Our Correspondent
IMPHAL, March 23
In an effort to enhance the advance scientific knowledge in various sectors of modern biology, a two day National Seminar on advances in Life Sciences has been formally inaugurated at Manipur University(MU) Canchipur in Manipur on Monday.The seminar was organised by Centre of Advanced Study in Life Science(COASILS) of the MU.Vice-Chancellor of the Manipur University Prof HNK Singh was the chief guest of the inaugural function while Head of Department of Life Sciences of Manipur University Prof GKN Chhetry presided over the function. Coordinator of COASILS of the varsity Prof G Jitendra Sharma and Dean School of Life Sciences Prof W Vishwanath also attended as the guests of honour during the function. Speaking on the occasion Vice Chancellor Prof Sarma narrated a brief outline on modern biology by highlighting the issues of stem cell analysis, cognitive function of brain and its discipline etc while Prof Chhetry in his presidential speech expressed the need to share the achievements in the laboratory to the masses for better popularization of the science among the general populace.
In his key note address, Delhi University’s Prof Shashi B Babbar of Botanty department pointed out the need to do barcoding for every life form for a comprehensive study of the concerned plants or living species in the modern biology.
Delhi University professor also informed that about 85 percent of total numbers of life form are yet to be described while just 15 percent have been described in the last 264 years of taxonomy history.
Such powerful tool will help in identifying the plant or animal species and it can be applicable in controlling illegal trade, he felt. Let’s take the example of identifying tiger meat from other form of meat etc, he added.
Earlier two books- ‘Global Warming and Climate Change’ by Prof Asha Gupta of Life Science Department and ‘Butterfly of Manipur’ by M Ingobi and R Varatharajan of Manipur University, were also released along with the seminar souvenir in the day’s function.The second book was published by Biodiversity Board of Manipur.
Many professors, research scholars, students both from the state and outside the state are attending the seminar which is scheduled to conclude on Tuesday.
