WALKING EVERYDAY IS A GOOD EXERCISE.....

Benefits of walking everyday, from health point of view, are highlighted everywhere. There are numerous sites enlisting the advantages of walking and the major benefits are said to be the following-

1. While walking, the functional parts of our body such as head, eyes, ears, nostrils, lungs, heart, kidney and limbs are physically set in motion. More we walk, more these parts get activated. On a regular walk, our body parts get rhythmically vibrated.

2. We sweat on walking; that is a sign of biological burning of stored excess calories in the body, fat or carbohydrate.

3. On walking, not only one becomes physically fit and active but also mentally pleased. Such pleasant minds form the base for good work and better attitudes.

I started regular walking (everyday) since my school days.... After completing 5^th Class in 1959 in an elementary school located in the neighbourhood of our ancestral house Darbhe in Irde village, Karnataka State, I walked everyday about 6 km from our house for higher elementary and high schools. A young boy, commuting a distance of 12-14 km everyday was not an issue those days. I had no other options either. In the fifties and sixties, there were no higher-level schools nearby. Neither there were motorable roads nor descent walkable tracks in our villages.  The walking trails to high schools traversed through numerous ups and downs, narrow valleys, undulating hilly terrains, bunds of paddy fields, areca and cashew plantations and seasonal and perennial running streams some of them with shaky hanging bridges. From 6^th to standard 10, I walked the distance everyday barefoot. Those were the days; time spent and exertions due to walking were not issues pondered at all...

For Higher education, I moved out of our village and shifted to Mangalore and Chennai cities. Later, on employment and scientific researches, I even went abroad several times. Yet, I didn't stop walking. Rain or sun, within or outside India, I walked everyday morning, about 4-5 km, which I continued all along in Goa.... Essentially, I walked all through......   

Ever-changing life-styles and habits have continuously impinged on our daily routines. In such demanding times, regular walking not only will keep us physically fit but also mentally positive. Positive minds will lead to good work done always...

D. Jayarama Bhat

INCREASING TRAFFIC WOES, EVERYWHERE.......

I had a 2-wheel scooter in the nineties and in which all four of us, my wife, daughter, son and myself, used to ride a distance of about 6 km to Panaji city from Goa University campus via Taleigao, almost twice a week, especially to purchase our regularly used provisions and vegetables. Goa University was fairly new then and, with no shops around and hardly any public transport facility, scooter ride was inevitable to Panaji city. Rain or sun, we rode the scooter, for nearly a decade! A 4-wheel drive car got into our fold towards end of nineties. Traffic was much less then, be it Panjim city or on national highways. Also, everyone was careful on the road.  It is indeed astonishing when looked back; we drove about 270 thousand kilometers in our cars last sixteen years. These are now history...

First decade of this century, lot of water flew in the rivers of our country. Several vehicle manufacturing companies set up shops in India and at periodic intervals rolled out attractive 4-wheel drive speedsters, from nano to high-end sedans. Similar has been the 2-wheelers. Vehicles were sold at competitive prices. There are affordable car loans and attractive exchange offers. Today, one can own a vehicle of choice at ease.....

What about the roads? Though 4-lane and 6-lane motorways were initiated in some parts of our country in the beginning of last decade, not much water has flown in this regard everywhere. Road building did not match the car building. Even those roads built earlier did not see enough repairs and asphalts, especially in the suburban and rural sectors. It was mostly patchwork repairs everywhere. Net result is numerous vehicles on the roads and chaotic traffic due to narrow and bad roads......

Come to Panaji city. Hundreds of 2- and 4-wheel drive vehicles zoom from all corners to the State capital. Everyone is in a hurry; vehicles overtake from front, left and right sides in equal speed and alacrity. One will be lucky if manages to cross the road easily in our cross roads and traffic circles in Panaji and in any corner of the city. Almost all traffic circles and cross roads get clogged with vehicles most often, especially office hours. There are no operating traffic signal lights, in most circles, even in peak hours. It is worrisome and needs immediate attention.....

