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Life Series Festival – 03-07 March 2025
The Spectacular festival was organised by Kuvempu University in collaboration with Azim Premji University at Kuvempu University, Shankaraghatta.
This festival showcased discussions on Biodiversity & Cultural Landscapes, student research on natural environments, performances, nature walks & film screenings with expert discussions.
The festival began with the insightful presentation by Ashok Khosla, Chairman of the Centre for Environment Education, emphasized the critical need for India’s economic policies to integrate environmental considerations. He highlighted the stark socio-economic disparities, noting that while approximately 500 million affluent Indians enjoy lifestyles comparable to those in Western nations, around 800 million citizens continue to face severe hardships. Khosla pointed out that current neo-liberal economic policies focus predominantly on metrics like GDP, often overlooking pressing environmental and biodiversity issues, thereby widening the gap between the rich and the poor. He also raised concerns about environmental degradation, mentioning that nearly 20 crore people lack access to clean drinking water and that approximately 10,000 square kilometers of desert are expanding annually due to extreme weather conditions. To address these challenges, Khosla advocated for a sustainable economy and a holistic development policy that ensures equitable access to natural resources and knowledge for all citizens, aiming to bridge socio-economic divides and promote environmental conservation.
In the afternoon session after watching “Kaveri the River of Life” Documentary, We witnessed a captivating Dollu Kunitha cultural programme, which featured the energetic and rhythmic drum dance native to Karnataka. The performers’ skill and enthusiasm brought the traditional art form to life, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
And after that we headed towards an event in the Botany Dept. Focusing on the fascinating aspects of nature, particularly unique plant species and their extraordinary adaptations. This report highlights key observations about various plants that exhibit unusual characteristics, ecological importance, and biological intelligence. Plants showcase fascinating diversity and intelligence. The Baobab tree stores up to 120,000 liters of water, while the corpse flower emits a foul odor to attract pollinators. The Bolivian waterlily boasts the largest floating leaves, and the Asian watermeal is the smallest flowering plant, aiding water purification. Rafflesia, a parasitic flower, and the Venus flytrap display unique survival adaptations. Remarkably, plants communicate, with Mimosa pudica sending electrical signals and responding to sound vibrations, including music. Discoveries by scientists like Masatsugu Toyota, Jagdish Chandra Bose, and Charles Darwin have unveiled plant communication and responses, highlighting their intelligence and sensitivity. These examples underscore plants’ incredible ability to adapt and interact with their environment.
And another session highlighted how nanotechnology (NT) enhances sustainable farming through precision agriculture, reduced environmental impact, and improved crop yields. NT aids in efficient probiotic delivery, better colonization, and optimized photosynthesis by improving light harvesting, electron transport, and carbon fixation.
Nano-based fertilizers and pesticides enable targeted delivery, reduced dosage, and biodegradability. Key nanomaterials discussed included nanoclays, metal nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, and dendrimers. While NT improves nutrient absorption and reduces loss, concerns about high reactivity, environmental impact, and safety were also noted, emphasizing the need for responsible use.
On the second day of our visit, we commenced our exploration by visiting the microbiology department, which showcased a series of highly informative charts and displays. The exhibits covered a wide array of topics within microbiology, providing valuable insights and visual representations. We encountered detailed charts related to fungi, highlighting their various types and reproductive structures. The section on macrofungi was particularly intriguing, showcasing specimens and diagrams of well-known mushrooms and their ecological roles. The department also featured comprehensive charts on viral diseases, elucidating the mechanisms of virus-host interactions and the impact of viral pathogens on human health. In addition, there were informative displays on viroid diseases, detailing their unique nature and effects on plants. Furthermore, the charts on wilts provided an in-depth look at the causes and symptoms of this plant disease, along with preventive measures. Nematode diseases were also covered, with charts illustrating the life cycles and pathogenicity of these microscopic worms. The section on protozoal diseases offered insights into the diverse range of protozoa and their roles as pathogens, supported by slides and specimens for a hands-on learning experience. Overall, the visit to the microbiology department was highly educational, enriching our understanding of various microbial diseases and their significance.
After visiting the microbiology department, we proceeded to the exhibit viewing area, where we observed a series of informative boards. These boards provided detailed explanations and illustrations of natural formations and evolutionary processes.The exhibit began with the evolution of trees, showcasing their growth from seeds to mature trees and their ecological significance. Next, we explored the formation of mountains, depicted through geological timelines, explaining tectonic movements and volcanic activity.
The section on human evolution illustrated the development of humans over millions of years, tracing the journey from early hominids to modern Homo sapiens. Additionally, the exhibit featured the formation of stones, covering the processes of rock formation and types of rocks. Guided explanations by knowledgeable volunteers enriched our learning experience, making the visit both informative and engaging.
After completing the exhibit viewing, we attended a cultural program called “Antige Pantige.” The event was a vibrant display of traditional performances, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the region. The program featured captivating music, dance, and theatrical performances, providing an engaging and memorable experience for all attendees.
Following this, we headed to the geology department. Here, we received an insightful introduction to the field of geology. The knowledgeable staff provided an overview of geological concepts, emphasizing the importance of studying Earth’s physical structure and processes. We then visited the geology museum, which featured an impressive collection of plant fossils. These fossils offered a glimpse into the ancient past, showcasing the diversity of plant life that once thrived on Earth.
Additionally, the museum housed a vast collection of stones, including various types of rocks and minerals. The displays provided detailed information on the formation and classification of these geological specimens, enhancing our understanding of Earth’s history.
Overall, the visit to the geology department was highly educational and enriching, offering valuable insights into the Earth’s geological processes and the history of plant life.
On the third day, we participated in a wildlife informative session that commenced with a nature walk. During the walk, we were briefed on the essential do’s and don’ts to follow in the forest, ensuring safety and respect for the natural environment. The session included an enlightening explanation of how to differentiate between African and Asian elephants, highlighting distinct features such as ear size, tusk shape, and body structure.
Following this, we were introduced to the concept of camera trapping. The presentation covered its uses and methods, illustrating how it is employed to monitor wildlife activity and gather crucial data. We were shown pig marks collected during previous sessions and photographs captured through the camera trap, featuring a leopard and various other animals. The session concluded with a fascinating display of a preserved King Cobra, offering a close-up view of this majestic serpent and providing insights into its behavior and habitat.
Overall, the wildlife informative session was highly educational and provided a comprehensive understanding of wildlife monitoring techniques and the natural behaviors of various species.
Following the wildlife session, we attended a cultural program featuring Lambani and Jogipada performances. The vibrant display of traditional music, dance, and attire showcased the rich cultural heritage of the Lambani and Jogipada communities. The program was engaging and offered a deep appreciation of their customs and artistic expressions.
Overall, the wildlife informative session provided a comprehensive understanding of wildlife monitoring techniques and the natural behaviors of various species, while the cultural program offered a delightful and immersive experience in the local traditions.
This event was a wonderful combination of cultural events and informative sessions, providing a holistic and immersive learning experience.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Kuvempu University and Azim Premji University for organizing such an enlightening event. Special thanks to Dr. Yogendra K., Professor at the Department of PG Studies and Research in Environmental Science, Jnanasahyadri, Shankaraghatta, for his insightful contributions. We also thank our college, Kattel Ashok Pai Memorial College, Principal Dr. Sandya Kaveri, and the Department of Zoology for their support and guidance.
BSc First year Students
