Government of Maharashtra
Institute of Science, Nagpur
Per Adruva Ad Astra (By steep and toilsome way towards the stars)
An Autonomous Institute
NAAC Reaccredited ‘A’ Grade in 3rd Cycle with CGPA 3.07
Institute of Science, Nagpur
The Zoological Society "Coral Reef" of the Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Nagpur, continued its legacy of fostering scientific temperament, academic excellence, and extracurricular engagement throughout the academic year 2024-25. Under the esteemed guidance of our faculty members and the active participation of students, the society successfully organized various academic, co-curricular, and social initiatives that enriched the learning experience of the students. Society aims to enrich the co-curricular aspect of the students by conducting various field visits, guest lectures, laboratory visits, competitions, seminars, quizzes etc.
The official committee members of the Zoological Society "Coral Reef" for the academic year 2023-24 were announced as follows:
| Name | Designation |
|---|---|
| VaibhavParashar (M.Sc. II Zoology) |
President |
| Vishal Khadse (M.Sc. I Zoology) |
Vice-President |
| VaishnaviNagdiya (M.Sc. II Zoology) |
Secretary |
| Shraddha Bagde (M.Sc. I Zoology) |
Joint-Secretary |
| NishantUrkude (M.Sc. II Zoology) |
Treasurer |
| Saniya Naik (M.Sc. I Zoology) |
Joint-Treasurer |
The official inauguration of the Zoological Society "Coral Reef" for the academic year 2024 was held on 5th September 2024. The event was graced by the presence of distinguished guests:
| Name | Designation |
|---|---|
| Dr. C. M. Dudhe (Director In-charge, Institute of Science, Nagpur) |
Chief Guest |
| Dr. C. P. Choudhari (Professor, Dept. of Physics) |
Guest of Honer |
| Dr. J. S. Maske | Professor-in-Charge |
| Prof. Dr. K. G. Patil (Head, Dept. of Zoology) |
President |
| Dr. A. K. Kawadkar and Dr. K. S. Janbandhu |
Esteemed Faculty Members |
The inaugural ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the commencement of the society’s activities. Dr. C. M. Dudhe, the Chief Guest, provided valuable career guidance to students, enlightening them about the various opportunities available in the field of zoology. He stressed the significance of interdisciplinary research and how zoologists can play a crucial role in addressing challenges such as climate change, wildlife conservation, and sustainable development. He also motivated students to stay curious, keep learning, and make meaningful contributions to the scientific community.KalyaniKashyap received the Dr. Gopal Krishna Award of cash prize Rs. 5,000 for Merit in M.Sc. 2nd Year Zoology.
Dr. K. G. Patil, in his inspiring speech, emphasized the importance of sincere behavior and effective time management in both academic and professional life. He elaborated on how discipline and dedication are the cornerstones of success, urging students to imbibe these qualities for a bright future. Additionally, he highlighted the role of zoology in addressing pressing environmental concerns and encouraged students to actively contribute to biodiversity conservation. The committee members were felicitated by the Chief Guest, Guest of Honour and President.
The President of the Society, Vaibhav Parashar, delivered the presidential address, outlining the objectives and future plans of the society. Vaishnavi Nagdiya presented the Yearly Report 2023-24, highlighting the key achievements and events of the society.
In addition to inauguration of Zoological Society, Teachers’ Day was also celebrated on same day, which marks the birth anniversary of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, a revered scholar, educator, and former President of India. It is a day dedicated to honoring the invaluable contributions of teachers in shaping young minds and guiding them towards success. The event was a heartfelt tribute to the dedication and hard work of the faculty members of the Department of Zoology. The celebrations concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony as a token of appreciation for the teachers, symbolizing the gratitude and respect the students hold for their mentors. The faculty members were felicitated, and students expressed their admiration through speeches and small tokens of appreciation. This event set the tone for an academically enriching and engaging year ahead, reinforcing the bond between students and teachers while upholding the values of education and mentorship.