We drove to Mangalore during Diwali holidays. I avoided the first day thinking that there would be heavy traffic on the road. Surprisingly, other days were no better. The coastal highway from Panaji to Mangalore through all major towns, viz. Karwar, Kumta, Honnavar, Bhatkal and Udupi, the road was full of vehicles, round the day. Like me numerous others; it looked as though everyone was on the road. Vehicles sped in such hurry in all directions and on all sides. I took more than 9 hours to reach Mangalore, a distance of 360 km which we used to cover in 7 hours earlier. Fortunately, the coastal highway from Karwar to down south is now getting widened and will soon become a 4-lane highway.

I had visited some cities and suburbans of northern Thailand and Dubai during past 4 years. These places are marked by well-planned, well-laid and sufficiently wide roads and efficiently managed traffic. Unlike us, people over there exhibit lot of patience and decency on the road and none violates traffic rules.

We in India need strict traffic regulations and road management. Otherwise, in the coming days, it will be more and more chaotic on the roads....

D. Jayarama Bhat                  

Mongoose: A curious animal.....

 

Second day of our stay in Varanasi, last week; we were waiting in the university guest-house for a vehicle to go to Saranath, 20 km away from BHU. Beautiful lawn in front and well-laid hedge plants around, I was watching the numerous, small, cute, yellow seasonal weedy flowers on the ground. Initially buds but the tiny flowers opened slowly as the sun came up. All of a sudden, a small squirrel-sized creature giggled around and chuckled near my feet. I sensed curious but the animal vanished into nearby bush. I stood undisturbed for a while. The animal reappeared and it was a young, pretty mongoose. It moved around swiftly, climbed up and down the parapet, stood upright on hind legs, went below a parked car and swiftly came back near to me. I clicked a couple of pictures from close, to show to my grand-daughter.....

 

On return to Goa, I looked into literature and gathered a few facts. Zoologically known in the genus Herpestes, mongoose belongs to mammalian Family Herpestidae. It is  indeed a large family. What I saw was an Indian grey mongoose, Herpestes edwardsii. Mongooses are small carnivores, known world over. It seems the name “mongoose” is derived from the Marathi word ‘mungoos’. Though mongoose is native in Asia and Africa, in many countries they were introduced in the early times as a bio-control agent against rats which destroy agriculture produces in the rural. Mongoose size ranges from a big garden lizard to a medium-sized cat. Some species live single but most move around in small groups, especially while hunting and caring offspring.

 

Mongooses have slightly long face, sharp eyes, rounded ears, strong body, thick and furry coat, short legs and long furred tail. They feed on insects, earthworms, frogs and rodents and are active during the day.  It is well known that mongooses fight with snakes, especially cobra and kill them. They have receptors for acetylcholine and thereby protected from snake venom.  It may be a rare sight today, even in the villages, but in our childhood I had often seen snake charmers using pet mongooses at mock fights with snakes.

 

Everything that we see around, big or small, mobile or sedentary, terrestrial or aquatic, ground or aerial is interesting and amusing. This is a curious world... One needs the vision to look at and mind to envision.... 

Let the festival of lights brighten up everyone's lives. Wishing all my friends a happy Diwali and a prosperous year ahead..... 

 

 

D. Jayarama Bhat

A visit to Varanasi.....

On an invitation from Department of Mycology & Plant Pathology, Institute of Agriculture Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, I went to Varanasi early this week for 2 days, delivered two guest lectures and discussed with students and staff of the department on biology and taxonomy of agriculturally important fungi. My wife accompanied me and we saw a little of Varanasi, on the sidelines of my stay.

Varanasi

The city of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, located on the bank of river Ganga, is the centre of learning of Indian culture, ancient literature, Vedas, music, science, technology and architecture. The city is the symbol of Hindu renaissance and had a special role in the development of our national language Hindi. Sant Tulsi Das wrote the Hindi version of revered Ramayana, ‘Ram Charit Manas’, in this city. Varanasi, also known as Kashi or Banaras, is famous for Shri Vishwanath Mandir and pious pilgrim Ghats on the bank of Ganga, which include Dashashwamedh, Manikarnika, Harischandra and Assi Ghats, to name a few. Lord Buddha preached his first sermon of enlightenment at Sarnath situated at a distance of 20 km from Varanasi. The city is also famous for fine quality Banaras silk saris and muslin clothes.

