The Department of Botany of Deva Matha College, Kuravilangad has been conducting the Intercollegiate Botany Quiz regularly since 2006 as part of its academic extension and outreach activities. The programme aims to promote scientific temperament, enhance subject knowledge, and foster healthy academic competition among undergraduate students.
Participation Details
The Intercollegiate Botany Quiz has consistently received active participation from various colleges. On average, 14–18 colleges take part in the competition each year, reflecting the popularity and academic relevance of the programme.
A structured Registration Form and Feedback Form were used to document participant details and gather responses regarding the programme. The feedback from collected information on:
- Participant details (Name, Institution, Class, Contact Number)
- Rating of quiz content (Excellent / Good / Average / Poor)
- Rating of quiz conduct (Excellent / Good / Average / Poor)
- Willingness to encourage juniors to participate
- Suggestions for improvement
Feedback Summary
The overall feedback from participants indicated:
- High appreciation for the content quality of the quiz.
- Positive response regarding the organization and conduct of the event.
- A strong willingness among participants to encourage juniors to take part in future editions.
The Intercollegiate Botany Quiz, conducted regularly since 2006, has become a significant academic event of the Department of Botany, Deva Matha College. With consistent participation from 14–18 colleges annually, the programme continues to serve as a platform for intellectual exchange, academic excellence, and intercollegiate collaboration.
1. Plant Tissue Culture
This course provides hands-on training in modern plant biotechnology techniques including:
- Media preparation
- Sterilization techniques
- Micropropagation
- Callus culture
The programme enables students to gain practical skills useful in research laboratories, agricultural biotechnology industries, and higher studies.
2. MS Office Package
Introduced in 2021, this course focuses on developing digital and documentation skills. It includes training in:
- MS Word
- MS Excel
- MS PowerPoint
- Basic data management and presentation skills
The course enhances students’ technical proficiency and prepares them for academic projects, research documentation, and administrative responsibilities.
3. Diploma in Agriculture Production Management
This diploma programme is offered in association with the National Youth Programme. The course aims to:
- Provide knowledge in modern agricultural practices
- Develop entrepreneurial skills in agriculture
- Promote sustainable farming methods
- Train students in farm management and production techniques
This programme supports students who aspire to build careers in agriculture, agribusiness, and allied sectors.
The Department of Botany ensures that every batch of students benefits from these add-on courses, thereby strengthening their academic foundation and improving career prospects. Through consistent implementation of such skill-oriented programmes, the Department continues its commitment to holistic education and professional development.
Internship Facilitation
The Department of Botany, Deva Matha College (Autonomous), Kuravilangad, actively facilitates internship programmes for undergraduate students in reputed scientific and research institutes to enhance their practical exposure and research competence. As part of this initiative, students are provided opportunities to undergo academic attachment in premier research organizations such as the Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI), functioning under Kerala State Council for Science Technology and Environment (KSCSTE).
Approval was granted in 2025-26 for the following IIDC students of the Department of Botany:
- Alan Shaji
- Nandana Sunil
- Surya Asok
- Ajeesha Shaji
- Krishnanandha S
- Navgeet V
- Sindhura V C
- Swathikrishna S
Significance of the Internship Programme
The internship at KFRI provides students with:
- Exposure to advanced research facilities and laboratory techniques
- Training in forest botany and ecological research
- Interaction with scientists and research professionals
- Practical understanding of biodiversity conservation and sustainable resource management
The Department of Botany continues to strengthen experiential learning by facilitating internship programmes in reputed institutions. These initiatives significantly contribute to experiential learning, skill development, and career orientation of undergraduate students, aligning with the department’s commitment to academic excellence and research exposure.
The Department of Botany, Deva Matha College (Autonomous), Kuravilangad, initiated an Interdepartmental Eco-Quiz programme in connection with World Environment Day from the academic year 2024 onwards.
Objective
The Eco-Quiz is organized with the aim of:
- Creating environmental awareness among students
- Promoting ecological responsibility and sustainable practices
- Encouraging interdisciplinary participation in environmental discussions
- Enhancing knowledge on biodiversity, conservation, climate change, and sustainable development
Participation
The programme is conducted as an interdepartmental competition, ensuring active participation from various departments of the college. The event has witnessed enthusiastic involvement from students, fostering healthy academic competition and environmental consciousness.
In the most recent edition of the Eco-Quiz, the Department of Economics secured the First Prize, demonstrating commendable knowledge and awareness in environmental issues.
The Interdepartmental Eco-Quiz, conducted annually in observance of World Environment Day, has become an important academic initiative of the Department of Botany. By integrating environmental awareness with academic engagement, the programme contributes meaningfully to building responsible and environmentally conscious citizens.
SKILL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES
- FLORA CRAFT
As part of the World Youth Skills Day 2025 Celebrations, the Department of Botany, Deva Matha College, Kuravilangad, organized a one-day workshop titled ‘Flora Craft’ – Flower Arrangement on 14th July 2025. The workshop aimed at equipping students with aesthetic and practical skills in flower arrangement, thus fostering creativity, patience, and fine motor coordination—key components of green skills.
This workshop marked the beginning of a series of skill training programmes planned by the department under the banner “Green Skills”, envisioned to promote eco-conscious vocational education and sustainable practices in alignment with the NEP 2020 guidelines.
