The department of Botany organized an Educational Field Visit for II BZC and I BZ and BC students to Pilikula Development Authority, Moodushedde, Mangalore on July 22, 2022. A group of 47 students were accompanied by three teaching faculty Ms. Madhushree, Mr. Manohara Acharya, Mrs. Nishvitha Shetty and one non-teaching faculty Mr. Prashanth Kumar. In the morning session, students were first taken to the Herbarium and Botanical Museum, where Mr. Ramakrishna Marate, scientific counsellor of Pilikula gave a brief introduction about Pilikula Nisargadama and also explained the Herbarium Technique and familiarized the enormous collection of plant specimens, reflecting the rich diversity of flora of the region. After this, students were taken to Arboretum and Medicinal garden, where the taxonomist explained in detail the taxonomic features and medicinal values of plants present. Students also collected many plant specimens for herbarium preparation and also algal specimens from the pond. This was followed by a visit to Guthu house, Pilikula. Guthu house is a traditional manor house of the coastal landlords.
Post lunch, in the afternoon session students made a visit to the Zoological Park, where students could learn about the natural habitat of various animals. Students could observe most of the rare and endangered animals there. Students were also taken to Pilikula Regional Science Centre Setup jointly by National Council of Science Museum under Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Students learnt about the various science models and also about the biodiversity. At last, students were taken to Swami Vivekananda Planetarium, where 3D animated videos of life of stars, Big-Bang theory, Origin of Universe and Life on Earth was shown.
This educational visit, was really an experiential learning which enhanced students knowledge about natural habitat of plants and animals, floral diversity of Dakshina Kannada and Plant Identification Technique.
It is not only important to be equipped with skills but also a strong value system is equally important to deal with the challenges and pressure that comes from the cutthroat competitive rivalry in industry. Thus, we evolve conscious efforts towards students imbibing values commensurate with cultural, ethical, spiritual and environmental realities and also implement healthy and best practices. Such activities will equip students with adequate skill sets to successfully deal with the challenges globally.• This activity strived to achieve core values of inculcating value system and quest for excellence amongst the student participants.
Report By,Ms. Madhushree
Mrs. Nishvitha Shetty
Mr. Manohara Acharya