How this visit came through.....

In the first half of September 1994, we had organized a 10-day duration hands-on workshop entitled ‘Techniques in Aquatic Fungi’ at Department of Botany, Goa University. Dr. Ram Dayal, a specialist on zoosporic soil fungi and distinguished Professor of Mycology & Plant Pathology at BHU was a Resource Person at our workshop. Ten-day long stay in Goa University campus and continued academic interactions, Prof Ram Dayal became a close friend to us. An authority on nematophagous zoosporic soil mycota, Prof. Dayal and his students wrote several research papers and a couple books on these fungi. Before leaving, Dr Dayal invited us to Varanasi and further carefully followed up the matter along with his colleague Prof. Asha Sinha. Twice they invited me earlier but I couldn't make it. Three months ago, Prof. Sinha extended a fresh invitation to deliver two guest lectures in her Department. Now retired from service, I thought that we visit Varanasi, meet Prof Ram Dayal who is now 86 and have a darshan of Lord Vishwanath. That is how we went to Varanasi early this week.....

Guest lectures at Mycology & Plant Pathology Department, Inst. Agric Sciences, BHU.

I delivered my first lecture entitled ‘The Fungi...., addressing global challenges’ on 3^rd Nov 2015 wherein I traced the historical perspectives of fungi, researches made over the time and recent advances in harnessing fungal power to human advantage. On the next day, I lectured on ‘Advances in Taxonomy of Fungi’ in which I elaborated on the past, current advances in phylogenic studies and future of fungal taxonomy.  Both lectures were well-received. Besides, I went around the Department and discussed with staff and research scholars on thrust area of their researches, viz. fungi-mediated biodegradation of organic matter, bio-control of crop pests and diseases using antagonistic fungal formulations and of course nematode–trapping lower fungi. The Department of Mycology & Plant Pathology has done credible work and published valued papers. The department is presently headed by Prof H.B. Singh, my good friend and specialist on antagonistic Trichoderma formulations.

Farmers fair

Coincidence it was, I witnessed a grand ‘Farmers fair’ organized by the Institute of Agriculture Sciences, BHU, on the same day. More than 50 agriculture stalls, numerous farmers, well-displayed produces, the fair is a testimony for high agriculture productivity in the gangetic plains of Uttar Pradesh.

Banaras Hindu University campus.

We stayed at University guesthouse in Varanasi. The BHU campus, spread over 4000 acres on the bank of Ganga, Is one of the largest educational institutions in Asia in terms of its academic activities, number of departments, learning centres and student strength. Well-laid roads, lush green parks, tall trees, expansive buildings, several hostels and a replica of Vishwanath temple, the campus is bubbling with vibrant activities. Naturally, one needs extra time to go around and see the whole place. 

City of Varanasi, Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Dashashwamedh Ghat

Evening of first day, we saw the city of Varanasi, especially Kashi Vishwanath temple and Dashashwamedh Ghat. Roads in Varanasi are most crowded with vehicles of all kinds, from carts and cycle-rickshaws to high-end sedans and people of all kinds, pilgrims, business men and tourists. Narrow lanes leading to the temple and river ghats in Varanasi are lined by age-old buildings but always overcrowded. You will have to make your way through and move on. The human mass, young and old, men and women, natives and foreigners, is so vast, incredible and amazing.  There are hawkers, touts and part-time pundits at every nook and corner, offering help. Securities personnel everywhere in the city, one is frisked at a few places near the temple. We felt well-secured there. Above all, people of Varanasi are very kind, generous and most hospitable. Shravankumar, research student of Prof Asha Sinha accompanied us as a guide everywhere. Very kind man, Shravankumar has been most helpful during our stay in Varanasi.

