On 17th August 2017, Department of Biotechnology and Biotech Association held “Best Out of Waste” Competition to inculcate students with the concept of making useful things out of waste materials using their creativity. It turned out to be a great success with students participating very enthusiastically.
Every group had an unique idea in making a beautiful product out of materials which were merely kept to be disposed off. It was a stupendous platform to see used bottles, old cloth, newspapers, CD’s, used pots and many more being transformed into such attractive products.
The Judges for the same, Professor Gopalkrishnan Pillai, Faculty member and Trustee of Pillai’s Institute and Professor Shabab Rizvi, Faculty member of Department of Economics and Head of N.S.S. Unit of PCACS were amazed by the innovative ideas of students. Even though only few groups managed to win, every group was a winner with their unique idea of making best out of waste.
The morning of 28th July, 2017 saw a whole new side of Biotechnology, as certain concepts weren’t explained to students by conventional teaching methods but dramatically in form of bio-skits.
The Department of Biotechnology and Biotech Association of Pillai’s College of Arts, Commerce and Science, Panvel hosted it’s first departmental activity “BIO-MIME” for the academic year 2017-2018 on 28th July, 2017. “BIO-MIME” was an event to showcase individual’s dramatic skills by incorporating a concept or topic under the roof of Biotechnology. It was great to see four teams participate and explain concepts with an innovative way of adapting a different story and converting it into a concept of Biotechnology. The event began at 10:00 a.m. with the addressal note to the students by the Event Incharge and Teacher Incharge of Biotechnology Association, Prof. Ms. Meenakshi Johri. The judges for the event were Prof. Ms. Suparna Deepak, a faculty member of the Biotechnology Department and Ms. Bhakti Hirani. Research fellow from PIIT.
Even though only two teams managed to bag the First and Second position, all the groups made one thing possible and that was make the audience laugh their hearts out.
It is said that Art and Science have no connection whatsoever, but BIO-MIME proved it wrong as it showed us a relatable connection of Art and Science further motivating students to showcase their artistic skills.
The Department of Biotechnology and Biotechnology Association conducted their Annual Intercollegiate Biotechnology Fest “CONSORTIA – Transforming Minds, Translating Ideas” on 28th January, 2017 at Dr. K. M. Vasudevan Pillai’s Campus. Consortia implies an “association or conglomeration” and as the name suggests also it aims in providing a platform for students to exchange ideas and showcase their magnificent skills and talents.
This year Consortia was inaugurated by Dr. Binoj Kutty, an ex-faculty member at the Department of Biotechnology at PCACS and currently working as an Assistant Professor at St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai and by Dr. Mansee Thakur, In charge Director of School of Biomedical Sciences and Head of the Department of Medical Biotechnology at MGM Institute of Health Sciences, Navi Mumbai. The chief guests not only motivated students to succeed in life but also urged them to keep learning throughout their lives.
The one day fest was attended by more than 200 students, which included students from various colleges in Mumbai like from K.C. College Churchgate, Tilak College Vashi, K.B.P. College Vashi, M.G.M. College Kalamboli and Khalsa College, Sion. All the events witnessed a very large and enthusiastic participation.
Highlights of events were Drama Mantra (Dumb Charades) and Nagel Painting (Nail Art) which were newly introduced events. Both of which had an immense response. Other events were Vistas (Exhibition), Hit Your Grey (Quiz), Fructus Sculpture (Fruit Carving), Zoom In (Photography) and lastly TALAASH… The Search Begins (Treasure hunt).
It was a great effort put in by student-volunteers as well as by the faculty members in making the fest a grand success and yet again making all of us excited for “Consortia-2018”.
The Department of Biotechnology and Biotechnology Association of Pillai College of Arts, Commerce and Science, New Panvel had organized a visit to Jeevan Jyothi Charitable Trust, Old Panvel on 18th December 2015, Friday. The initiative to visit the organization was taken by the Professors and students of the Department. They had an interactive session with the children regarding the importance of basic cleanliness and personal hygiene in our daily life.
