Reports from the IWSA Branches 2023-2024

AMRAVATI

Vidya Bharati Mahavidyalaya,Amravati Department of NCC In Collaborations with Indian Women`s Scientist Association
A Guest lecture on “ Innovation in Cancer Care and Prevention “

Indian Women’s Scientist Association, Amravati branch supported by Board of Research in Nuclear Science in association with Vidya Bharati Mahavidyalaya, Amravati organised a motivational talk of Dr. Monali Dhole Consulting Obstetrician & Gynaecologist on ” Innovation in Cancer Care and Prevention “on 1st March, 2024 at 06:00 pm in Pratibha Girls Hostel, Vidya Bharati Campus, Amravati (M.S.). The program started with the felicitation of chairperson Prof. Capt. M.M. Rathore, President of Vidya Bharati Shaikshnik Madal Amravati followed by felicitation of guest speaker Dr. Monali Dhole Consulting Obstetrician & Gynaecologist and felicitation of Prof. Capt. Dr. M. M. Rathore, President of Vidya Bharati Shaikshnik Madal Amravati. Capt. Dr. M. M. Rathore delivered an introductory speech of the guest lecture where she introduced the guest speaker and highlighted various achievements of the Dr. Monali Dhole. Later Dr. Monali Dhole started her speech with an introduction to the cancer. She shared her life experiences regarding the innovation & prevention of cancer. She explained various cases in the cancer for girls and also explained steps innovation & prevention of cancer. She also cleared all the doubts of the girls during the discussion session. Further Prof. Capt. M. M. Rathore delivered a presidential speech and guided and motivated girls. The program was hosted by Ms. Rudrashi Rathore. A total of 100 participants attended the guest lecture. A vote of thanks was proposed by Ms. Rudrashi Rathore. Hardwork and dedication of the organizers resulted in the grant success of guest lecture.

BARODA

Popular Science Lecture Organized by IWSA, Baroda Branch on 21^st September 2023

A “Popular Science Lecture” was organized by the Indian Women Scientists’ Association (IWSA), Baroda branch in association with the Department of Biochemistry, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara on 21^st September 2023. The programme was organised by the coordinator Prof. C. Ratna Prabha, who is also the Co-Convener of IWSA, Baroda branch under the guidance and encouragement of the Convener Mrs. Hemlata Pavagadi and former Convener Prof. Sandhya Garge, in the C. V. Ramakrishnan Seminar Hall of Biochemistry Department. Around 120 students, faculty members from three different universities and pharma industries attended the lecture.

Prof. Krutika Sawant, Head of the Department of Pharmacy, Maharaja Sayajirao University delivered a talk on “Lymphatic delivery: A new paradigm for systemic and site-specific drug delivery”. Several routes for the administration of drugs exist and all have their advantages and drawbacks, however, the oral route of administration remains by far the most convenient route for patients. Drugs administered via this route undergo first-pass metabolism, significantly reducing the plasma drug concentration and as a result, effectivity. A classical method to bypass this is to administer a prodrug. Prof. Sawant introduced the students to a distinct alternative to prodrug administration.

The lymphatic system has long been overlooked as a route for drug administration, she shed light on ways to exploit this system to deliver drugs such as methotrexate and cefotaxime of low bioavailability and low water solubility. She briefly discussed approaches of delivery to the lymphatic system via pulmonary, intestinal, intraperitoneal, and intradermal/ subcutaneous routes using nano-sized drug delivery systems and their success in comparison to conventional oral and IV routes.

Prof. Sawant combined the aforementioned approaches to improve drug administration. She discussed the encapsulation of drug molecules in particular drug carriers such as NLCs (Nanostructure lipid carriers), SLNs (Solid lipid nanoparticles), and Polymeric nanoparticles. These methods of encapsulation protect the drug from first-pass metabolism and allow the drugs to be directly taken up by the intestinal lymphatic system, thereby increasing bioavailability.