I had visited the Vishwanath teemple once earlier but this visit with my wife was very special. Sanctum sanctorum of the temple is very divine and intensely pious and being there for a while was most exhilarating. One can perform rudra-abhishek and puja to Bhagwaan Shiv any time of the day. Everyone chanted ‘Jai Bholenath’ and rung shankh and ghanta. There is lot of positive energy at the sanctum sanctorum which one can feel always. We sat there for a while and prayed for the betterment of all. Next, we walked to Dashashwamedh ghat and witnessed the famous ‘Ganga-arati’, performed by 8-10 young, energetic, pundits. The sight of ganga-arathi was so grand and elating. It was a beautifully synchronized performing art, I felt. While on the banks of river Ganga, my wife reminisced a unique anecdote. It seems her great-grand-parents visited Kashi Vishwanath mandir about 120 years ago and she is the next in the family lineage to have visited Kashi! Both of us felt deeply delighted.....!  

My wife picked up a few Banaras silk saris. We travelled a short distance in a cycle rickshaw in one of the by-lanes, sipped hot tea in earthen cups and ate delicious food and sweet curds. Every moment of our stay in Varanasi will remain in our minds as green, enchanting memory.  

Saranath

Next day in the afternoon we went to Saranath where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment and gave first sermon of ‘ahimsa’ to his disciples. We saw the tall statue of Lord Buddha in a meditation posture, a huge Stupa and original Bodhi tree under the canopy of which Buddha preached the first sermon. The place is so lively with enormous positive energy. One has to visit Saranath to feel what I wrote... My wife is a history graduate and visiting Saranath has been one of her dreams. We did exactly that. 

Prof. Ram Dayal

We paid a fond visit to Professor Ram Dayal residing in Lanka, Varanasi. Now at 86, Prof. Dayal is very alert and well-receiving. He was very happy to see us at his place, one of his realized dreams that he said. Being with him for a while undoubtedly was a moment of great joy for me and my wife. Thanking Prof. Asha Sinha, Prof H.B. Singh and Mr Shravankumar for their many kindnesses, we returned to Goa on the next day.

D. Jayarama Bhat

  

Completed 65 and stepping into 66.....

I completed 65 and entering into 66, today.... Two-third of a century is certainly a good innings.

When retired from regular service in November 2011, a teacher-mycologist I am, my innate desire was to continue teaching and research on fungi a few more years. However, opportunities were not forthcoming readily. My friends advised in many ways. Some suggested that I close my shop in Goa and go back to our native village. A few said I sit at home and relax rest of my life. Some opined that I carry out charity work... Yet, some friends who knew my mycological work from close quarters thought other ways. Professor Kevin D. Hyde, Centre of Excellence in Fungal Research, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, Thailand, invited me as a Visiting Professor to his department. I spent one semester each during 2012 and 2013 in Thailand, teaching mycology to young graduates.  It was indeed very exciting period because we also did lot of taxonomic mycology together with his research students. Many thanks to friends at Goa University; past 8 months, I spent at the Botany Department as a Visiting Professor. I taught part of a paper on mycology and plant pathology to post-graduate students in botany. Abundant joy I derived, as students picked up knowledge on fungi with great interest and enthusiasm. A month ago, we conducted the Asian Mycological Congress 2015 in a grand manner. I am more than happy because, as my inner conscience dictated, I worked continuously as a teacher until I completed 65...

There are numerous young students of mycology, seeking assistance in advanced fungal studies. This is my area of interest and I will certainly assist them, online......

Wishing all my students, friends and well wishers volumes of good wishes, I remain.....

D. Jayarama Bhat

I visited Malabar Botanical Garden, Calicut....

Last week, I had been to Kozhikode to conduct a PhD viva voce examination of a student of Calicut University. The job in Calicut University was over by lunch time.  My return journey being in a Goa-bound night train, I thought of meeting a close friend, a retired professor like me, Prof. P.V. Madhusoodhanan, former Head of Botany, Calicut University, who is currently engaged in developing an ex situ conservatory of ferns and fern allies of Western Ghats at Malabar Botanical Garden and Institute of Plant Sciences, Kozhikode, Kerala.

