BOTANY - Profile
DEPARTMENT OF BOTANY
The Department of Botany was established in 1974, in tandem with the founding of the college, with the launch of the B.Sc. Botany–Zoology–Chemistry (BZC) programme in 1974. Later converted this Programme into B.Sc. Honours Botany as a single major in accordance with NEP 2020 from 2023. Over the last 50 years, the department has emerged as a centre of excellence in life sciences education, known for its experienced faculty, outstanding student achievements, and commitment to environmental sustainability. As the department celebrates its Golden Jubilee, it takes pride in a legacy marked by academic rigor, eco-consciousness, and holistic student development.
The department was initially headed by Sri M. Veeranna, whose pioneering efforts laid a strong academic foundation. He was succeeded by Sri J. Rajeswara Rao, who further strengthened the department’s academic standards and infrastructure.Later, Dr. N. Suryanarayana Raju continued the tradition of excellence, expanding both teaching and co-curricular activities. At present, the department is ably led by Dr. K. Sri Lakshmi, who continues to uphold the department’s commitment to quality education, innovation, and sustainability.She haspublished 7 research papers in reputed journals and contributed articles to newspapers. She hasbeen serving as a reviewer for international journals.
The vision of the Department is to promote excellence in botanical education and research while nurturing ecological awareness and sustainable development for a greener future.
The mission of the Department is to provide comprehensive education in plant sciences through classroom, laboratory, and field-based learning, to foster critical thinking, scientific inquiry, and environmental responsibility among students, to integrate value-based education and eco-conscious practices into the curriculum, to prepare students for higher education, research, and green careers.
Value-Added Course:Environmental Education – offered to enhance students’ understanding of ecology and sustainability.Emphasis on experiential learning through field trips, hands-on laboratory work, and project-based learning.
A team of experienced, dedicated, and student-friendly faculty members, committed to high-quality teaching and mentorship.Faculty actively guide students in academic projects, fieldwork, and career planning.Regular participation in faculty development programs, workshops, and curriculum innovation.
Well-Equipped Laboratories, Facilities for plant physiology, cytology, taxonomy, and ecology.Botany Museum, A curated collection of preserved plant specimens, educational models, and herbarium samples.Medicinal Plant Garden, Cultivating a wide variety of ethnobotanical and medicinal species for study and conservation.Green Campus, Rich biodiversity, natural shade, and eco-friendly practices make it ideal for botanical exploration.ICT Tools, Integration of digital tools and models for enhanced learning.
Eco Club actively engages students in tree plantation drives, clean campus programs, and biodiversity awareness.Earth Day, World Environment Day etc are observed annually through seminars, student competitions, rallies, and outreach events.Regular Environmental Auditsto promote green practices.ISO Certification of the college’s environment-friendly policies and campus management.
Consistent record of university ranks at the undergraduate level.Alumni have secured top ranks in PG entrance exams.Students actively participate in intercollegiate fests, nature camps, and science exhibitions.
Many graduates pursue higher education in Botany, Zoology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Forestry, Biotechnology, and related fields.A good number of placements secured in teaching, research institutions, NGOs, government agencies, and ecological consulting.Career guidance, competitive exam training, and alumni interaction help students make informed career choices.
As the department celebrates 50 years of excellence, Launching interdisciplinary certificate courses on sustainable agriculture, biodiversity, and plant-based entrepreneurship.Enhancing research opportunities and student publications.Organizing National-level seminars, alumni meets, and eco-competitions.Expanding the medicinal plant garden into a research and demonstration center.
The Department of Botany stands as a vibrant academic unit blending tradition with innovation. With a strong foundation built on education, ecology, and empowerment, the department remains committed to nurturing future botanists, educators, and environmental stewards. As it moves into its next chapter, it continues to grow as a symbol of academic excellence and green consciousness.
RETIRED FACULTY:
- M.VEERANNA, M.Sc., M.Phil.
- J. RAJESWARA RAO, M.Sc., M.Phil.
- Dr. N. SURYANARAYANA RAJU, M.Sc., Ph,D.
FORMER FACULTY:
- P. SRINIVAS, M.Sc.
- Y. VIJAYA KUMAR, M.Sc.
- U. SIRISHA, M.Sc.
PRESENT FACULTY:
- Dr. K. SRILAKSHMI, M.Sc., B.Ed., Ph. D
- B. SANTHA RAJU, M.Sc.