Prof. Sawant explained a few of the case studies related to drug delivery utilizing the lymphatic pathway. Highlights of those studies include, (i) Intestinal lymphatic transport of LH SLNs enhanced the bioavailability by reducing the first-pass metabolism. Pharmacokinetics results showed the improved oral bioavailability of LH over 5.16 folds after incorporation into SLNs as compared to LH suspension. (ii) Pharmacodynamics study on schizophrenia-induced rats proved that the cognitive function of these rats was improved which confirmed the antipsychotic potential of LH-SLNs in the treatment of schizophrenia. In conclusion, the SLNs demonstrated a great potential for oral delivery of poorly water-soluble and lower bioavailability drugs like LH.

In summary the lecture explained clearly the routes of drug administration, the problems faced in drug availability and what are modern advances to overcome the problems and how drugs can be effectively administered. The lecture was appreciated for its invaluable information content and immense clarity.

BENGALURU

Guest Lecture on “Cancer Research – Bench and Beyond “

Date : 25.01.24, Organized by Department of Life Sciences- Biotechnology IADC-A in association with Indian Women Scientist Association (IWSA), Bengaluru supported by: Board of Research in Nuclear Sciences (BRNS)-DAE

The topic of the Guest Lecture was on “Cancer Research – Bench and Beyond”. The Guest Lecture was organized on 25^th January 2024 at 11:30am. There were 160 registered participants for the Guest Lecture (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1F4eYHGRqXwyNvNflzRQ71nNcaGp6G4Fn2qQsjIAuhus/edit?usp=sharing).

Session was held through hybrid mode (Both offline and online through G-Meet) and also live telecast was on Indian Academy Degree College You Tube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/live/gfs_ZHJpoFk?si=TPnzISfT6XuEkTdu).

Significance of the topic dealt with, Cancer- As is known to all is the Emperor of All Maladies. The more we delve into the biology of cancer, the more intriguing it gets. Years of efforts by clinicians and researchers all over the world has given us insights into how a cancerous cells function. This basic understanding of disease has also paved the way for many different ways of identifying and treating cancer and continues to do so. This talk had given an overview of some basic findings in cancer which have led to diagnostic or therapeutic methods– essentially translational potential of research findings.

Students and faculty members from various colleges have actively participated in the guest lecture. The guest lecture started with an introduction and a welcome speech. As a token of gratitude, the guest was given a plant sapling.

Dr.Prathibha gave an overview of cancer. The history is presented first, then the contributions of eminent scientists Edwin Smith Papyrus and Giovanni Morgagani. The research of Hippocrates, Stahl, and Hoffman, the identification of carcinogens and the mechanisms by which they cause cancer, Peyton Rouse discovered oncogenes in the Rous Sarcoma Virus (RSV), whose DNA resembled that of RSV RNA. Additional Ras oncogenes were also studied, along with the Philadelphia chromosome. The creation and application of Gleevec, then the management of cancer using several techniques. Examples include radiations, chemotherapy, and alkylating chemicals.

Following the lecture, students were given the opportunity to interact with her by clarifying questions. Students thought the session was more educational and interactive.

The session concluded with heartfelt gratitude and a souvenir for taking the time to teach and enlighten the youngsters.

DELHI

Report on IWSA and CSIR-NPL Lecture held on March 12, 2024

International Women’s Day is celebrated each year on March 8. For celebrating this year’s International Women’s Day, a general awareness lecture on Eye Health was jointly organized by CSIR-NPL and Indian Women Scientists’ Association (IWSA) Delhi chapter on March 12, 2024 from 4 PM – 5 PM at Auditorium, CSIR-NPL. Eye health is an issue of concern for all. These days, concern is all the more due to life style, increased screen time, pollution and poor diet. Most of us work extended hours either on computer screens for work or on precision measurements. Therefore, a general awareness lecture was organized to learn how to take better care of eyes. The Speaker was Dr. Kamal B Kapur, Co-founder and Director, Sharp Sight Eye Hospital, Pusa Road, New Delhi. He talked about the need for eye care and necessary medical interventions. He also enlightened the audience with simple tips like taking proper rest, proper diet and frequent breaks between screen time for better eye health. It was a very lucid, informative and interactive talk and was appreciated by all attendees.