Similar to Goa, Calicut is a historic, coastal city. Located in the close proximity about 8 km away from Kozhikode railway station on the south-east direction, the Malabar Botanical Garden (MBG) is a treasure grove of very unique plant-lot, especially aquatic/wetland plants which are otherwise fast depleting throughout our country due to habitat destruction. Prof. Madhusoodhanan arranged my transport to MBG and we spent the whole afternoon together looking at his rare plant collections. It was a great learning... Major attractions at MBG are the following –

Waterlilies (Family Nympheae) are beautiful aquatic plants. The MBG has a collection of nearly 400 species of waterlilies from all over the country. These plants are so delicate that maintenance of them demands right ambient wetness and atmospheric humid temperature. Several of these waterlilies are already in the RET list. It is unbelievable but I saw a tiniest aquatic flowering plant, Ludwigia sedoies, measuring 1-2 mm diam., at MBG.

The MBG has a special herbal garden, named ‘Sanjeevani’, established in a 15 acre sloppy hill. More than 300 varieties of medicinal plants of Western Ghats, regularly used in the Indian traditional medicines and many reportedly endangered ones, are carefully nurtured here. A unique attraction at MBG is a ‘star-forest’, denoting 27 birth stars. The MBG has a vast collection of ornamentals, palms, fruit-trees, bamboos, shade-loving plants, spices and condiments and insectivorous plants.  

Another unique attraction of MBG is presentation of live plants described in the 300 year old monumental work Hortus Malabaricus written by van Rheed (1678-1703) at their ‘Hortus Valley’. The medicinal properties and traditional use of these plants, as described in the book, are displayed making it a heritage knowledge garden.

The Malabar Botanical Garden is an approved centre of research in Botany of the University of Calicut, especially for non-flowering terrestrial plants and aquatic flowering plants. The centre has a brief reference library, field laboratory, herbarium and botanical museum. Prof. Madhusoodhanan has carefully maintained a bryophyte conservatory; I am aware of his deep interest on these primitive, pioneer land-invaded plants. These plants are maintained in a specially erected conservatory with required humidity and temperature.

The Malabar Botanic Garden is an institution of Kerala State Council for Science, Technology & Environment, Science & Technology Department, Government of Kerala, and the contact aggress being Director, Malabar Botanical Garden, Post GA College, Kozhikode 673014, Kerala. www.mbgs.in.  They regularly provide training in horticulture and mushroom cultivation. I urge that those interested in plant wealth of our country should visit this unique conservatory called Malabar Botanical Garden whenever time permits.

D. Jayarama Bhat

With Professor Madhusudhanan at MBG

On completing the ‘Visiting Professor’ assignment, at the Department of Botany, Goa University (March-Oct 2015) .......

Yesterday was the last working day of my brief post-retirement assignment as Visiting Professor at the Department of Botany, Goa University. During past 8 months, I partly-shared teaching of mycology and plant pathology paper, theory and practicals, to Part 1 M.Sc. Botany students of Semester I (2015-16) and worked for the Asian Mycological Congress 2015 which we successfully organized during 7-10 October 2015. I enjoyed both activities.

Last week, on the eve of my readying to leave the University, Prof B. F. Rodrigues, Head of Botany Department, and Prof. M.K. Janarthanam, Dean of Faculty of Life Sciences and Environment, convened an informal meeting of students, research scholars and staff members, primarily to express appreciations to the student-volunteers who worked so hard for the success of Asian Mycological Congress 2015; the meet also expressed volumes of goodwill to me....! I am thankful to the staff and students for their kindnesses.

