm Taxonomy, and Economic Botany.
• Additionally, to promote a research-oriented environment, a dedicated Research Methodology course has been introduced to enhance students’ comprehension of diverse research facets in the field of Botany.

Major & Minor Research Project by UGC & RGSTC (2006 Onwards):

S. N.	Name of the Faculty	Title of Project	Funding Agency	Year of sanction and amount
1.	Dr. K.G. Dube	Effect of Organic manures, biofertilizers & growth regulators on the productivity of Stevia rebaudiana	UGC	2006 – 2008 55,000/-
2.	Dr. P. F. Dhabarde	Exploration of new Fossiliferous locations from the Deccan Intertrappean Beds of Wardha District (M.S).	UGC	2008-2010 50,000/-
3.	Dr. L. P. Dalal	Exploration of algal flora of two reservoirs of Gandhi District (Wardha District).	UGC	2011-2014 09,06,300/-
4.	Dr. K.G. Dube	Exploration of medicinal plant resources in Wardha district and development of their digitized database for appropriate utilization.	UGC	2011-2014 03,24,000/-
5.	Dr. D. D. Naik	“Investigation on nano preparation of chitosan and chitosan-metal complexes of different molecular weights and their efficacy on sucking pest and leaf/boll eating insects of cotton”	Rajiv Gandhi Science and Technology Commission, Government of Maharashtra (RGSTC)	2020-21 (3.0 lakh)
6.	Dr. D. D. Naik	Sustainable utilization of Medicinal plant Resources in Maharashtra. Sub Project- The effect of cultivation practices, harvesting time, plant phenology and genotypic variations on the quality, biomass, and selected active metabolite levels of medicinal plant species along with promoting medicinal plant farming.	Rajiv Gandhi Science and Technology Council, Government of Maharashtra	2024 Ongoing   63, 54, 300/- (Sixty-three lakh fifty-four thousand three hundred)

Facilities of Botany Department:

I. Laboratories- UG Lab, PG Lab, Research Lab, Instrumentation etc.

Details	Number	Area Sq. ft
Lab. 1 UG B.Sc	1	1352
Lab. 2 PG M.Sc I	1	520
Lab. 3 PG M.Sc II	1	520
Lab. 4 PG M.Sc II Special	1	410
Lab. 5 Research Lab	1	410
Lab. 6 Plant Tissue Culture Lab	1	620
Lab. 7 Museum	1	620
Staff Room	1	520

II. ICT

Types of facility	Number
Computers	04
Printers	01
Internet facility	Available

III. Departmental Library

No. of books	147
No. of Journals	11
No. of Charts	78

Activities of Botany Department:

Academic Session 2022-23

• Botany Department organized visit to GBS Mushroom Farm, MIDC, Chandrapur on 07/09/2022 for students of M. Sc. I and II.  In this one day visit Shri. Prafull Shende who is CEO and international entrepreneur interacted with students about their future planning regarding startup. Their team had given the hands-on training of mushroom production stepwise. (Spawning, straw preparation, bagging and harvesting). They also focused on the nutritional qualities of mushroom products and their marketing strategies, economy.
• Ms. Komal Lende of M.Sc. Sem. III secured 2nd Prize in Online Intercollegiate Photography Competition organized by Dept. of Botany, Mohota Science College, Nagpur on the occasion of World fungus day (2/10/2022).
• Botany Department, BCS Wardha has organized competition, “Trash to Garden” on 10^th October 2022 for M.Sc. students during wildlife week. 22 students participated. Miss. Pooja Thak secured first, Miss Teena Uike second and Miss. Aishwarya Umate & Miss. Divyani Dadmal got 3^rd prize. They reused waste material like thermacol, wires, plastic bottles which are difficult to degrade in environment.
• A talk on “CRISPR-CAS: A new tool for genetic engineering” by Prof. Sujata Bhargava former Head and Professor, Botany Department, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune was organized on 17^th December 2022.
• Visit to 108th Indian Science Congress held at RTMNU, Nagpur on 5^th January 2023. 22 students of M.Sc were present. Students got opportunity to interact with Prof. S.R. Yadav, Department of Botany, Shivaji University, Kolhapur in the Science Congress.
• Botany Department jointly organized “Field and Observational study tour for Problem Identification in Agriculture” on 14^th Jan 2023, at Ramakrishna Bajaj College of Agriculture, Pipri- Wardha.
• Guest Lecture on “A drink, some snuff and a whiff of perfume: Story of Pollination” by Prof. Rajesh Tandon, Professor, Department of Botany, University of Delhi was organized by Department of Botany.
• Ms. Aishwarya Umate, Ms. Tina Uikey from M.Sc.  Sem. IV participated in the competition on the occasion of World Wetland Day held at Shri Shivaji College of Arts, Commerce and Science, Akola on 02 February 2023.Ms. Aishwarya Umate bagged First Prize in this Competition.
• Workshop on “Herbs and Herbal Products” were conducted on 03/02/202.  Students of B.Sc participated to gain knowledge about preparation of new herbal products.  Resource person Dr. Pradeep Saudagar Asst. Prof. in Botany, Arts and Commerce College, Chopda, Dist. Jalgaon conducted the workshop.
• Collector, Wardha District flagged off the campaign of district level startup boot camp which was held in the college on 4th March 2023. Ms. Aishwarya Umate from M.Sc. Sem. IV presented her start-up idea regarding Natural dyes production.
• One day symposium under the theme on Innovative ideas in Science and Technology held at NEERI, Nagpur on 2^nd April 2023, MSc Botany Students Ms. Komal Lende bagged 3^rd Prize in this competition. Her topic was Spawn Production of Oyster Mushroom.