The information about the lecture was circulated to all the CSIR-NPL staff and students over email, WhatsApp group and also by putting banners at different places in NPL. The flyer was also circulated to IWSA and CSIR-NIScPR WhatsApp groups. Invitation over email was sent to Director, CSIR-NIScPR and Head, HRDG to attend the lecture along with all the staff members.

The event started with welcoming the speaker with a potted sapling. Dr. S. R. Dhakate, Acting Director, CSIR-NPL gave the welcome address. Dr. Kanika Malik, Secretary IWSA (Delhi Branch) gave brief overview about IWSA activities and requested more people to join the association. After lecture by the speaker, he was felicitated by Director, CSIR-NPL with a shawl and honorarium. Dr. Poonam Arora, member IWSA gave vote of thanks. About 60-70 people attended the lecture. High tea was arranged for all the guests and attendees. Thanks to Director, CSIR-NPL, Dr. Rina Sharma and Dr. Ritu Srivastava for support and guidance in organizing this lecture

“Mental Health and Well Being Camp”

Number of people reporting mental health concerns is slowly increasing, it has become difficult to ignore the impact that mental illness can have in our day to day lives, our society, and our economy at large. In India, while 20% of the population suffers from one or the other mental illness, only 10-12% of them seek aid for their mental health concerns. In order to build a society where everyone is able to get the support that they require, we need to raise awareness about mental health concerns and reduce the stigma associated with mental illness.

The Government of India launched the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) to encourage the application of mental health knowledge in general healthcare and in social development and to promote community participation in the mental health service development and to stimulate efforts towards self-help in the community. The month of May is dedicated to Mental Health Awareness Month in India.

With the objective to create mental health awareness , A Half day camp on “Mental health and Well being” was organised jointly by Indian Women Scientist Association and CSIR-National Insititute of Science Communication and Policy Research (NIScPR) on with the help of Central Ayurveda Research Institute (CARI), Ministry of AYUSH on 22^nd May 2023.

About the Programme

The camp was inaugurated by dignitaries on the dais, Dr. Amit Madan, Research Officer, CARI, Prof. Ranjana Aggarwal, Director, CSIR NIScPR, Dr. Rina Sharma, Chief Scientist, CSIR-NPL & Convener, IWSA and Dr. Kanika Malik, Coordinator & Secretary, IWSA by lighting the lamp.

Prof. Ranjana Aggarwal, Director, CSIR-NIScPR during her inaugural address said that the increase in the concentration of carbon dioxide has impacted our hormones, metabolism, and overall emotional balance and therefore mental health conditions like stress, depression, anxiety are very common in today’s time. She added that it is need of the hour to address the mental health of ourselves, family, and friends.

Prof. Aggarwal said, “We usually discuss our physical health, but social stigma stops us talking about mental health. But ignoring mental health, can impact our physical health adversely”. Talking about the human evolution, emotions and its relationship with environmental changes, she added that during almost last two centuries, we have witnessed the gradual increase of carbon dioxide concentration on Mother Earth.

Dr. Rina Sharma, Chief Scientist, CSIR-National Physical Laboratory (NPL) & Convener, IWSA, Delhi branch during her address, discussed about the objectives of IWSA and how this organisation takes science to society. She stressed the need of spreading awareness towards mental health.

Dr Amit Madan, Research Officer, Central Ayurveda Research Institute delivered a special talk on “A balanced lifestyle and mental health”. He explained the natural connect between physical and mental wellbeing. He apprised the audience with facts relating to mental health, role of food , lifestyle and Ayurveda in solving and preventing mental health issues. During his lecture he said “Along with holistic and fellow feeling, we should make an optimum balance between our body and mind.”

