National Conference entitled “Translating Biodiversity Research into Deliverables for Human Welfare” started today at the Department of Zoology, Panjab University (PU), Chandigarh.

The two day National Conference is being organised by PU Department of Zoology.

Director Defense Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR), Leh, J&K, Dr. Bhuvnesh Kumar was the Chief Guest. Dr Bhuvnesh delivered the inaugural address giving an overview of the biodiversity in the Indian subcontinent. Dean (Sciences), Prof. Naresh Tuli was Guest of honour on this occasion. The Chief Guest also released the book entitled “Fish Diversity of Punjab” authored by Prof. Emeritus Dr. M. S. Johal and Dr. Yogesh K. Rawal of the Department of Zoology, Panjab University, Chandigarh.

The Technical sessions began with the talk of Principal Scientist, National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR), Karnal Dr. Monika Sodhi and Deputy Director, Bombay Natural History Society, Vulture Conservation Breeding Center, Pinjore Dr. Vibhu Prakash.

Dr. Sodhi discussed the cattle biodiversity of the world with special reference to A1 and A2 milk. She emphasized that the milk from indigenous cows is rich in proteins, has better anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial as well as anticancer activity and is useful for patients suffering from liver, gall bladder diseases and diabetes.

Prof. Vibhu Prakash highlighted the need for Vulture conservation to save them from possible extinction a they play vital role in the ecosystem as natural scavengers. He stressed that the veterinary non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, diclofenac was responsible for the crash in the vulture populations.

Another invited speaker Additional Director, MIRC, DRDO, Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences, New Delhi, Dr. Anil K. Mishra delivered his talk on the special chemical entities derived from the flora and fauna, their use in molecular imaging and curing the diseases like cancer.

More than 100 participants from different parts of the country presented their posters in front of the elite panel.