A One Day National Seminar on “Diversity and Conservation of Medicinal Plants” was organised by the Department of Botany on 11 January, 2024 at Seminar Hall – 1, SDMC, Ujire. The event aimed to bring together scientists, researchers, practitioners, academicians, conservationists, and enthusiasts to promote awareness and integrate traditional knowledge with modern conservation methods to further safeguard medicinal plant diversity for future generations.
The seminar began with a grand inauguration ceremony at 10 AM. The welcome speech was delivered by Ms. Shakunthala B., Assistant Professor, Department of Botany, SDMC, Ujire. The inaugural session was marked by the gracious presence of Sri D Harshendra Kumar, Secretary, SDME Society (R.), Ujire who delivered an inspiring address highlighting his personal experiences with medicinal plants and the need for their conservation. Other dignitaries present on the dais included Dr. Satheeshchandra S., Secretary, SDME Society (R.), Ujire, Dr. K. N. Ganeshaiah, Scientist and National Advisor, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bangalore, Dr. U. M. Chandrashekhar, Retired Chief Scientist and Deputy Director, NMPB-RCFC, Kerala, Dr. M. J. Prabhu, Senior Medicinal Plants Consultant, Karnataka State Medicinal Plant Authority, Bangalore, and Dr. B. A. Kumara Hegde, Principal, SDMC, Ujire who also imparted their well-wishing words to the event. The 9th issue of the fortnightly wall magazine released by the Department entitled “Diversity of Ethnomedicine in the Foothills of the Western Ghats” was unveiled by Dr. Satheeshchandra S., Secretary, SDME Society (R.), Ujire. Felicitation to selected Naati vaidyas, Mrs. Sesamma, Mrs. Deekamma, Mrs. Padmavathi, and Mr. Appayya Naika, was conducted to recognise and honour their immense contributions to traditional healing system. The presidential speech was delivered by Dr. B. A. Kumara Hegde, Principal, SDMC, Ujire. The inaugural session ended with a vote of thanks by Mr. Abhilash K.S., Assistant Professor, Department of Botany, SDMC, Ujire. Ms. Rashmi of III B.Sc. served as the Master of Ceremony for the inaugural session.
The key note session on “Prospecting medicinal plants from history and mythology” was presided over by Dr. K. N. Ganeshaiah, Scientist and National Advisor, Indian Bioresources Information Network University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bangalore, who emphasised the deep roots that medicinal plants have on historical and mythical accounts.
The national seminar was structured around a series of technical sessions focusing on various aspects of medicinal plant research and conservation. Session 1 entitled “Diversity of Medicinal Plants in the Western Ghats” was chaired by Dr. U.M. Chandrashekhar, Chief Scientist (Retd.) and Deputy Director, NMPB-RCFC (SR), Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI), Kerala. It ranged through several topics like endangered medicinal plants, loss of biodiversity, and methods of conservation-legislation, in-situ conservation and ex-situ conservation.
The second session delivered by Dr. M. J. Prabhu, Senior Medicinal Plants Consultant, Karnataka State Medicinal Plant Authority, Bangalore, explored the role of Karnataka State Medicinal Plants Authority (KaMPA) in the conservation of medicinal plants. The session briefed the participants on the various initiatives taken up by KaMPA in providing community level training program on conservation and sustainable use of medicinal plant resources.
The third session was presented by Dr. Jayakar Bhandary, Principal, Govt. First Grade College, Carstreet, Mangalore, on the topic “Use and Conservation of Medicinal Plant Resources – Insights from Traditional Practices”. The session explored the importance of medicinal plants such as Catharanthus roseus, Rauvolfia serpentina, Cyclea peltate, and Salacia reticulata,ethnomedicinal plants of coastal Karnataka, documentation of medical flora of coastal Karnataka, and rural home gardens of Uttara Kannada district.
Each of the technical sessions was followed by an interactive Q&A, where participants had the opportunity to engage with the experts, ask questions, and discuss challenges faced in the conservation of medicinal plants.
The seminar concluded with a valedictory session. The gathering was welcomed by Ms. Manjushree K., Assistant Professor, Department of Botany. The session which included remarks from Prof. T. N. Keshav Former Principal, S.D.M. College (Autonomous), Ujire, the chief guest, who congratulated the organizers for hosting a successful seminar and underscored the importance of continuing research and conservation efforts for medicinal plants. The seminar ended with the distribution of certificates to the participants, followed by a vote of thanks from Ms. Bhavya D. Nayak, Assistant Professor, Department of Botany. The event was an excellent platform for sharing knowledge and enhancing public awareness of the importance of medicinal plants in both traditional and modern healthcare systems.
The National Seminar on "Diversity and Conservation of Medicinal Plants" successfully highlighted the significance of medicinal plant diversity and the critical need for their conservation. By bringing together diverse voices from academia and policy, the seminar provided valuable insights and laid the groundwork for future research and conservation initiatives. It is hoped that this seminar will inspire further dialogue and action toward preserving the invaluable resources offered by medicinal plants for future generations.