Post-retirement, from 2012 to date, I spent time partly at Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, Thailand, and a brief period in the Department of Botany, Goa University, both as Visiting Professor. Not only I participated in the teaching of mycology paper to graduate students but also assisted the research scholars with guidance on fungal taxonomy and correction of research papers. This is what I wanted to do until attaining 65. Therefore, I am truly happy....1

The success of Asian Mycological Congress 2015 was largely due to a ‘team-show’ by staff and students of Goa University. Everyone worked so hard and cohesively and the event turned out to be a grand success from its high-rated scientific content point of view. Delegates came from far and near Asian countries, Europe, Canada and USA, met each other and exchanged scientific knowledge on biology of fungi. Such high-powered scientific meetings are of immense impact on young and budding botanists (mycologists). Towering personalities in the field of  mycology from overseas such as Drs. Keith Seifert (Agriculture-Canada), Pedro Crous (Director-CBS, The Netherlands), John Dighton, Gordon W. Beakes, E.B. Gareth Jones; Peter Buchanan (New Zealand), Akira Suzuki, Toru Okuda, and many more from Japan; and renowned Indian mycologists, viz. Profs B.N. Johri (Pantnagar), C. Monoharachary (Hyderabad), D.J. Bagyaraj (Bengaluru), T. Satyanarayana (New Delhi), T.S. Suryanarayanan (Chennai), K.R. Sridhar (Mangalore), Sunil Deshmukh (New Delhi), T.N. Lakhanpal (HP), R.N. Kharwar (Varanasi), D.K. Upreti (Lucknow), R.C. Upadhyay (Solan), Durgadas Kasbekar (Hyderabad), Anant Padmanabhan (IMTECH), R.G. Bagool (Mumbai), K.V. Sankaran (KFRI), S.K. Singh and Rajesh Kumar (MACS-Pune), P.Y. Prakash (Manipal) and many more, descended to Goa for the AMC-2015. It was certainly a rare opportunity to the students of Botany and Microbiology of Goa University, meeting and interacting with the experts for 4 days.   

I enjoyed teaching and research, the most. Teaching and imparting knowledge is a noble profession. It is my firm convection that, given a correct motivation and continued training, our students get transformed into an excellent batch of credible human resource. Our students not only have the ability but also the interest. I am very happy with them and wish all students of botany the very best in their future. The Department of Botany Goa University has a good number of  dedicated, excellent research scholars. They will bring laurels to the Department. I have noticed that both the Registrar and the Vice Chancellor are supportive to all academic and research programmes of the Department. I felt deeply honoured having spent some time working at my own department at Goa University, for a brief second stint. It was truly a delightful and productive academic period. I wish the Department all well in its future endeavours.....

D. Jayarama Bhat  

Asian Mycological Congress 2015 and its impact.....

Since the AMC 2015 held during 7-10 October 2015 in Goa, there is renewed interest to procure my book ‘Fascinating Microfungi (Hyphomycetes) of Western Ghats – India’ (2010), published by M/s Broadway Book Centre, 1^st Floor, Ashirwad Building, 18^th June Road, Panaji-Goa, <www.bbcbooks.net>. The book is available on sale at the Publishers.  

One of the highlights in the book is an exclusive chapter on different methods or techniques used  in mycological studies. I have written in detail my personal ‘hands-on expertise’ of working with fungi collected from different habitats. Young mycologists constantly used the book for reference expressed their happiness with great enthusiasm.... I am more than humbled....

Those desiring to purchase the book may contact  the Publisher directly or through me...

D. Jayarama Bhat  

VIJAYADASHAMI......

VIJAYADASHAMI, also known as DASSEHRA, is an important festival in India. Following nav-ratri (9 nights) pujas, the 10^th day puja or 'dashami', is a festival with reference to victory of Bhagwaan Shri Ram over the demon king Ravana. The day also refers to victory of Goddess Durga over demon Mahishasur.

I am particularly interested in making reference of this day to commencement of and reaffirmation to education in young children. I believe, it is not enough if we are simply literate. It is important that we should be well-educated. Good education is the noble path for good future. In most houses in India, children keep books for puja, referred as ‘Saraswathi puja’, on the day of Vijayadashami. Goddess Saraswathi is inspiration for good education. After the puja, the books are taken out and read. The tradition, known from time memorial is well-practised with devotion even today, in all parts of India.

