Profile

BRIEF HISTORY

Speaking of the history of the department, one has to trace it by fathoming the early onset to the present; it is indeed a meandering course and an enjoyable effort- the history of growth being a pioneering one at that. In the then Madras state [now Tamil Nadu], the lone edifice of higher learning –THE UNIVERSITY OF MADRAS had affiliated The Madura College, Madurai. Cognate with the then culture of Nomenclature of Academic programmes, the college had a department of NATURAL SCIENCES [encompassing Botany and Zoology as components] for the 2 –YEAR INTERMEDIATE COURSE. Subsequently when 1 YEAR PRE-UNIVERSITY replaced the intermediate course [1957]. In all institutions where only, PRE-UNIVERSITY was being offered the name Natural Science was retained. By 1953 when B.Sc. Botany was offered, it was under the Natural Science department . Thus, the department of Botany at the Madura College is proudly the pioneer in the onset and establishment of Botany education in this part of the state. Most departments of Botany in southern Tamil Nādu are modelled on the lines of the Botany department at The Madura College, Madurai. A distinct feature of the department has been its thoroughbred efforts to muster and master the essential academic wherewithal's before embarking on programmes of higher order. Thus, after 30 + years, the department launched its PG programme - M.Sc. Botany in 1984. Of course, there had always been the process of revision and revamping of Syllabi as a part of the Autonomous status conferred on the college in 1978. Slowly the University Grants Commission and the performance monitor the NATIONAL ASSESSMENT AND ACCREDITATION COUNCIL, placed demands on colleges to strive for efforts into Research schemes to acquire funds from national agencies. In tune with the paradigm shift avidly advocated by those monitoring agencies, the Department opened its Research facilities in 2002-2003, marking the onset of another step to progress. Necessarily the department has had a hoary past, a vibrant present and a promising future, provided the spirit of progress is kept alive by every contemporary batch of teachers now and later.

As must be the spirit of academic pursuits, all round development in the chosen field of knowledge is flavored and favored by field trips to destinations near and far to cater to understanding the flora in their habitats and in recognizing the ecological facets of distribution, interaction, competition, co-existence and Nature's design for species survival. Also, facilities to nurture, encourage and promote individuals' talents of the wards in the department, a body named "PHYLLUM" throws open venues and avenues to showcase such talents which together with the academic programmes serve to develop healthy minds and competitive efforts.

To promote hands-on learning in skill-based courses like Nursery, Gardening, Horticulture, Organic Farming, etc., a domain club named "TERRACONNECT" was inaugurated (on 25/09/2024) and engages students in field-based activities.

Vision

Producing Botany students as ambassadors of sustainable development and leaving the Earth to the successive generations, as intact as possible.

Mission

To sensitize the Botany students on the classification, structure, physiology, ecology, genetics and economic importance of plants.

PROGRAMMES OFFERED

CLUB/ASSOCIATION

Objectives :

The main objective of the Phyllum Club Activities is to bring out the talents of the students of the Botany department in co-curricular activities. Participation in Phyllum Club activities helps them in developing skills such as planning, preparation, coordination, execution, knowledge acquisition, leadership, communication, problem-solving, group development, group management, management of finance, presentation and public speaking.

Activities:

All the activities are planned only after the working hours i.e., after 3.15 pm onwards only. A total of around 40 to 50 activities are regularly planned for the students to nurture participate and execute their talents: 1. Typography, 2. Calligraphy, 3. Spell-bee (Botany), 4. Drawing, 5. Flameless cookery, 6. Model Making (Biological), 7. Quiz, 8. Essay Writing (Tamil and English), 9. Oratorical Contest (Tamil and English), 10. Paper Presentation (for III UG and II PG), 11. Art from waste (from plant materials), 12. Flower Arrangement, 13. Vegetable Carving, 14. Poem Writing (Tamil and English), 15. Face Painting, 16. Millet Cooking, 17. Flower Rangoli (Botanical themes), 18. Powder Rangoli (Botanical themes), 19. Painting (Themes - Botanical, Ecological and Social issues).

Activities related to our traditional sports for Girls: 20. Hopscotch (=Nondi), 21. Dice (=Thayam), 22. Garland making (=Poo kattudhal), 23. Mancala (= Pallanguzhi).
Activities related to our traditional sports for Boys: 24. Kabaddi, 25. Goligundu, 26. Spinning Top (=Pambaram vidhudhal).
Indoor sport activities: 27. Chess (Girls), 28. Chess (Boys), 29. Carrom (Girls), 30. Carrom (Boys).
Outdoor sport activities: 31. Cricket (Boys), 32. Volleyball (Boys), 33. Running race (Boys), 34. Running race (Girls).

Apart from the 34 events mentioned above, students also voluntarily participate in stage performance events, which are part of the main Phyllum Day celebrations meant for prize distribution. The stage performance events are 35. Solo Singing, 36. Group Singing, 37. Solo Dancing, 38. Group Dancing, 39. Music Instrumentals, 40. Skits, 41. Mimes, 42. Role play etc.,

FUTURE PLAN:

• To implement innovative and transformational approaches and eventually making the system more relevant and competitive.
• Need to improve standards in teaching, research and extension activities.
• To enhance field-oriented practical classes.
• To develop good infrastructure through various funding from national and international agencies.
• To augment collaborations between reputed national / international institutions and our department for both teaching and research.
• To focus on the under graduate students by providing 1. job-oriented relevant courses to make them excellence, deeper knowledge in the subject and compete all the competitive examinations. 2. Hands-on-training. 3. Interns. 4. Bank loans to design start-ups and 5. Entrepreneurial skills.

2. DOMAIN CLUB

Objectives :

The domain club, TerraConnect functions with the following objectives; to promote hands-on learning in organic plant growing, foster environmental responsibility and sustainability and enhance student knowledge in horticulture.

ACTIVITIES :

The activities include seed germination projects with growth tracking, organic plant cultivation, garden maintenance, hands-on training on gardening, composting and water conservation and campus beautification through student-led gardening efforts.

OUTCOMES :

Through the activities of this domain club, students gain practical horticultural skills, increased awareness of environmental sustainability, teamwork and leadership through green initiatives. This initiative will also align with NAAC's emphasis on best practices for environmental sustainability.