Workshop in modern biology
The PG and Research Department of The American College, Madurai, conducted a workshop in modern biology from January 19 to 21 in which eminent scientists addressed 125 participants from various educational institutions. In his inaugural address, K. Muthuchelian, former Vice-Chancellor, Periyar University, emphasised the need for trained human resources to improve the status of modern biology. M. Davamani Christober, Principal, presided over the inaugural session. D. J. Bagyaraj in his address elaborated the role of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in improving the uptake of phosphorous by plants and protecting the roots against pathogens.
VR. Muthukkaruppan, former Vice-Chancellor, Bharathidasan University, explained how the eye acted as an immunologically privileged site and the mechanism involved in corneal allograft acceptance. He also spoke on pre-diabetes, diabetes and diabetic retinopathy. T. J. Pandian explained how spores and seeds could be kept in a dormant state for millions of years and the role of microbiologists in improving the nitrogen fixation of plants.
K. Thangaraj narrated the various methods in gene sequencing and applications of gene sequencing in evolutionary forensics, diagnostics and therapeutics. G. Kumaresan spoke on human genomics, identification of genetic markers for various diseases, clinical conditions and drug responsiveness.
R. Paramasivan spoke about vector-borne diseases and their control measures. Vanniarajan explained the genes involved in cancer and phenotypic expression. K. Navaneethakannan spoke about modern biology. A. Joseph Thatheyus, UG Head, Department of Zoology, proposed a vote of thanks.
Republic Day celebrated
Republic Day was celebrated with fanfare at Annai Fatima College, Tirumangalam, On January 26. M. S. Shah, president of the college, in his address said that each student should feel proud to have the national flag in the hand, head and heart. Principal P. Navaraj said that the Republic Day focussed on the advancements made by India in all spheres. Vice-Principal Kamatchi and Dean Boominathan also spoke.
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Republic Day celebration at Rev. Jacob Memorial Christian College, Ambilikkai, had a unique display of the national flag with caps of cold drink bottles on January 26. The display, measuring 600 square feet, was organised by the Department of Mathematics with 87000 caps of the cold drink bottles collected by students.
Lectureship eligibility skills
Research Centre in Tamil and Alumni Association of Tamil Department, Standard Fireworks Rajaratnam College for Women, Sivakasi, conducted a workshop on ‘Lectureship eligibility skills’ on January 12 as part of extension activity. D. Sasireka, Principal, presided over the inaugural session. B. Ponni, Head, Department of Tamil, welcomed the gathering. The resource persons included S. Dhanalaskhmi, Assistant Professor; D. Kasi of District Institute of Education and Training, Palayampatti, and S. Gnanaprakasam, Assistant Professor of Mathematics, Government Polytechnic College, Andipatti. One hundred and eleven students from four colleges participated in the workshop.
Nurturing talent
The Physically Challenged Care Wing of Sri Kaliswari College, Sivakasi, conducted a lecture on 'Realise your potential' by S. Amutharani, Head, PG Department of Commerce, for alternatively abled students on January 19. She motivated the students to identify their potential and nurture their talent. M. Uma Maheswari, a visually impaired student, shared her difficulties.
Patti Thatha Manavar Kuzhu of the college organised a lecture on ‘Protection of senior citizens’ by N. R. Nagarajan of the Department of Commerce on January 12. Dr. Nagarajan brought to fore various welfare and security measures for senior citizens in India. He also explained the salient features of the National Policy on Senior Citizens 2011. E. Kiruthika, Coordinator, welcomed the gathering and M. Chellapandiraja proposed a vote of thanks.
On pollution control
Departments of Physics, Electronics and Communication and Biotechnology of Dr. Umayal Ramanathan College for Women, Karaikudi, organised a national seminar on ‘Nanotechnological approaches in pollution control’ recently. The resource persons, who delivered lectures on various aspects of pollution control, included B. Ramesh Babu, Senior Principal Scientist, Central Electrochemical Research Institute, Karaikudi; B. Gideon, Chief Scientific Officer, Liatris Bioscience, Kochi; P. Rameshthangam, Assistant Professor in Biotechnology, Alagappa University, and J. Mathiyarasu, Principal Scientist, CECRI.
Head, Department of Physics, M. Meenakshi, welcomed the gathering and L. Visalakshi, Vice-Principal, delivered the presidential address. J. Chitra, Head, Department of Biotechnology, proposed vote of thanks. Over 300 woman students from various colleges participated in the seminar.
Entrepreneurship development programme
An entrepreneurship development programme was inaugurated at Arasan Ganesan Polytechnic College, Sivakasi, by Ramadass, Placement Officer, Sri Kaleeswari College, on January 24. He explained the importance of entrepreneurship and funding support available for entrepreneurs. A. Parasasivam, Internal Coordinator, CDTP Scheme, explained the objectives of the programme. M. Nandakumar, Principal, delivered the presidential Address. K. Kalimuthu, Community Development Consultant, proposed a vote of thanks.
Sports day celebrated
The 49th Sports Day of Sivakasi Lions Matriculation Higher Secondary Sivakasi, was declared open by S. Saravana Babu, an alumnus, on January 13. Dr. Saravana Babu also gave away medals and prizes to winners of various events. A. Nagarajan, president of the Lions Club of Sivakasi, hoisted the Olympic Flag. Correspondent K. Prabakar welcomed the gathering. S. Sakkaravarthi, Physical Education Teacher, presented the sports report. Students presented a colourful drill and dance performance. P. Arun Kumar became the School Champion of 2017. Principal Aiyavoo Thangamony proposed a vote of thanks.
Annual day held
S. Suthandiralakshmi, Lions District Governor, addressed the students and distributed prizes for academic proficiency at Srivi Lions Matriculation Higher Secondary School’s 38th Annual Day recently. School Captain Tamil Malarmathi welcomed the gathering. Principal A. Sudhakaran presented the annual report. Students also presented a colourful cultural programme on the occasion.
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The Annual Day of Royal Group of Schools was held on January 26 at Vilangudi, Madurai. Solai P. Raja, vice-president, Tamil Nadu Olympic Association, addressed the students and distributed prizes. The children took part in a cultural programme. Correspondent Shakila Devi Rajaram presided over the celebration.
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Mepco Schlenk Schools, Tirumangalam, celebrated their 20th Annual Day on January 19. S. Renga Rajan, Joint Commissioner of Income Tax, the chief guest, in his address, highlighted the need for character building. Principals M. Parameswari and K. Ameelia Luckshiba Karoline presented the annual report. S. Baskaran, adviser, addressed the gathering. Meritorious students, toppers of public examinations, teachers who had produced cent per cent results and those who had put in 5,10 and 15 years of service were felicitated by correspondent D. Singaravel. The children presented a colourful cultural programme. A. Lavanya, Vice-Principal, proposed a vote of thanks.
