Researchers from all over the country are at
Kalsubai-Harishchandragad Wildlife sanctuary

Vilas tupe
Rajur/reportar.
..The 31st Annual Conference of Indian Association for Angiosperm Taxonomy (IAAT) and International Conference on “Documentation, Bioprospecting and Conservation of Biodiversity for Sustainable Development” is organized by Dr. D. Y. Patil Unitech Society’s Dr. D. Y. Patil Arts, Commerce and Science College Akurdi, Pune at Yash Resort, Kalsubai-Harishchandragad wildlife sanctuary, Tal. Akole, Dist. Ahmednagar. The conference will be held from 5th to 7th April 2022. The inaugural function was presided over Dr. Ashio Mao, Hon’ble Diector, Botanical Survey of India (BSI) Kolkata and inaugurated by Honorable Dr. N. S. Umrani, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune. The program started with the Vruksha-Pujan where all the dais worship the Banyan plant and symbolically inaugurate the program with lamp lightning ceremony.
    Organizing secretary of the 31st IAAT conference and Principal of Dr. D. Y. Patil Arts, Commerce & Science College, Akurdi, Dr. Mohan Waman introduced the program and welcomed the participants. “Rich Biodiversity of the Kalsubai-Harishchandragad wildlife sanctuary is an opportunity for young talent to explore and research” said Dr. Mohan Waman. Felicitations were done by Dr. Mohan Waman, Dr. Mukesh Tiwary and Dr. Mahendra Khyade. Then the abstract book released by the auspicious hands of Dr. Ashio Mao, Dr. N.S. Umrani, Dr. Sasidharan, Dr. S.R. Yadav, Dr. Santosh Namphy, Mr. Randive and Dr. Mohan Waman. 
  Presidential address was delivered by Hon’ble Dr. N. Sasidharan, president of IAAT and Dr. Santosh Namphy introduced and summarized the activities of the IAAT to the presents. Dr. S. R. Yadav guided the research scholars. “Trees are like God for botanist and we all need to keep it in mind while workimg in the filed” said Dr. Yadav. In his presidential address, Dr. Mao emphasized on the conservation of biodiversity. “We all need to understand the importance of Biodiversity as it is at the peak of risk”, said Mao. He also highlighted the need of youth to take a step further in sustainable development of Biodiversity as they will be the next caretaker. Dr. Mukesh Tiwary expressed vote of thanks.

The inaugural function is followed by the keynote addresses by Dr. Ashio Mao Hon’ble Diector, Botanical Survey of India (BSI) Kolkata and Honorable Dr. Ashok Giri, Senior Scientist, National Chemical Lab, Pune. Dr. S. R. Yadav delivered Prof. Y.D Tiagi Gold Medal Award Lecture on the topic “Four Decades of Taxonomy at Shivaji University, Kolhapur”. Prof. V.V. Sivarajan Gold Medal Award lecture on “Mountain Flora of Sikkim Himalaya” was delivered by Dr. Debabrata Maity.
Honorable Dr. P. D. Patil Sir, Chancellor of Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Hon’ble Dr. Somnathdada Patil, Secretary of Dr. D. Y. Patil Unitech Society supported the conference financially and wished for the