Dr. Kanika Malik, Sr. Principal Scientist, CSIR-NIScPR; Secretary, IWSA, Delhi branch and Coordinator of the Mental Health Camp proposed a vote of thanks.

A health check-up session was also conducted after the mental health programme where staff members of CSIR-NIScPR and IWSA members visited the doctors and their team from Central Ayurveda Research Institute (CARI), shared the health issues, and took consultations. The medicines were also distributed to the patients free of any cost.

The camp was attended by about 150 participants. The attendees appreciated the programme for its relevance in present time.

KALPAKKAM

Celebration of International Women’s Day on 07.03.2024
International Women’s day-2024 was celebrated by IWSA, Kalpakkam branch in association with Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam on 7 th March, 2024 at Sarabhai Auditorium, HBB, IGCAR. Dr. N. Sivaraman, Director, Materials Chemistry & Metal Fuel Cycle Group, IGCAR, was the chief guest and the special speaker for the programme was Mrs. Shiny Surendran, Nutrionist, Founder & Director, Art of living LLP, Chennai. The women’s day celebration was attended by more than 350 participants including men and women colleagues from IGCAR, MAPS, BARCF and GSO. The selected girl students in the neighbourhood Tamil medium schools who have excelled in their high secondary board exam were also being part of the
celebration. The celebration started with an invocation song, Tamil Thai Vazhthu. Smt. Jemimah Ebenezer, Convener welcomed the audience and Mrs. Anusha Thati presented a bouquet to the Mrs. Shiny Surendran and Mrs. K. Revathy presented a bouquet to Dr. N. Sivaraman. Dr. B. Sasi, Secretary IWSA, read the activity report of IWSA, Kalpakkam for the year 2023-2024 and listed the various programs conducted. The cash awards to the economically poor girl children of 6 students in recognition of academic excellence and outstanding performance at higher secondary level was organised under STHREE (Scientists’ Trust for Health, Rural Education and Environment) fund. Dr. Nibedita Samantha introduced Dr. N. Sivaraman to the audience. In his presidential address, Dr.N. Sivaraman talked about the important roles played by women in society and how their hardships, dedication and perseverance brought inventions and achievements. He presented the cash awards and compliments to the STHREE awardees and advised them to focus on their studies and pursue to achieve their ambitions. Mrs. Padmapriya introduced the special speaker of the women’s day celebration. Mrs. Shiny Surendran delivered a talk titled “Eat Right…Get Fit”. In her talk she stressed on the need for taking care of health by taking proper diet with all supplementary nutrition. She discussed in detail about the meal plan having seasonal vegetables and fruits. The lecture was followed by the interactive session with lot of discussions and she cleared the doubts and quarries posed by the audience. The chief guest and special speaker were honoured with gifts and
mementoes. Dr. Sangeetha Jayakumar compeered the program and Mrs. K. Shivakamy, treasurer, IWSA proposed the vote of thanks and the event was concluded with National Anthem.

IWSA Activity report- Technical Talk 08.02.2024

IWSA, Kalpakkam has arranged a special lecture on “Child rearing practices in the modern era” on 8th February, 2024 at Vikram Sarabhai Auditorium, IGCAR, as part of National Science Day celebration. The talk was delivered by Dr. P. Vineetha, Former, Head, Paediatrics, DAE Hospital, Kalpakkam. Dr. Sangeetha Jayakumar, EC member compeered the program. Dr. B. Sasi, Secretary, IWSA(K) welcomed the gathering and briefed about activities of IWSA. Mrs. Shivakamy, Treasurer, introduced the speaker. Dr. P. Vineetha gave an informative lecture on practices and food habits that are to be followed from infants to childhood to create better future India. The speaker discussed about the importance of mental preparedness and nurturing an infant to the best citizen. Followed by the interactive session, colleagues who gave support to conduct science demo program at two schools in the month of January were felicitated. About 250 members and colleagues participated in the programme. Dr. Veena, EC member proposed the vote of thanks.