The session was inaugurated and led by Professor George Mathew Murickan, Former Head of the Department of Botany, Deva Matha College. As the resource person, he delivered a comprehensive theoretical session introducing participants to the principles, types, and styles of flower arrangement, including Eastern (Ikebana), Western, freestyle, and modern decorative arrangements.
Following the theory session, students enthusiastically participated in the hands-on practical session, during which they prepared 13 different models of flower arrangements under expert guidance. These arrangements reflected the diversity in design, from minimalist Japanese Ikebana styles to elaborate Western symmetrical patterns and innovative contemporary freestyle compositions.
The workshop witnessed active participation of faculty members and students from various other departments, encouraging interdepartmental collaboration and skill sharing. The event also provided a platform for the students to demonstrate their creativity, teamwork, and application of theoretical knowledge into practical forms. The workshop witnessed active participation of 63 students and faculty members from various departments, encouraging interdepartmental skill sharing. The participants enthusiastically engaged in both the theoretical and practical sessions, expressing great interest in learning the art of floral design. The event created a lively and interactive environment, allowing participants to explore their creativity while gaining hands-on experience in flower arrangement.
To showcase the outcomes of the workshop, the prepared floral models were displayed in the exhibition stall allotted to the Botany Department during the Exhibition and Sale event held on 15th July 2025 in the College Auditorium. The stall attracted a large number of visitors including students, teachers, and guests, receiving much appreciation for its artistic presentation and ecological relevance.
The event was a grand success, fulfilling its objectives of empowering youth with creative green skills, fostering interdepartmental camaraderie, and initiating the academic year’s “Green Skills” training series on a vibrant and colourful note.
- FRUIT CRAFT
In connection with the World Youth Skills Day 2025 Celebrations, the Department of Botany, Deva Matha College, Kuravilangad, organized a one-day hands-on workshop titled ‘Fruit Craft’ – Skill Training for Making Fruit Jam, Squash, and Pudding on 15th July 2025. The workshop is a part of the department’s new initiative “Green Skills”, a series of vocational training programmes planned for the academic year to equip students with sustainable and practical life skills.
The resource person for the session was Smt. Julie J. Paramundayil, Associate Professor, Department of Botany, Alphonsa College, Pala, who delivered both theoretical and practical sessions. Her expertise and engaging teaching methods ensured that the workshop was informative, interactive, and impactful.
The training was exclusively attended by all students of the Botany Department, who participated with great enthusiasm. The workshop began with a theory session, where the resource person explained the scientific principles, hygiene protocols, and preservation techniques involved in the preparation of jams, squashes, and puddings. This was followed by a practical session, where students prepared three different value-added food products:
- Pineapple Jam
- Lemon-Beetroot Squash
- Tender Coconut Pudding
After preparation, the students bottled and labeled the items with details including the manufacturing date, expiry date, MRP, and product information, ensuring a complete understanding of product packaging and presentation as per food safety and marketing standards.
The prepared items were then displayed in the Botany Department’s exhibition stall, arranged as part of the Exhibition and Sale event held in the College Auditorium on the same afternoon (15.07.2025 AN). The display attracted a large number of visitors, who appreciated the initiative and quality of the products.
The event witnessed overwhelming support, as all the units of the products were sold out before the end of the programme. The sales figures are as follows:
- Pineapple Jam – 22 units
- Lemon-Beetroot Squash – 52 units
- Tender Coconut Pudding – 150 units
The workshop was a grand success, achieving its objectives of providing hands-on training in food processing, enhancing entrepreneurial skills among students, and promoting sustainable, eco-friendly practices. It marked another successful milestone in the department’s “Green Skills” programme, blending scientific learning with practical application and community engagement.
- PIXEL BOTANICA – Plants Through the Lens: Macro-Photography for Exploring Plants
The Department of Botany, Deva Matha College, Kuravilangad organized a skill-oriented training programme titled “Pixel Botanica – Plants Through the Lens: Macro-Photography for Exploring Plants” on 18 August 2025 at 9:30 AM in the Botany Lab. The programme was conducted in connection with the Green Skills: Botany Skill Training Series.
The session aimed to introduce students to the fundamentals of macro-photography and its application in plant studies. The programme focused on developing practical skills that would help students observe, document, and analyze plant morphology through close-up photography techniques.
The resource person for the programme was Dr. C. T. Chandralekha, Post Graduate Department of Botany, DMCK. She shared her expertise in macro-photography and provided detailed insights into capturing high-quality images of plant structures using accessible tools, especially mobile phones.
Highlights of the Programme
- Basics of macro-photography
- Hands-on training using mobile phones
- Fundamentals of image editing
- Commercial aspects and career opportunities in macro-photography
Dr. Chandralekha explained the technical aspects of lighting, focus, composition, and background selection while photographing plant specimens. She demonstrated simple yet effective techniques to capture intricate details such as floral parts, trichomes, stamens, and textures of leaves.
The hands-on session enabled students to practice photography within the laboratory and campus premises. Participants actively engaged in capturing plant images and received constructive feedback on improving clarity, framing, and detailing.
The session also covered the basics of image editing, introducing students to simple tools and applications that enhance image quality without altering scientific authenticity. The resource person further discussed the commercial potential of macro-photography, encouraging students to explore opportunities in scientific documentation, digital content creation, stock photography, and academic research.
The programme was highly informative and interactive. It successfully enhanced students’ technical skills while deepening their appreciation for plant diversity through visual exploration. The event concluded with an interactive discussion and vote of thanks, marking it as a valuable addition to the Green Skills Training Series.