Mangaluru: The Department of Applied Zoology of Mangalore University, in association with the Natural History Association, organized a two-day national-level inter-collegiate fest, “Vaividhya 2026,” on Friday and Saturday to commemorate “Biodiversity Day.”
University Dean Professor Manjaiah presided over the program. Chief guest of the event, Educationist and environmentalist Deviprasad K. N. He stated that understanding biodiversity and its significance is crucial, emphasizing that the participation of life sciences students is vital in biodiversity conservation. Head of the Department Prof. M. S. Mustak, Natural History Association Convenor Dr. Narasimhaiah, “Vaividhya-2026” Convenor Dr. Jayson Sequeira, and Student Convenor Sinchana Hegde were present.
During the event, the department’s magazine ‘Foot Print’, which is a compilation of various articles, was released. A variety of competitions such as quiz, debate, rangoli, and reel making were organized for undergraduate and postgraduate students. The festive atmosphere was enhanced by ‘Bio Bazaar’ stalls, an exhibition of photographs captured by the department students, and guided museum visits. Sharanya and team from the Layana Trust conducted an awareness session to share vital information on snakebites, their treatment, and to clear up common myths about snakes.
Assistant Commissioner of the Commercial Taxes Department R. M. Gogeri, Director of Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University Dr. S. M. Shivaprakash, and Researcher Nachiket Sharma participated in the valedictory ceremony. An alumni meet was also organized during the afternoon session.
Fr. Suraj Joseph Lobo and Vaishnavi Pai compered the program. More than 200 students from Mangalore University and various other colleges participated in the event.