The Department of Biosciences, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL), Anantapur Campus, achieved a remarkable milestone at the National Botany Fest 2025, proudly representing Andhra Pradesh.
Led by Assistant Professor Ms. B. Anusha, a team of six outstanding bioscience students—Apoorva Gurung, Gouri Nandana S, Krishtina Thapa Mangar, Thudumula Jayalakshmi, Taradutta Thatoi, and Yerram Srinidhi—emerged as the overall champions of the prestigious national competition, showcasing exceptional skill, teamwork, and dedication.
About the Event
The National Botany Fest 2025 was organized by the Valley of Flowers Society, Souadtga, Ekta Nagar, in collaboration with the Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Gujarat, from January 19–22, 2025. Themed “Love, Live, Learn from Nature to Conserve Nature,” the fest brought together participants from 31 states and 30 esteemed institutions, celebrating India’s rich biodiversity and emphasizing environmental sustainability.
Competitions and Achievements
With over 15 innovative competitions designed to foster creativity, ecological awareness, and teamwork, the SSSIHL team emerged victorious against participants from across India. Their stellar performance reflected their academic rigor, environmental consciousness, and commitment to sustainability.
Key Competitions
- Flora Fauna Fusion: A treasure hunt combining puzzles, riddles, and an educational jungle safari.
- Tent Making: Eco-friendly crafting using sustainable materials collected from the jungle by non-destructive methods.
- Cactus Trivia: Exploring the world of cacti and succulents.
- Natural Painting: Crafting artworks using biodegradable materials and natural colors from plants.
- Jungle Ka Khana Khazana: Cooking challenge using edible wild plants from the jungle.
- Plant-Animal Interaction: Observing butterfly-plant interactions to understand ecological relationships.
- Parliament of the Jungle: Debates on environmental issues and conservation.
- Vanaspatishodh (Phytohunt): Discovering plant diversity along specific routes.
- Test the Senses: A multi-sensory botanical experience engaging all five senses.
- Bird Niche and Tree Habitat: Observing bird-plant relationships in natural habitats.
- Audio Visual: Identifying plants from songs and videos.
- Cultural Program: Celebrating India’s cultural heritage through performances inspired by nature.
- Innovation and Nature: Designing solutions inspired by nature without harming natural resources.
- Arts, Crafts, and Fashion Design: Crafting outfits using natural materials from the forest.
- Shri Yantra Nakshatra Krida: Knowledge-testing program on plants related to Shri Yantra and Nakshatra.
The event was inaugurated by eminent personalities, including Dr. Ashiho A. Mao, Director of the Botanical Survey of India, and Prof. Bhushan Patwardhan, National Research Professor, who highlighted the importance of biodiversity and experiential learning.
At the valedictory ceremony, Dr. A.P. Singh, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, commended the efforts of Dr. Padmanabhi S. Nagar, the organizing secretary, for fostering environmental awareness among the youth.
SSSIHL’s triumph at the National Botany Fest 2025 reaffirms its dedication to academic excellence, ecological innovation, and environmental responsibility. As a center of integral education, the institute continues to inspire students to blend learning with service, shaping a sustainable and harmonious future.