Following the inauguration ceremony, the society organized a Freshers’ Welcome Program for the newly admitted M.Sc. Zoology First-Year students. This event, meticulously planned by the seniors, aimed to create a warm and inclusive environment for the newcomers, helping them transition smoothly into their academic journey at the Institute of Science, Nagpur. The program commenced with a formal welcome speech by senior students, introducing the freshers to the department, faculty members, and various academic and extracurricular opportunities available. Faculty members also extended their greetings, sharing words of encouragement and guidance.To foster interaction among students, a series of fun icebreaker games and activities were conducted. These included group-based challenges, quizzes related to zoology, and lighthearted team-building exercises, all designed to help new students feel comfortable and engaged.
Additionally, the freshers were given a guided tour of the Institute, acquainting them with the classrooms, laboratories, library, and other essential facilities. Senior students shared their experiences, offering tips on academics, research opportunities, and overall campus life.The program concluded with a lunch gathering, where faculty members and students interacted in a relaxed setting, fostering camaraderie and a sense of belonging among the new batch. The event successfully set a positive tone for the academic year, ensuring that the freshers felt welcomed and motivated to embark on their journey in zoology.
The Zoological Society "Coral Reef" organized an insightful guest lecture on Animal Tissue Culture on 27th September 2024, delivered by Dr. Shubhangi Puranik, Professor, Department of Zoology, Modern Science of Arts, Science, and Commerce, Shivaji Nagar. The session aimed to provide students with a fundamental understanding of tissue culture techniques and their applications in modern biological research. Dr. Puranik began the lecture by explaining the importance of animal tissue culture in fields such as biomedical research, pharmaceutical testing, genetic engineering, and regenerative medicine. She elaborated on the basic principles, including aseptic techniques, media preparation, and cell growth conditions, emphasizing the need for a controlled environment to maintain cell viability and prevent contamination.
Dr. Puranik also demonstrated the significance of culture media composition, discussing essential nutrients, growth factors, and serum-free media advancements. She further elaborated on the role of tissue culture in cancer research, vaccine production, and drug testing, making it an indispensable tool in modern science. The session was graced by the presence of Dr. Trupti Khedkar, Associate Professor, Nabira Mahavidyalaya, Katol, who actively participated in discussions and provided additional insights into the ethical considerations and future prospects of tissue culture technology.
The interactive session allowed students to ask questions and engage in discussions about real-world applications, making it a highly informative and inspiring experience for aspiring zoologists and researchers.
The Zoological Society "Coral Reef" recently organized an educational field visit to Gorewada Trail Park on 8th February 2025, providing students with a unique opportunity to observe and study diverse wildlife in their natural habitat. The trip aimed to enhance students' understanding of ecology, biodiversity, and conservation efforts. During the visit, participants spotted various species of migratory birds, which visit the region seasonally, along with numerous indigenous species of fishes thriving in the park’s aquatic ecosystems. The group had the chance to witness the ecological interactions between these species and gain valuable insights into their behaviors, habitats, and conservation status along with various Indian native flora and fauna. The visit was conducted under the expert guidance of Dr. J. S. Maske, the professor in charge of the Zoological Society. His expertise helped students develop a scientific perspective on biodiversity conservation and the ecological significance of the Gorewada Trail Park.
Additionally, Rishikesh Dubey, a wildlife enthusiast and an M.Sc. Zoology first-year student, contributed significantly to the learning experience by sharing his in-depth knowledge of fauna. His keen observations and photographic documentation of various species provided students with a visual and analytical understanding of the park’s wildlife. The field visit proved to be an enriching experience for all participants, fostering a deeper appreciation for nature and encouraging further exploration in the field of zoology and wildlife conservation.
The Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Nagpur, in collaboration with the Zoological Society, Department of Zoology, GVISH, Amravati, successfully organized the 19th State Level BioGenius Competition 2025 on March 5, 2025. This prestigious event witnessed enthusiastic participation from Life Science students across Maharashtra, providing them with an opportunity to test their knowledge on a competitive platform equivalent to NET, SET, MPSC, and UPSC exams.