IWSA Activity Report – National Event SHAKTI-2023

One day national event titled SHAKTI-2023 (Stree in HVACR & Architecture and Key in Transforming the Industry) on the theme “Women in Technological Advances and Social Upliftment” was conducted by IWSA (K) and Indian Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ISHRAE), Kalpakkam Chapter in association with IGCAR on 26th September, 2023 at the Sarabhai Auditorium, IGCAR, Kalpakkam. The mandate of the event is to initiate transformation and to showcase the core challenges and opportunities in various technologies from the energy conservation platform and global environmental issues. Every year, this event invites women of excellence from various industry covering manufacturing, sustainability, architecture, entrepreneurship and other facets with experience in working on prestigious projects across India. This year 300 members including 15 members of ISHRAE from other chapters and participants from DAE fraternity attended the event.
Mrs. S. Rajeswari, Convener-SHAKTI-2023 welcomed the gathering, Ms. Jayanthi, National Women Chair, ISHRAE briefed about the genesis of event. Mrs. Jemimah Ebenezer, Convener, IWSA read the activities of IWSA and Shri. Yogesh Thakkar, National President, ISHRAE read the activities of ISHRAE. Dr. B. Venkatraman, Distinguished Scientist, Director, IGCAR presided over the function. In his presidential address, he emphasised on achieving cleaner India by fruitful collaboration among forums of scientists, engineers and academia towards the research and development of green technologies. Dr. K. Rajalakshmi Menon, Distinguished Scientist & Director, Centre for Air Borne Systems, DRDO inaugurated the function. In her inaugural address, she highlighted the indigenous development of Airborne Surveillance Systems with efficient thermal management for the defence applications. The technical session included excellent talks by two eminent speakers followed by technical visits to various facilities. Dr. Kalpana Balakrishnan, Dean (Research), Dept. of Environmental Health Engineering, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, in her keynote address titled “Addressing household air pollution in rural India: Triple air pollution for health, climate and sustainability” stressed upon the importance of monitoring and controlling household air pollution in rural India and its mitigation for better breathing air quality. Dr. Jayanthasri Balakrishnan, Motivational Speaker and Scholar from Coimbatore, who is a very popular media personality, delivered the special address. In her address, she pointed out the duty of empowered women to conduct the outreach programs to pave a way for social upliftment. All the lectures were very informative and interesting. Lectures were well received by the audience. Mrs. K. Shivakamy compered the program and Dr. B. Sasi, Secretary, IWSA, Kalpakkam proposed the vote of thanks.

IWSA Activity report- Talk 17.02.2024

IWSA, Kalpakkam and Association of Atomic Research Centre Officers jointly organised a lecture on “Financial Literacy & Advisory Program” by Mrs. Mangala Padmanabhan & Team from M/s.integrated Enterprises (India) Private Ltd., on 17th February, 2024 at Anupuram and Kalpakkam Township as two sessions for the benefit of all colleagues and home makers. Mrs. Shivakamy,Treasurer, welcomed the gathering and briefed about activities of IWSA. The interactive lecture discussed in detail the necessity of financial planning, advantages of the long term guaranteed investments, about the performance of mutual fund and equity. The talk also covered the salient features of DigiTrade Account opening, NPS, Gold ETF and Gold bond. The team was very supportive to clear the doubts of the audience. The team discussed about the selection of fund depending on the market appreciation and its investment on the sector such as energy, infrastructure, finance, education. About 150 members and colleagues participated in the programme. Mrs. Revathy, EC member proposed the vote of thanks.

