VC SKUAST-J inaugurates workshop on ‘Molecular Biology and Immunology Techniques’

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 6: With the recent emphasis on ‘One Health’ concept and Covid-19 pandemic, the understanding gathered in molecular biology and immunological principles has developed convergently, establishing the fundamental principles of diseases in humans, plants and animals.
In this context, Prof. J.P. Sharma, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-J today inaugurated a 14 day workshop on “Molecular Biology and Immunology Techniques”.
The course has been organized by the Division of Veterinary Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, SKUAST-J at R.S. Pura campus and being  funded by  Science and Engineering Research Board, DST, New Delhi.
In the inaugural address, Prof. J.P. Sharma, highlighted the contribution of molecular genetics and breeding in the Indian Green revolution commenced in 1968 under the leadership of agricultural scientist Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, and the present scenario of high yielding hybrid crops and animal breeds. The VC said he was optimistic that the workshop will prove to be instrumental in preparing young researchers as next generation scientists by training them in fundamental principles of the modern biological tools.
Dr. Yashpal Singh Malik, Dean, College of Animal Biotechnology, GADVASU, Ludhiana was the guest of honour. In his address, he stressed the significance of Zoonotic diseases in the era of one Health. Dr. M.S. Bhadwal, Dean  Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry,  in his address highlighted the services provided by F.V.Sc. & A. H., R. S. Pura scientists for early and reliable diagnosis of field oriented animal diseases for the benefit of the farming community of the region.  On the occasion, Dr. Rajesh Katoch, Head, Division of Veterinary Parasitology cum Dean Student Welfare SKUAST-J, presented the welcome address and signified the economic impact of parasitic diseases and their solution with modern biological tools.
Dr. Anish Yadav, Prof. and ICAR-National Fellow cum Course Director informed that 25 participants from six universities of North India are attending the workshop and the objective is to improve research productivity of the PG and PhD students by enriching concepts, skills and tools of molecular biology and immunology used in diagnosis of zoonotic diseases and development of climate resilient agriculture. Dr. Pradeep Walli, Director Research SKUAST-J, Head of the Divisions and faculty members of SKUAST-J graced the occasion.