CHANDIGARH, 21.04.25-The Department of Zoology at Mehr Chand Mahajan DAV College for Women, Chandigarh, in collaboration with MCM Vigyan Manch and Institution Innovation Council (IIC), organised a Department of Science and Technology and Renewable Energy, Chandigarh Administration sponsored hands - on workshop on ‘Drosophila Culture Techniques’. The workshop aimed to provide participants with practical knowledge and skills required for culturing, maintaining, and using Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly) for scientific research. The resource person Prof. N.G. Prasad from the Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Mohali, provided an overview of Drosophila's significance as a model organism, its biological characteristics, and its importance in scientific research. Prof. Prasad discussed about distinct morphological traits of adult Drosophila, and explained sex determination in Drosophila. The participants learned how to identify and work with various Drosophila mutants.

In another event, the Department of Zoology, under the aegis of IIC organised an industrial-cum-field visit to Global Apiaries India, Dera Bassi. The visit aimed to help students understand the beekeeping industry, its practices, challenges, and technological advancements in the field. The participants were guided through the apiary where they observed bee colonies and got demonstration of bee handling methods. The importance of bees for pollination in surrounding crops was also emphasised. Further, the students were given a walkthrough of the honey extraction process, which involved honey harvesting, extraction process, filtration and packaging. The visit also highlighted the challenges faced by the apiculture industry, such as climate change, pest and disease management, market dynamics, and pollution. The Proprietor of the firm, Sh. Madan Sharma shared his entrepreneurial journey and motivated the students to go for start-ups in beekeeping.

Officiating Principal Ms Neena Sharma expressed appreciation for the endeavours of the Zoology Department aiming at ensuring holistic development of the students. She asserted that such initiatives provide participants the opportunities to gain knowledge that could be applied to their future academic and professional pursuits.