CHANDIGARH, 14.03.26-On 13th March 2026, the inauguration session of International Conference cum Workshop on "Orchid Diversity, Conservation and Resource Development in Changing Global Climate: Perspectives on Medicinal, Floricultural and Economic Potential” & Orchid Show was organized by The Orchid Society of India (TOSI) jointly with and at Department of Botany, Panjab University, Chandigarh at Golden Jubilee Auditorium, at PU, Chandigarh.

At the outset, Prof. (Dr.) Promila Pathak, convener cum Organizing Secretary for International Conference gave welcome address and extended her warm and gracious welcome and in her address, Prof. Pathak apprised the dedication and commitment of the society in highlighting the scientific and commercial importance of orchids besides motivating scientists and entrepreneurs. Prof. Sidhu briefed about Department Of Botany, PU, Chandigarh.

Simultaneously, an orchid show depicting live plants, photographs, and paintings exhibited by TOSI (Chandigarh), BSI (Dehradun), Bishen Singh Mahendra Pal Singh (Dehradun) and Orchid Blooms (Sikkim) was also inaugurated by the chief guest Prof Yojna Rawat ,DUI,PU, Chandigarh,DUI of Panjab University, Chandigarh called upon the botanical community to imbibe the spirit of innovation, collaboration and entrepreneurship so that the country may benefit from the rich diversity of horticultural and medicinal orchids for health and economic development.

The Guest of Honour, Sh Saurabh Kumar Chief Conservator of Forests-cum-Director (Environment) & CEO, SMPB, Chandigarh appreciated that it is a privilege to represent the Department of Forest at this significant gathering at Panjab University.

Another Guest of Honour, Dr R Murugeswaran Deputy Director & Head of Institute, RRIUM, Silchar, Assam joined online and gave the special remarks on envision a future where local communities are empowered through sustainable micropropagation and ethical trade, moving away from destructive wild-harvesting toward a resilient, orchid-based green economy. The Society further released its eminent publications i.e. the Souvenir cum Abstract Book; an International Journal; and Orchid Newsletter. Prof. P L Uniyal, Treasure, TOSI proposed the vote of Thanks.

Flower arrangement competition was also held. The conference had 12 invited speakers, 11 poster presentations and 08 oral presentations, in total. Invited speakers include speakers from Australia, Thailand, China and Malaysia. The vote of thanks was proposed by Prof P L Uniyal, Treasure, TOSI.

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Valedictory session of International Conference cum Workshop on "Orchid Diversity, Conservation and Resource Development in Changing Global Climate: Perspectives on Medicinal, Floricultural and Economic Potential”

CHANDIGARH, 14.03.26-On 14th March 2026, the valedictory session of International Conference cum Workshop on "Orchid Diversity, Conservation and Resource Development in Changing Global Climate: Perspectives on Medicinal, Floricultural and Economic Potential” & Orchid Show was organized by The Orchid Society of India (TOSI) jointly with Department of Botany, Panjab University, Chandigarh at PU, Chandigarh.

The Valedictory address was delivered by the Chief guest, Prof (Dr) Y P Verma, the Registrar, Panjab University, Chandigarh, who highlighted the importance of research, conservation and sustainable utilization of orchids in the context of global climate change. The Guests of Honour, Dr Ian Douglas Chalmers from Australia and Ms Anita Sharma from New Delhi shared their valuable remarks and appreciated the success and significance of the two-day international event.

The session concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Prof (Dr) Promila Pathak, Convener cum Organising Secretary, TOSI, expressing gratitude to all the dignitaries, participants and contributors.