An origami microscope named as Foldscope was invented a few years ago by Manu Prakash and Jim Cybulski from Stanford University. The basic intention behind this discovery was to develop potential in everyone to change the way to view life and microorganisms around us.

The Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India and the Prakash Lab at Stanford University, USA signed an agreement to bring the Foldscope to India to encourage curiosity in science. Accordingly, funding scheme was devised by DBT and float an announcement or the proposals to carry out research using Foldscope. The beauty of the project scheme was the crystal clear mandate to include following things –

1. Involvement of the students in Research
2. Organization of an outreach activities for schools, colleges and society in general
3. Use of Foldscope as Educational Tool
4. Carry out research using foldscope
5. Twinning of the project with the Principal Investigator in the same scheme from North East Region for Students’ Exchange.

The work conducted under the project is as follows –

1. Outreach Activities: The students of the B. Sc. Final year conducted workshops as “Exploration of Minuscule World through Foldscope” in the 20 schools in and around city of Amravati. Around 800 students were offered with an hands on experience to see and enjoy the microworld. The same experience was imparted to common citizens in the city of Amravati by conducting sessions at colonies and societies.

2. Students’ Exchange: To bring North East states in the main flow of the national development and exchange education, research and culture with the rest of India, it was mandatory for every Principal Investigator to collaborate research projects with each other. Shri Shivaji Science College, Amravati collaborated project with Dr. MousmiSaikia, AnandarmDhekialPhookan College (A. D. P College), Nagaon, Assam and Dr. Roohi Mushtaq, Sri Pratap College, Cluster University, Srinagar. The MoU was signed between both the institutes with the following terms –
1. Interact and Exchange for the better outcome of the research undertaken by both PIs.
2. Organize visits for interaction between the students of both the region under the outreach programme.
3. To know the diversity of both the regions through fieldwork.
4. Organize workshops in collaboration for the students and the faculties.
5. To satisfy, any other requirements as and when conveyed by authorities.
In the further collaborative process under the project, “Student Exchange Programme” in envisioned. The first linking activity was conducted as the visit of North East Students to Shri Shivaji Science College, Amravati during 9th Oct. to 10th Oct. 2018. This Exchange Program was one day Twining Sessions to explore opportunities of research through Foldscope and visit to the Ankur Seeds Company, Nagpur. In return to the visit by North Eastern Students to this institute, students from Shri Shivaji Science College, Amravati has also visited Assam under the similar program during 24th Nov. 2018 to 2nd Dec. 2018. This visit includes Kolkata, Guwahati, Nagaon, Kaziranga and Shillong.Besides, twinning partner institute, Indian Council of Agricultural Research was also explored. Dr. Krishnappa and other three Principal Investigators were working in this centre for different research areas with foldscope.

3. Research: The Junior research fellow and the B. Sc. Final year students are simultaneously working on the research target under the project. 10 groups of the students with 10 to 12 students in each group are exploring the Leaf Surface Diversity in the plants in and around city of Amravati. Many of the students are now at the stage to publish their research as an article in reputed journal of research. The outstanding achievement of the project is to inculcate social responsibility, communication skill and research attitude in the students at early stage of their under graduate studies.

Department of Life Sciences of Shri Shivaji Science College, Amravati organized a two-days DBT and CSIR sponsored National Conference on “Recent Trends in Biotechnology and Biodiversity” (NCBB-2017) on 22 th & 23th September 2017 in collaboration with Microbiology society of India, Indian Science Congress, Kolkatta,(ISCA)Amravati Chapter, Maharashtra State Biodiversity Board (MSBB) and Melghat Tiger Reserve (MTR).

Registration of the delegates was followed by the arrival of the Dignitaries and Guests. Dr. V. G. Thakare, Principal of the college gave welcome address andDr. S. D. Patil (Convener) gave introductory speech. Prof. A. K. Pande (Chairman, Madhya Pradesh Private University Regulatory Commission, Bhopal M.P.) gave inaugural address. This is followed by the release of abstract book and Special issues of Journal of NCBB-2017 at the hands of inaugurators. Hon. Shri. Harshvardhan Deshmukh, President, Shri Shivaji Education Society, Amravati gave presidential address. Other dignitaries including Dr. Murlidhar Chandekar, Vice-Chancellor, SGBAU, Amravati; Prof. A. M. Deshmukh, President, Microbiologists Society, India and Mr. Sriniwas Reddy, CCF, MTR, Amravati Division also delivered speeches. Dr. G. A. Wagh (Organizing Secretary) gave vote of thanks. All office bearers of NCBB-2017 were also present on the dais.