Photo gallery for Academic session 2022-23

Inauguration of Botanical Society	Teacher’s Day
Inauguration of “Herbs & Herbal workshop” by Off. Principal Dr. P.V. Tekade	Hands-on training of herbs & herbal products by Dr. Pradeep Saudagar
A talk on “CRISPR-CAS: A new tool for genetic engineering” by Prof. Sujata Bhargava former Head and Professor, Botany Department, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune	Guest Lecture on “A drink, some snuff and a whiff of perfume: Story of Pollination” by Prof. Rajesh Tandon, Professor, Department of Botany, University of Delhi
Ms. Aishwarya Umate secured 2nd prize in  the competition on the occasion of World Wetland Day held at ShriShivaji College of Arts , Commerce and Science, Akola	Ms. KomalLende bagged  3rd Prize in the competitionon Innovative ideas in Science and Technology held at NEERI, Nagpur
Winners of the Departmental competition “Trash to Garden”	Ms. Sayali Gandait bagged up 2nd prize in “Micromania” competition
Excursion visit & Hands-on to GBS Mushroom Farm, MIDC, Chandrapur	Visit to 108th Indian Science Congress at Nagpur
Visit to Natural dye production industry at Maganwadi, Wardha	Students from PG with Dr. Swati Kalode visited the Book Exhibition in Marathi Sahitya Sammelan

Academic Session 2023-2024

• Botanical society was established for the session 2023-24. This society was inaugurated at the hands of Dr. S. S. Pathak, Professor and Head of Department of Pharmacology JNMC Wardha. On this occasion Dr. S. S. Pathak delivered a guest lecture on the topic ‘Genomics: The basis of Biology and Medicine’.
• Botanical Society on 3^rd August 2023 organized Invited Lecture of Dr. Sagar Pandit, IISER, Pune. It was organized by Botany Department in Association with Zoology, Chemistry and RICH club. He delivered lecture on scientific presentation on “Craving of applied research: Go for Chemical ecology”.
• Field visit was organized to Dhaga forest on 1^st September 2023. Students got first-hand field experience with local plant diversity. In this visit we also visited the forest nursery at Bramhanwada Tal. Karanja.
• K.M.E. Society’s G.M. Momin Women’s College, Bhiwandi in collaboration with Association of Fungal Biologists organized National level fungal photography competition on “Mesmerising fungi in natural habitat” on 2 October 2023 on occasion of World Fungus Day. Archangel Attupurath secured First prize in UG category.
• Prashik Fulmali (M.Sc. I Botany) secured Second Prize in “Botany Fest 2023” held on 3 October 2023 on the occasion of World Nature Day at Kamla Nehru Mahavidyalaya, Nagpur.
• Wild Life Week was celebrated on 6th October 2023. On this occasion the Virtual Jungle Safari of Dudhwa in collaboration with Karavan Heritage and Nature Society, Uttar Pradesh was organized.
• A workshop on 14^th October 2023 was organized on Plant Biotechnology techniques. Dr. Sunil B. Kokane, Molecular Biology Product Specialist, Hi Media, Nagpur. The students got hands on training on PCR techniques.
• Miss Chanchal Nanhe, Miss Pranjali Bhoyar and Miss Mayuri Kapse from B.Sc Sem IV won the 2nd  prize with 3000 rs cash prize for wall making competition in science fiesta organized by Rashtrasant Tukdoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur
• Bajaj College of Science, Wardha (Junior and Senior) organized an Elocution Competition under “Jal Jeevan Mission”, Panchayat Samiti, Wardha on 20 December 2023. Miss. Trupti Pahurkar from M.Sc. Botany Sem. IV got the 2^nd Prize.
• Ms. Saksham Bhagat bagged first prize in oral presentation competition in UG category, and Mr. Rohit Bharadwaj and Mr. Prashik Fulmali from PG received the third prize in the poster presentation competition held on the occasion of Wetland Day on 02 February 2024, organized by Shri Shivaji College of Arts, Commerce and Science College, Akola.
• “Science Model Competition and Exhibition” was organised by the Botanical Society, Zoological Society in association with Rich Club and IIC, Bajaj College of Science, Wardha on the occasion of National Science Day, 2024. Miss. Ekta Kude and Miss. Manasi Chaudhari from M.Sc. Botany Sem. IV got first prize in presenting model prepared from dried flowers.

Photo gallery for Academic session 2023-24

Ms. Saksham Bhagat bagged first prize in oral presentation competition in UG category, and Mr. Rohit Bharadwaj and Mr. Prashik Fulmali from PG received the third prize in the poster presentation competition held on the occasion of Wetland Day on 02 February 2024, organized by Shri Shivaji College of Arts, Commerce and Science College, Akola.