KOLHAPUR

NAGPUR

Topic: Introduction to the amazing world of Nano Particles Speaker: Dr. Seema Ubale Number of attendance: 60 Date: 16 February 2024 Collaborating College: M.P.Deo Memorial Science College, Nagpur

In the popular science lecture series, entitled “Introduction to the Amazing World of Nanoparticles” speaker, Dr. Seema Ubale Introduce to the students nano Scale, she explained the works of Richard Fenniman, the father of nano technology and Dr C.N.R.Rao father of Indian nano tech technology. She explained that bulk materials have constant physical properties. However, the properties change as as nano scale approaches. This is typically true off chemical, thermal and electronic properties of materials. Nano particles are classified as 1D, 2-D and 3-D. Based on aspect ratio, nanoparticles are classified as high and low aspect. Solution of gold nano particles show variation in colour as particle size changes.Nanoparticles are extensively used for imaging applications primarily due to their unique optical magnetic or electrical properties at nano scales. They are also used in bio imaging solutions due to their ability to produce varying intensity by changing thickness of nano shell, and the aspect ratio. Dhanu materials find multitude of applications in pharma agriculture, food, cosmetics And electronic industries. The talk was very informative and was very well received by the students. IWSA members were present on the occasion. Dr Anuradha Gadkari, founder of Nagpur branch Dr Akhilesh Peshwe, Principal M.P.Deo memorial science College were prominently present on the occasion.

NELLORE

SCOPE OF BIOINFORMATICS

What is the scope of bioinformatics was clearly explained to the 8th and 9^th standard students of Sasi English Medium school at Tirupati on 23.09.2023. The main aim was to give them the definition of bioinformatics and where it can be applied and how it is applied with the tools of computation and analysis to the capture and interpretation of biological data. Explanation was given on how it is an interdisciplinary field, in which it harnesses computer science, mathematics, physics, and biology. Those who are apt for such a field after PU they can opt for future trending research projects or programs. Some information about the Future of Bioinformatics that included Single-Molecule Protein Sequencing Analysis was also given. Keeping with the theme of understanding things on a granular level, single-molecule protein sequencing analysis is a possible new trend to watch out for in bioinformatics in 2023.

PUNE

Nanobiotechnology @ARI by Dr. Jyutika Rajwade, Scientist F, Agharkar Research Institute, Pune

The lecture under popular science lecture series supported by BRNS-DAE and organized by IWSA, Pune branch in association with Department of Microbiology and Internal Quality Assurance Cell, Haribhai V. Desai College, Pune-411002 was held on Thursday, 14 March, 2024 at 11.00 a.m.
Prof. Pragati Abhyankar, Professor, Department of Microbiology, Life Member IWSA and coordinator for the activity, welcomed the guests and gave the information about the college. This was followed by felicitation of guests at the hands of Prof. Rajashree Patwardhan, Life Member IWSA, Head of Department of Microbiology, and Vice Principal, Science Section, HV Desai College, Pune. Dr. Karishma Pardesi, Convener, IWSA Pune Branch, gave information about IWSA and explained the various activities carried out by IWSA, Pune branch. She appealed the students and staff to be a member of IWSA and participate in various activities. Prof. Pragati Abhyankar introduced the invited speaker, Dr. Jyutika Rajwade, Scientist F, Agharkar
Research Institute, Pune. Dr. Rajwade delivered a talk on the topic entitled “Nanobiotechnology @ARI”. The talk covered a detailed review of research work being carried out and completed at ARI. This included various applications in agriculture, medicine, diagnostics, virology, biosynthesis and molecular biology. Dr. Rajwade encouraged the students for research in this field and welcomed them to visit ARI and explore possibilities for projects and doctoral studies. There was very good interaction of students with the speaker and her lecture was highly appreciated. The lecture was attended by 70 students from various departments including Microbiology, Physics, and Environment Sciences as well as by faculty members. Prof. Abhyankar proposed the vote of thanks mentioning special thanks to IWSA headquarters and IWSA, Pune branch for giving them the opportunity to organize the lecture.