Prof. A. M. Deshmukh, President, Microbiologists Society, India and Mr. Sriniwas Reddy, CCF, MTR, Amravati Division also delivered their invited talks during sessions. The guest speakers who agreed to take time off to deliver their informative speeches. Dr. Sunil Deshmukh, President of Mycological Society of India. Dr. Nishith Dharaiya,Wildlife Expert, Department of Life Sciences, Patan University, Gujrat, Dr.D.P. Fulzele, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, Dr.N.N.Bandela, Professor and Head, Department of Environment Science Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad who were the keynotes speakers for various scientific sessions of the Conference .

In all 288 participants from all over India representing 15 Universities and 07 States were gathered in this National level mega event. More than 100 authors have contributed their research work through abstracts and full length papers. 40 Delegates actively participated in oral and poster presentations. Accepted papers were published in special issues edition of UGC approved International Journal of Life Sciences (IJLS). Panel discussion session on the theme was organized on the 2nd day of the conference. Experts in life sciences and representatives from the different agencies were participated in this session. Dr.J.A.Tidake, Prof. and Head Department of Botany, SGB, Amravati University, Amravati, has chaired the session. Dr. Dinesh Khedkar has conducted Panel discussion session. Some Recommendations were forwarded in Panel Discussion of NCBB- 2018. Cultural programme and felicitation of Dr. S. D. Patil by Microbiologists Society, India was held on 22nd September 2017 evening.

Valedictory Function was chaired by Dr. V. G. Thakare, Principal. Dr. S. D. Patil summarized the two day activities of NCBB-2017.Best Oral and Poster presentation awards and certificates were distributed to the achievers during valedictory ceremony. D. V. Hande (Joint secretary) delivered vote of thanks. The Congress finally concluded with a Tour to Melghat Tiger Reserve (Chikhaldara, Semadoh and Kolkhas). Himedia Laboratories Pvt. Ltd. Mumbai, Sharp India ltd. Nagpur and B.S.R. tech Nashik arranged scientific stalls. Dr.S.D.Patil(Convener), DR.R.G.Jadhao, Prof.B.K.Dorkar, Dr.Sangita Ingole(Co-conveners), Dr.G.A.Wagh(Organizing secretary), DR.N.V.Bhatkar (Treasurer) and Dr.D.V.Hande(Joint secretary) looked after the responsibility as a Executive committee member of the two day program of National Conference organized under the guidance of the Principal, Dr.V.G.Thakare. All the heads of the department, teaching staff and non teaching staff from the college took a lot of efforts for the successful organization of mega Event.

Dr.G.A.Wagh
Organizing secretary
NSBB-2017

Department of Botany, Environmental Science and Central Instrumentation Cell, Shri Shivaji Science College, Amravati, in association with Cerebro Scientific, Navi Mumbai has organized ‘Four Day’s Hands on Workshop on Genome and Plasmid Isolation, PCR, RFLP AND PRIMER DESIGNING’. The prime objective behind organizing this workshop was to train upcoming Post Graduate Students and researchers in Modern Tools of Molecular Biology, Biotechnology and Bioinformatics. The workshop involved hands on training on Genome and Plasmid Isolation, PCR, RFLP and Primer Designing. This workshop had a target group of B. Sc. III and Post Graduate Students of Life Sciences. The course content of this workshop was delivered with hands on opportunity to every participant. Personal working with the modern expensive instrumentation was great learning experience for all the students.

The workshop was inaugurated under the chairmanship of Hon’ble Dr. V. G. Thakare, Principal, Shri Shivaji Science College, Amravati at the hands of Hon’ble Dr. N. J. Chikhale, Principal, Shri Shivaji Agriculture College, Amravati.Workshop Co-conveners Dr. S. P. Ingole, HoD Environmental Science and Prof. B. K. Dorkar, HoD Botany with Dr. D. D. Khedkar, Workshop Organizing Secretary and Dr.MandarKarkhanis, Director, Cerebro Scientific, Navi Mumbai were present on the dias.