Ms. Trupti Pahurkar and Ms. Rupali Tupkari secured 1^st and 2^nd position from PG  in Biogenius competition 2024 was organized by the Department of Zoology, Bajaj College of Science, Wardha on 23rd February 2024

Ms. Ekta Kude and Ms. Mansi Chaudhari secured first prize from PG in  “Science Model Competition and Exhibition” was organized by the Zoological & Botanical Society in association with Rich Club and IIC, BCS, Wardha

Prashik Fulmali (M.Sc. I Botany) secured Second Prize in “Botany Fest 2023” held on 3 October 2023 on the occasion of World Nature Day at Kamla Nehru Mahavidyalaya, Nagpur

Miss Chanchal Nanhe, Miss Pranjali Bhoyar and Miss Mayuri Kapse from sem IV won the 2nd  prize with 3000 rs cash prize for wall making competition in science fiesta organized by Rashtrasant Tukdoji Maharaj Nagpur University,Nagpur. 28^th February 2024

Academic Session 2024-2025

• Department of Botany organized inaugural ceremony of Botanical Society on 14^th September 2024, Saturday at 10:00 AM. On this occasion, Prof. P. V Tekade, Principal, Bajaj College of Science, Wardha chaired the session. Dr. R. M. Acharya, Guest Speaker inaugurated the society and motivated the students for frequent field visits, flora exploration and to learn and work on adverse effects of pollution on flora surrounding us.
• Botany Fest 2024 was organized by Kamla Nehru Mahavidyalaya, Nagpur on dated 28^th September 2024 on the occasion of World Nature Day. Ms. Chanchal Hadke and Ms. Anshika Hiwarkar of M.Sc.-I won 1^st prize in the category of Miniature Garden, Ms. Rutuja Karluke won 1^st prize in Nature Photography while Ms. Pooja Telang from M.Sc.-II won 1^st prize in Exotic Plant Exhibition.
• On Job Training for M. Sc.-I students of Department of Botany was held at Bajaj College of Agriculture, Pipri. 13 students completed the training during 11^th December to 21^st December 2024.
• Two days’ workshop on “Foundation for Preparation of Competitive Exams” was organized by Bajaj College of Science, Wardha on 8^th and 9^th January 2025 for Chemical sciences, Life sciences and Mathematical Sciences students.
• A field visit to Bajaj College of Agriculture, Pipri, Wardha was organized on dated 25^th January 2025, Saturday by the Department of Botany, Bajaj College of Science, Wardha.
• Bajaj College of Science organized One-day State level Seminar on Recent Trends in Biological and Chemical Sciences on 31^st January 2025. On this occasion Shri. Sanjay Bhargava, Chairman, Shiksha Mandal, Wardha, Dr. P. V. Tekade, Principal, Bajaj College of Science, Wardha were present. Dr. Surendra Ghaskadbi, Former Scientist E, ARI, Pune, Dr. Saroj Ghaskadbi, former HOD, Department of Zoology, SPPU, Pune, Dr. Karthick Balasubramanian, Scientist E, ARI, Pune and Dr. Sujata Bhargava, Former HOD, Department of Botany, SPPU, Pune were the guest speakers. Students from PG Department of Botany were participate in the poster competition. Guests inaugurated the competition and had a look on posters presented by the students. Total 27 students along with 7 faculty members from Department of Botany attended the session. Ms. Shivani Mehare from M. Sc.-II won 3^rd prize for poster presentation.
• One-day National Seminar on Innovative Botanical Research for Sustainable Development (NSIBRSD-2025) was organized by Shri. Shivaji Science College, Akola on dated 1^st February 2025. 7 students and 1 faculty member were participated in poster and oral presentation. Out of them Ms. Sneha Pawankar, bagged consolation prize for oral presentation in the category of PG students and Ms. Aishwarya Umate got 2^nd prize for oral presentation of research paper.
• Department of Botany organized guest lecture on Climate Resilient Water Resource Management on dated 8^th February 2025 at 11:00 am in the Seminar Hall. The lecture was delivered by speaker Dr. Gajanan Khadse, Principal Scientist, CSIR-NEERI, Nagpur.
• Exposure trip to MGIRI, Wardha organized by IIC, in association with Botanical Society, Zoological Society, RICH Club and IQAC, Bajaj College of Science, Wardha on dated 24^th February 2025.
• National Science Day was celebrated on 28^th February 2025 in the Bajaj college of Science, Wardha. On this occasion Science Model Making Competition was organized in the by botanical society in collaboration with Zoological Society and Junior College. A group of five students from M. Sc I Botany Department grabbed 2^nd prize for Hydroponics-Nutrient Film Technique.

Photo gallery for Academic session 2024-25

Inauguration of Botanical Society	Workshop on Mushroom Cultivation
Student’s Participation in Poster and Oral Presentation at Akola	Guest Lecture on Climate Resilient Water Resource Management
Felicitation of Students for Hydroponics Model	Field Visit to RBCA, Pipri