On Thursday, August 29, 2024, the students of the Biology and Biotechnology departments, accompanied by their teachers Ms Huma Rizvi and Ms Eva Abbas, and lab assistant Mr Baqar, embarked on an educational excursion to the Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP) in Lucknow.
Upon arrival, the students were immediately captivated by CIMAP's impressive infrastructure, surrounded by lush greenery and the sweet aroma of blooming flowers. The group was warmly welcomed by Ms Pragya and Ms Pooja, coordinators at CIMAP, who guided them throughout the visit.
The day began with an interactive session led by Dr Manoj Semwal, an expert in Computational Biology. Dr Semwal enlightened the students about various career opportunities in the emerging field of drone technology, particularly its applications in agriculture. The students were thrilled to witness a live drone demonstration by Mr Raj Awasthi, a senior drone pilot, who showcased how drones are revolutionising agricultural practices. During the visit, students were recognised for their outstanding performances in the Essay Writing and Poster Making competitions held at Unity College on May 9, 2024. Certificates and prizes were awarded, adding a celebratory note to the excursion.
Dr Semwal also introduced the students to the 'Jigyasa' program, an initiative aimed at fostering scientific curiosity and promoting a scientific temper among young minds. Following this informative session, the students were given a comprehensive tour of the CIMAP campus by the coordinators. They explored the state-of-the-art laboratories, including the Tissue Culture Lab, where they observed live demonstrations of cutting-edge experiments. The visit to the Biotechnology Lab was a highlight, as students got up close with sophisticated equipment used in molecular biology, such as PCR machines, centrifuges, and nanodrop devices.
The excursion also included visits to CIMAP's Vermicomposting and Apiculture sections, where students learnt about sustainable practices and observed beehives and various honey-producing bees. At 'Manav—The Health Garden', students explored a variety of medicinal plants, like Tulsi, Rose, Lemongrass, Mimosa pudica, and Mentha.
The students were also treated to refreshments, which provided a pleasant break amid the day’s activities. Overall, the excursion to CIMAP was a highly enriching experience, offering students a unique opportunity to learn science in the midst of nature.