Overall 50 students participatedfrom Rashtra Sant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Gondwana University and Sant Gadge Baba Amravati University. Participants from 15 college attended the workshop.

Hands on sessions along with the theoretical information sessions were conducted for all the four days with rigorous schedule from morning 9.00 am to 6.00 pm. Participants isolated DNA from their very own biological material i.e. buccal cavity mouthwash and plasmid from E.coli bacteria. Isolated DNA was amplified by PCR and analysed further for RFLP. Primer designing session was also conducted at facility available at computer department. Participation certificates were issued to all the participants after successful competition of the workshop.

Shri Shivaji Science College, Amravati has always played a pioneer role in academics, research and extension activities. It is actively involved in organizing conferences, workshops and seminars to enhance our education system and provide the opportunity to our students to explore by their own. There is a dearth of good teachers who can ensure quality education and come forward to face the challenges in education. With this context “The Regional pedagogy workshop for undergraduate and post graduate science and mathematics teachers” was organized at Shri Shivaji Science College, Amravati, Maharashtra from 26th to 28th June. This workshop was supported by MHRD, DST, DBT and IISER Pune. The workshop was designed to train the teachers to use research based pedagogical tools (RBPT) in the classrooms to augment critical thinking and research skills. It has introduced research based pedagogical tools that focus on the process of science rather than facts. This new approach to teaching can improve the quality of undergraduate and postgraduate education. This was also an opportunity for professional development of all the teachers and chance to interact with their counterparts from various colleges and educational experts from India and learn from each other’s experiences. The participants were selected by IISER, Pune. The applicants were also asked to submit the abstract about why they want to attend this workshop? After the scrutiny in total 60 lecturers from five different universities of Maharashtra have been selected to attend the workshop and they have participated in three days of training programme. The participants trained in previous national level workshops by a team of experts from UK were the trainers for this workshop.

On 26th June 2018 the registration of the participants started at 9:00 am in the morning. All the participants even though travelled from distant places were present on time at the venue. The workshop was inaugurated at the hands of Hon’ble Dr. MuralidharChandekar, Vice-Chancellor, Sant Gadge Baba Amravati University, Amravati in the Sir C. V. Raman Hall of Shri Shivaji Science College. The inaugural ceremony was chaired by Hon’ble DilipbabuIngole, Treasurer of Shri Shivaji Education Society, Amravati and among the other dignitaries on the dais were Dr. VaraprasadKolla, Professor and Head, School of Life Sciences, ITM University, Raipur as a Lead trainer, Dr. Shilpa Jain, Programme manager, CoESME, Pune, Dr. V. G. Thakare, Principal, Shri Shivaji Science College and Dr. Dinesh Khedkar, organizing secretary RBPT workshop. The Convener of the workshop Dr. V. G. Thakare delivered his welcome speech which was followed by an introductory speech by Dr. Shilpa Jain, to brief about the role of CoSME and aim of organizing the workshop. In his inaugural speech Dr. MuralidharChandekar, Vice-Chancellor, Sant Gadge Baba Amravati University, Amravati reiterated the need to find solutions to the challenges in the field of education. He had given emphasis on student centered education system. In his presidential address Hon’ble DilipbabuIngole, Treasurer of Shri Shivaji Education Society, Amravati had focused on the issues related with the current education system and specially emphasized on role of teachers to face the challenges and improve our education system.

The inaugural ceremony was anchored by Dr. Dinesh Khedkar, organizing secretary of RBPT workshop. The inaugural session was followed by the presentation of Lead Trainer, Dr. VaraprasadKolla on the topics “Three in three”-elaborating Expectations and learning outcomes from the workshop and “Effective Pedagogy”-details of various pedagogical methods to foster the skills and attitudes we expect in our students. Group activity on “Ideal student” was conducted by Dr. Sanjay Chakane. In this session the groups of participants were asked to create a simple poster to show characteristics of their

As a part of Campus placement activity of the college Career counseling & Placement Cell of Shri Shivaji Science College Amravati invited Multiple Private companies for conducting in campus drive for the final year students of the college. Responding to the invitation the two companies visited the campus on 17-18 June 2019, to hold recruitments for our students.