The quiz comprised 100 objective questions, with a time limit of 75 minutes. A key feature of the competition was the no negative marking policy, allowing participants to attempt all questions without fear of penalties. The registration fee was set at Rs.50 per student, making the event accessible to a wide range of students. The competition was open to both Undergraduate (UG) and Postgraduate (PG) students, with separate prize categories for each. The top performers at the state level were awarded the prestigious BioGenius Award, along with certificates of participation for all attendees. The results were announced within two hours of the quiz’s conclusion.
The competition was a grand success, fostering intellectual curiosity and academic excellence among life science students. It provided an ideal platform for participants to challenge themselves, enhance their subject knowledge, and prepare for future competitive examinations. The organizing team, under the guidance of faculty coordinators and event sponsors, ensured the smooth execution of the competition. With another successful edition of BioGenius concluded, the organizers look forward to an even bigger and better 20th edition in 2026, continuing their mission of academic excellence and knowledge enhancement in the field of Life Sciences.
Aman Lade, a talented young artist from Maharashtra, was honored by the Hon’ble President of India, Droupadi Murmu, for his exceptional contributions to tribal art at the prestigious Tribal Art Exhibition held at Rashtrapati Bhavan. His artwork, deeply rooted in the rich traditions and cultural heritage of indigenous communities, received high praise for its authenticity, creativity, and artistic excellence.
Aman’s passion for art is not limited to traditional forms; he has also demonstrated remarkable skill in poster making competitions, securing top positions at various state and national-level events.
3rd Position – Science Festival 2024
Aman secured the third position in the poster-making competition at the Science Festival 2024, organized by Mohta Science College, Nagpur. His artwork creatively depicted scientific themes, highlighting key advancements in science and technology through visual storytelling.
1st Prize – NNTR Poster Making Competition
On the occasion of Global Tiger Day, Aman participated in the poster-making competition organized by Navegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve (NNTR) and emerged as the first prize winner. His poster effectively conveyed the urgent need for tiger conservation, showcasing his deep understanding of environmental issues and his ability to blend art with a powerful message.
Aman Lade’s artistic journey reflects his dedication to preserving tribal culture, while also excelling in scientific and environmental awareness campaigns through his artwork. His achievements not only bring pride to his community but also serve as an inspiration for young artists striving to make an impact through their creative talents. With his national-level recognition at Rashtrapati Bhavan and continued success in art competitions, Aman Lade is undoubtedly a rising star in the Indian art scene, poised to make significant contributions to both traditional and contemporary art forms in the years to come.
Sejal Dhole, a promising young athlete, has made a mark in the world of university and state-level sports competitions, showcasing her exceptional talent and determination across multiple disciplines. Competing in floorball, handball, and tug of war, she has earned recognition for her outstanding performances, securing top positions in prestigious championships.
All India University Women's Championship 2024 – Floorball (3rd Place)
Sejal demonstrated her skill, agility, and teamwork in the fast-paced sport of floorball, securing the third position in the All India University Women's Championship 2024. Competing against some of the best university teams from across the country, she played a crucial role in her team’s success, displaying remarkable precision and strategy throughout the tournament.
All India University Women's Championship 2024 – Handball (3rd Place)
Alongside her achievement in floorball, Sejal also showcased her exceptional handball skills at the All India University Women's Championship 2024, where she helped her team secure third place. Her ability to coordinate swift passes, defend strategically, and make impactful plays contributed significantly to her team’s podium finish.
Senior State Championship – Tug of War (2nd Place)
Sejal’s versatility as an athlete was further proven in the Senior State Championship for Tug of War, where she and her team secured the runner-up position. Competing at the state level against strong and well-trained opponents, she displayed immense strength, endurance, and teamwork, leading her squad to a commendable second-place victory.
Sejal Dhole’s consistent performances across multiple sports disciplines highlight her dedication, athletic prowess, and competitive spirit. Excelling in both individual skill-based and team-oriented sports, she is a true example of versatility in the field of athletics. With her achievements at the national university level and the state championship, Sejal continues to inspire young athletes and is well on her way to achieving greater milestones in her sporting career. Her success serves as a testament to the power of hard work, perseverance, and passion for sports.