Goddess Saraswathi is symbol of good learning and attainment of wisdom and refinement. It is a divine force for knowledge-building in all aspects education including science and technology. This auspicious day is used to initiate good work and inaugurate good institutes. I understand that the renowned educationalist late Pandit Man Mohan Malaviya founded the famous Banaras Hindu University on the Vijayadashami Day in 1916. I will soon be visiting the Institute of Agricultural Sciences at BHU, Varanasi, to give a few special lectures on Mycology & Plant Pathology....      

Upon Dassehra holidays, my grand-daughter came for a week and we faithfully celebrated the Saraswathi puja. May Goddess Saraswathi bless us all with good education and all well-being....

D. Jayaram Bhat

ASIAN MYCOLOGICAL CONGRESS 2015 AND ITS IMPACT.............

As the AMC-2015 came to a close, several young students attended the Congress and genuinely interested to learn more, asked me if I could organize a few short-term ‘hands-on training workshops’ on various aspects of micro-fungi and their biology. Maximum query was on a basic issue, viz. single-spore isolation, culturing and taxonomic identification of fungi. As a teacher, I realize the urgency for such training because fungal identification is basic to all applied aspects of mycology and a large number of fungi from various habitats are yet to be collected, cultured and identified.  Unless we know what fungi we are handling, there is no creative science ahead, basic or applied. The idea of hands-on training workshop is good; then, how will we do this? I am pondering on the issue and will soon come out with a well-laid plan..........

D. Jayaram Bhat

Goa University conducted 'ASIAN MYCOLOGICAL CONGRESS 2015', during 7-10 Oct 2015

The Department of Botany, Goa University, in association with Mycological Society of India and Asian Mycological Association, organized an international biennial event ‘Asian Mycological Congress 2015' during 7-10 October at Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Auditorium, Goa University. This 4-day event was inaugurated by Shri. Laxmikant Parsekar, Honb’le Chief Minister, Government of Goa, on 7^th Oct 2015. Dr Satish Shetye, Vice Chancellor, Goa University, presided over the inaugural function. Prof. B.N. Johri, President, Mycological Society of India, graced the occasion. Prof. V.P. Kamat, Registrar, Goa University, welcomed the gathering and Prof. B.F. Rodrigues, Head, Department of Botany, proposed vote of thanks. A special First-Day postal cover was released on the occasion. A Fungal Philately, inaugurated by the chief guest, was on exhibition on the occasion.   

Over 250 delegates attended the Asian Mycological Congress 2015 and of which 67 were from various Asian countries such as Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Nepal, Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia, Iran and Viet Nam.  More than 20 Japanese delegates, including several senior scientists and young researchers came to Goa and attended the AMC 2015.  In addition, mycologists from UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand and Germany participated and delivered lead lectures in the Congress. 

Various fungi-related issues such as biodiversity, biotechnology, molecular biology, agricultural mycology, medical mycology and culinary usage of fungi were presented and discussed in 4 plenary, 13 keynote, 113 oral and 115 poster papers, during the Congress.  A popular lecture entitled, ‘Five Microfungi that changed the World’, was delivered by Prof. Keith Seifert from Canada at Institute Menezes Braganza auditorium, Panaji, on 8^th October 2015 and a large number of people from all walks of life attended the session. An industry-academia interactive session was held at Goa Chamber of Commerce, Panaji, during the Congress. Former vice-President of BioCon, India, Shreekumar Suryanarayanan moderated the session. A special workshop on conservation of fungi was held during the Congress.

Prof. Keith Seifert, President of the International Mycological Association, Dr. Pedro W. Crous, Director, CBS, Netherlands, Prof. Gareth Jones, U.K., Dr Peter Buchanan, New Zealand and country representatives of the Asian Mycological Association were some of the renowned mycologists attended the Congress. Several leading Indian mycologists came to Goa and participated in the Congress.

The AMC-2015 was an intellectual feast to students and researchers working on fungal biology, biodiversity studies, taxonomy, medicine, industrial application, culinary usage, plant pathology and drug discovery. 

D. Jayarama Bhat