The Microbiology Department, St. Xavier’s College (Autonomous) Kolkata, has always spearheaded the research activities in the institution. Modern Trends in Microbiology (MTIM) has been at the apex of innovation and creativity in Microbiology and all the related areas. It is the brainchild of Professor Dr. Arup Kumar Mitra and comprises oral and poster presentations along with Quiz and Photography events, and cultural events. The departmental magazine “DNA” ('e-DNA), which is primarily an endeavor of the students of the Microbiology department, this year will be in its 20th year- since its inception.
The Journal contains an eclectic ensemble of scientific research articles from outside the specified syllabi of the undergraduate and post-graduate curriculum which speaks volumes about the enthusiasm, dedication, and motivation of the students in the subject. MTIM is an amalgamation of interesting articles on versatile topics much beyond the scope of the curriculum, speaks volumes about the genuine commitment and involvement of the students to help create a platform that provides such an opportunity to enhance the skills and experiences gathered by the students and all the other students participating from myriad colleges and universities.
The photography event required the participants to send in their entries revolving around the theme of “Biodiversity In Focus”, which were posted on the official Instagram handle of MTIM.
The photographs were truly captivating and managed to capture the essence of biodiversity beautifully. The quiz event named Incognita saw a total registration of 27 teams out of which 12 qualified for the semifinals. The selection procedure was done via prelims, conducted in the online mode where the participants were quizzed on a myriad of topics related to biology. The poster presentation event will have teams, both from within and outside the college presenting their posters on both the days of the event according to the appointed schedule.
For oral presentation, students across all 5 batches are going to present their research papers on a variety of groundbreaking discoveries and ideas. A panel of judges comprising professors from the Department of Microbiology will select the winners for the event poster and oral presentation after an extensive round of questioning and instructive interactions, who will be awarded during the closing ceremony on the 2nd day.
A bunch of renowned guest speakers will be gracing the event. The visiting guest on the first day is Dr. Anshuman Lahiri from the University of Calcutta and on the next day, Dr. Moulinath Acharya from the National Institute of Biomedical Genomics, and Dr. Apala Paul, a senior research fellow from the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore will be the judges. Their panoramic discourses will offer invaluable knowledge on several pertinent domains in the field of microbiology.
The event on both days- the 6th and 7th of October 2023 will end with the cultural program which will be put up by the students across all the batches. Innumerous hours of practice and the relentless efforts put in by the participants showcase the palpable enthusiasm surrounding it. They have left no stone unturned to ensure that the attendees get to experience a riveting display of music, dance, recitation and so much more.
MTIM 2023 is proudly sponsored by Title Sponsor: Temple Touch, co-powered by AM EDUCARE, Bank Partner: Canara Bank, Study Abroad Partner: Canam Study Abroad, Style Partner: Rahees Hair Studio, Clothing Partner: Cozy Tales, Refreshment Partner: Pabitra Jol, Digital media partner: Edugraph and Radio partner: 91.9 Friends FM.
The release of the 10th volume of the DNA magazine which is the annual journal of the Department of Microbiology, marks another significant highlight of this event. The students have visited a number of colleges in different parts of the state, sending them invitations to be a part of this extravaganza of scientific knowledge and exuberance. Social media too has played a crucial role in enlightening people about the magnitude and the outstanding nature of this event.
The 20th chapter of Modern Trends In Microbiology thus promises to be a one-of-a-kind seminar and a haven of ingenious discoveries and enlightening scientific ideas. This time around, the entire department has worked round the clock to ensure that it lives up to the name and the outstanding reputation that is associated with it and has spared no efforts to take the greatness and grandeur of this event several notches higher. This extravaganza will surely reach greater heights in the near future and continue the remarkable legacy that it has transformed itself into.