1. Pfizer Pharmaceutical india Pvt. Ltd.
2 Sci-Edge Abstract
3 SHODH Advanced Technologies
The two companies recruited a considerable number of students from our campus. Dr. D. D. Khedkar & Mr. Mukul Bhonde sir and the Coordinator Dr. Pramod R. Padole head the career counseling & Placement Cell.

The recruitment Panel comprised of three members namely
1.Mr. Prashant Wange (Senior Manager, Pfizer Pharmaceutical india Pvt. Ltd.)
2. Dr. Vidyesh Govande (Principal Scientist, Sci-Edge Abstract)
3. Mr. Maitrey Mudkavi (Chief Resource- Business Operations, SHODH Advanced Technologies)
The panel came for searching suitable talent by conducting student interviews for Trainee- Organic chemistry information, synthetic chemist and trainee analyst. The Panel members were welcomed with bouquets and Memento as a token of appreciation and respect.

Job Title:
1. Trainee – Organic Chemistry Information,
2. Synthetic Chemist
3. Trainee Analyst

Job Profile:-
1. Creating Organic Chemistry databases by Intellectual Analysis of chemistry related patents and journals.
2. Understanding and interpretation processes, concepts, claimed substances etc. in a precise and accurate manner within specified time limits.
3. Analyzing research publications & patents.

Skills required:-
1. Candidate should be fresher or 0 to 2 years of Experience.
2. Should be M.Sc in Organic Chemistry / Medicinal Chemistry / Drug Chemistry / M. Pharm – Pharmaceutical Chemistry from a reputed University with a consistently good academic record.
3. Should possess meticulous approach to the assigned work, aptitude to read and analyze research publications and patents.
4. Knowledge of German, French & Japanese languages will be an added advantage

Job Location : Pune
Training will be provided to supplement individual knowledge and experience in handling our assignments.

Procedure for the same is as follows :
(1) Written test which includes Organic Chemistry, English & Logical (Time 1.15 hour).
(2) After correcting the test, will shortlist the candidates & take their face to face technical interview.
(3) Will shortlist candidates further from technical round

After that the following rounds of interview were conducted
1. Written test
2. Technical Interview
3.Technical Round

136 candidates participated in the campus recruitment drive, out of which candidates were qualified after the first round. Qualified candidates were then assessed on technical round, after which ----- candidates were shortlisted. After the third and final round 9 candidates were shortlisted and selected by Pfizer Pharmaceutical india Pvt. Ltd. And Sci- Edge Abstract.

The shortlisted candidate’s are-
1. Shruti Kale
2. Divyani Thakur
3. Shilpa Chandak
4. Kiran Rawlani
5. Payal Hundani
6. Revati Salphale
7. Payoshni Bhende
8. Divya Dixit
9. Aditi Nagwanshi
Overall experience and feedback of Pfizer Pharmaceutical india Pvt. Ltd. And Sci-Edge Abstract recruitment team was very positive as the need of their organization to search the right talent to drive its business objectives were fulfilled by the students and the Campus Recruitment Drive conducted by us. Our Principal Dr. V. G. Thakare, motivated & supported in every aspect for the successful conduction of this campus drive & quoted how such program were essential for boosting the confidence of students.

One- Day Workshop on Preparation for Assessment through NAAC New Methodology for Principals & IQAC Co-ordinators of colleges of shri shivaji education society, Amravati, on 19th November 2019.The workshop was inaugurated at the hands of Hon`ble Shri Harshwardhanji Deshmukh along with the secretary Shri S.S. Khade. There were four sessions, in first session Dr. V. G. Thakare, Principal, explained the revised methodology in micro level. The second session was taken by Principal Dr. Smita Deshmukh on the evaluation system of the qualitative metrics by Peer Team. Dr. M.P. Dhore, Principal Science College, Nagpur talked about preparation of documents. Dr. Jichkar, Principal Dhanwate college, Nagpur has explained about the on site visit preparation in campus and the other related part. In afternoon session the presentation by Director , NSS ,SGBAU, Amravati about Unnat Bharat Abhiyan and Skill Upgradation courses for the students. Lastly the interaction session was conducted by all four Principals.