Board of Research in Nuclear Sciences-DAE In collaboration with Internal Quality Assurance Cell H.P.T. Arts and R.Y.K. Science College, Nasik

Introduction of IWSA, theme and guest speakar was given by Dr. S. P. Bhavsar. IWSA has 7 chapters all over India. Dr. Pranav Ratnaparakhi, IQAC coordinator expressed his views about the theme. Dr. M. D. Deshpande, Principal of HPT Arts and RYK Science college, Nashik delivered the presidential address. Lecture Summary: Dr. Vivek Bobade Sir delivered a lecture on basic and essential topic biochemistry of amino acid, which are compounds containing amino & carboxylic acid group. All 20 amino acids are α amino acids out of which 9 are essential and 11 are nonessential required for protein synthesis. Amino acids are grouped as nonpolar (10), polar (5), positively charged (3) and negatively charged (2). Amino acids have positive and negative configuration, d and l configuration based on rotation of plane polarised light and relative configuration D and L. In biological system primarily L form of amino acids are present.

Amino acids are joined together by amide bond which is also known as peptide bond to form polypeptide, also referred as primary structure of protein. Polypeptides fold together to form α helix and β pleated sheets, turns and folds to form secondary structure of protein. These helix and beta sheets takes three dimensional (3D) structure to form tertiary structure, which makes protein functional. 3D polypeptides come together by covalent or electrostatic attraction to form quaternary structure of protein. Proteins in its native form is in random coil structure. MicroPhlix Session: Dr. Bobade showed videos of protein random coil structure folding to participants. Further he talked about 3-10 helix and 2.2 7 helix elaborating on Psi, Phi and Omega angles. With his excellent teaching skills and animations, Dr. Bobade oversimplified and explained Ramachandran plot to students. He explained the torsional angles and partial nature of peptide bond (Omega angle). He elaborated on applications of Ramachandran plot in new drug designing, artificial enzymes and proteins synthesis. He gave examples of proteins and its uses. Total 91 students and 20 faculty members participated in the lecture. After the question-answer session, Mrs. Priya Sonavani, Head of Biotechnology Department proposed the vote of thanks. Students and faculty members were served with refreshment after the lecture.

Workshop on “Women’s safety & Defensive Driving skills to celebrate International Women’s Day 2024

Indian Women Scientists’ Association (IWSA), Pune Branch & Department of Microbiology, Savitribai Phule Pune University had organized a workshop entitled “Women’s safety & Defensive Driving skills” on Monday, 11th March, 2024 on the occasion of ‘International Women’s Day’. Guests of honour, Mrs.Bageshree Manthalkar, Independent Woman Director, Maharashtra Natural Gas Ltd. and Prof. Smita Zinjarde, Director School of life sciences, SPPU had graced the inaugural function. A total of around 80 participants, including M.Sc. students and faculty from various departments on campus attended the workshop. Eminent scientists, faculty members namely Prof. Nilima Rajurkar, Prof. Mohini Gupte, Dr. Pooja More, Dr. Pragati Thakur – life members of IWSA, Pune Branch also graced the occasion. Welcome Speech was given by Dr. Surekha Satpute, Coordinator, Dept. of Microbiology. Dr. Karishma Pardesi, Convener – IWSA (Pune Branch), Head, Dept. of Microbiology, SPPU had brieded about IWSA activities. Honourable Mrs. Bageshree Manthalkar and Prof. Smita Zinjarde addressed the gathering. IWSA, Pune Branch felicitated Dr. Neelima Rajrukar, Dr. Pragati Thakur, Dr. Manisha Bora and Dr Mohini Kute for the achivements and awards received by them in 2023-24. Ms. Sonali Hinge, Women Police Officer, Damini Pathak, Shivajinagar Police Station, Pune was invited for a talk on “Women’s safety”. A training session was conducted by Mr. Pradeep Katekar, Manager, Maruti Driving School, Sai Service, Pune on Defensive Driving Skills. Overall the sessions were very informative for the participants. Refreshments to all participants were sponsored by Sai Services. Dr. Ekta Kamble had presented a vote of thanks and concluded the programme

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