Students pose for a group photo after a plantation drive held at Sao Chang College in Tuensang on July 29.
Tuensang, July 29 (MExN): The Department of Botany, Sao Chang College, Tuensang, observed World Nature Conservation Day 2026 with a two-day programme focusing on medicinal plant conservation and herbal medicine awareness.
Held on July 28 and 29 under the theme "Medicinal Plant Conservation and Pharmacognosy", the programme was organised with financial support from the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) of the college to create awareness among Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) students on the importance and conservation of medicinal plants.
The observance began with a medicinal plant plantation drive on July 28, during which students planted 21 species of medicinal plants across the college campus. Participants also documented the local and scientific names of the plants along with their medicinal uses, gaining practical exposure to herbal medicine conservation and environmental stewardship.
Altogether, 64 students and two assistant professors participated in the plantation drive.
On July 29, the department organised a webinar on "Herbal Medicine Conservation and Pharmacognosy", with Dr Ashish Kumar Tripathi, Domain Expert and Editor of the Journal of Drug Research in Ayurvedic Sciences under the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, as the resource person.
Chaired by Dr S. Arenla, Assistant Professor in the Department of Botany, the webinar covered topics including Ayurveda, Panchakarma, preparation and application of herbal medicines, major medicinal herbs, scientific research, conservation, quality control, regulatory frameworks, global market opportunities and the identification of medicinal plants through microscopic and fluorescence studies.
Dr Tripathi concluded his lecture with the message, "Har Din Har Ghar Ayurveda" (Ayurveda Every Day, In Every Home).
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Tekameren, Assistant Professor and Head of the Department of Botany. Forty students and two faculty members attended the webinar.
The organisers said participants appreciated the programme for enhancing their understanding of medicinal plants and environmental conservation. As a follow-up initiative, students will continue to monitor and care for the medicinal plant saplings planted on the campus to promote long-term conservation and sustainability.
.JPG)