Students of our college also had conducted entertaining session where the children sang and shook the leg on few songs; following which, blankets, books and stationary items. Refreshments in the form of snacks were distributed. Overall this event was highly entertaining and enlightening for the kids at Jeevan Jyothi Charitable Trust that have sensitized our students with regards to their social responsibilities.
With the ongoing activity of ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’, the Department of Biotechnology on behalf of Biotechnology Association and Environment Analysis and Conservation Team (EnACT) organized a cleanliness drive and a dengue awareness programme on 11th December, 2014. The increasing cases of dengue and environmental pollution make it a need of the hour to highlight the necessity for cleanliness in the nation. Under the guidance of Dr. K. M. Srinandhinidevi, In charge, Biotechnology Association and Mr. Gopakumar Pillai, In charge, ENACT and Mr. Akhil Nair, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Biotechnology, more than seventy students actively took part in the drive and cleaned the area between Panvel Railway Station and State Transport Bus Depot (Old Panvel). The students explained the necessity for cleanliness, sanitation and hygiene for a disease free society with emphasis on measures to prevent dengue and malarial attacks to the public. People from different age groups also contributed to the campaign by actively working along with the students, which highlights the accomplishment of our objective.
Thursday, 4th September, 2014 – Thalassemia
The Department of Biotechnology and Biotechnology Association continued its campaign for women’s rights and safety by organizing a street play Dastak (Voice against atrocities on women) by the students of the department of Biotechnology at the New Panvel Railway Station. Protesters demanded that the government draw up a comprehensive plan to ensure women’s safety and that people react to such heinous crimes and also help victims who fall prey to such injustice.
The play was Written, Directed and performed by the first and second year students of the B.Sc. Biotechnology stream. A student of the department said, “It is important to voice women’s issues. People are angry due to the lawlessness. A strong public reaction is required to send out the message that women’s rights must be respected. The administration must ensure a safe environment for women.”
The play was based on the different threats faced by women in the country and was performed on the 24th January, 2014 it was a ten minutes play and stirred many emotions on the onlooker.
The association is known and recognized for always taking up topics and themes that are off the beaten path and keep adding new elements to perceive and practice things.
The Department of Biotechnology and Biotechnology Association of Pillai College of Arts, Commerce and Science (PCACS), New Panvel, organized a one day seminar on “Industry Academia Interface: Horizon for Future” on 15th September, 2012, Saturday. 110 students from different colleges including PCACS participated in the seminar. The distinguished guests formally inaugurated the event by lightening the lamp. Dr. Daphne Pillai, Principal, PCACS welcomed the gathering. In her speech she emphasized on the importance of industry academic collaboration. Dr. A. K. Kohli, Chief Executive Officer, Board of Radiation and Isotope Technology B.A.R.C. delivered the keynote address. In his converse he explained the significance of radiation and radioisotopes and its application in different fields like medicine and agriculture. At the end of his talk he gave the guidelines to the students with respect to different exams conducted by B.A.R.C. for research program. The technical session started at 11.30 a.m. by Dr. B. V. Vakil, Research In charge, G. N. Khalsa College, Consultant – Biotech and fermentation industries. He spoke about “Opportunities for Biotechnologists and Expectations of Biotechnology Industry”. He also stressed on the role of Teachers as well as the responsibilities of students to prepare themselves to face the challenges in the future.
The afternoon session started with the talk of Mr. Babu Rao Bussari, Assistant Manager, Serum Institute of India Ltd., Pune on the topic “Introduction of Biotech Industry and Overview of Vaccine Manufacturing Techniques”. The topic covered by him was types of vaccines, fermentation process and recovery process. Mr. Rajendra Chandane, Assistant Global Project Manager, Glenmark, Mumbai and Mr. Rohit Mane, Quality Assurance Executive, Reliance Life Sciences, Mumbai accentuated the contribution of Educational institutions in grooming the students with quality education and preparing them industry ready. At the end of the session participation certificate was given to all the participants by Dr. K. M. Srinandhini Devi, Convener of the Seminar. The seminar was appreciated by all the participants and the infotaining event came to an end by 5.30 p.m.