Second Degree-Certificates Distribution Ceremony-2020:

The second Degree-Certificates Distribution Ceremony for the students who passed out in the academic year 2018-19, was held on 29th January 2020 at the Sir C.V. Raman Auditorium of the College. Dr. Vilas S. Sapkal, former Vice-Chancellor of RTM Nagpur University was the chief guest of the function. Hon`ble Adv. Gajanrao K. Pundkar, vice-President, Shri Shivaji Education Society, Amravati, presided over the function. In his introductory speech, Dr. Vijay G. Thakare, Principal of the college, stated the objectives and importance of the ceremony. All the Heads of the departments along with the IQAC Coordinator, Dr. H.S. Lunge were present on the dais. Initially, the degrees were distributed to the University 11Gold Medalists from UG and PG programmes along with the college Gold Medals. The 24 Gold Medals were also conferred upon the students who secured highest marks in the first and the second year of the UG programmes.

About 432 students from all PG, UG programmes were present for the ceremony. The Chief Guest Dr. Vilas Sapkal congratulated all the degree holders and urged the students to acquire knowledge of the other skill-based courses to excel in this competitive world and also to obtain jobs in the government and non-government organizations. In the presidential address, Adv. Gajananrao K. Pundkar encouraged the students to be well prepared to face the challenges of new technology and develop their personality in all aspects. Along with the guests, Dr. V. B. Bhatkar, Dr. G. N. Chaudhary, Dr. S.V. Chaudhary, Dr. H. M. Deshmukh, Dr. Mrs. N.V.Bhatkar, Dr. Mrs. C. K. Ukesh, Shri V. V.Hebbar, Dr. Revati Khokale, Shri U.M. Patil, Shri. B.K. Dorkar , Dr. Mrs. S.P. Ingole , Dr. Ramakant Itewad and Dr. Sugandh Band, were present on the dais. The program was conducted by Dr. Mrs. A. S. Burghate and Dr. Manish Gaikwad. The IQAC members, teachers and nonteaching staff worked jointly for the successful organization of the program.

In all 155 delegates, research scholars and P.G. students were registered and participated for the symposium. The inaugural function of this two days symposium was held on 24th June, 2019, 11 am at the AV theatre of Sant Gadge Baba Amravati University Amravati. Symposium was inaugurated at the hands of renowned scientist, Hon’ble Dr. Shekhar Mande, Secretary, DSIR & Director General CSIR, New Delhi. Dr. Muralidhar Chandekar, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor of SGBAU, Amravati presides over the Inaugural function. Prof. Dr. S.V. Moharil, EX-Head PGTD, RTM Nagpur University, Nagpur, Dr. KVR Murthy President of Luminescence Society of India were the guest of honor for the inaugural function. Dr. V.G. Thakare, Principal, Shri Shivaji Science College, Amravati, Dr. T.R. Deshmukh, Registrar, S.G.B.A.U. Amravati and Dr. S.K. Omanwar, Professor and Head, Department of Physics, S.G.B.A.U. Amravati, were present on the dais on this occasion.

The souvenir of symposium was released by the honorable dignitaries on the dais. The inaugural session was followed by the key note address of Dr. Shekhar Mande on ‘Technological developments in India’ and Dr. S.V. Moharil on ‘Advance Materials for the application’. Session was chaired by Dr. V.B. Sapre, Ex-Head Department of Physics, RTM University, Nagpur Then there were two slots of parallel sessions after lunch. In which ten invited talks were delivered by renowned researchers from all over India. One industrial talk was delivered by the representative of Lab India Pvt. Ltd. Mumbai. Invited talks were followed by parallel poster presentation session where around 100 papers were presented.

Second day of the symposium was held at Shri Shivaji Science College, Amravati. The day was begun with an invited talk by Dr. Bhushan Dhabekar, BARC, Mumbai followed by the paper reading session in which ten papers were presented in various disciplines of material science and devices. The next session was special session, named Dr. K.G. Deshmukh Memorial Lecture, delivered by Dr. S.H. Pawar, senior scientist and Ex-VC of D.Y. Patil University, Pune.

The symposium was concluded with the valedictory function at 5.00 pm on 25th June, 2019, chaired by Principal, Dr. V.G. Thakare, Dr. Rajesh Jaipurkar, Pro-VC, S.G.B.A.U. Amravati was the chief guest. Dr. G.V. Patil, Dr. M.K. Khedkar, Ex-CVs, S.G.B.A.U. Amravati and Dr. F.C. Raghuwanshi, Dean, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, S.G.B.A.U. Amravati were the guests of honor.