Events

Ms. Malavika AK (III DC Microbiology) and Ms. Swathi V (III DC Life Sciences – Zoology & Computational Biology) have been honored with the Best Student Award (2022-25) by the Microbiologists Society of India (MBSI) for their exceptional academic performance and contributions in their respective fields. Malavika received the award for the Microbiology Department, while Swathi was recognized by the Life Science & Computational Biology Department at St. Pius X College, Rajapuram. Hearty congratulations to Malavika and Swathi on this well-deserved recognition!

Ashwin Raj A (III DC Microbiology) has been selected as the Best Outgoing Student of St. Pius X College, Rajapuram for the academic year 2024–25.This prestigious recognition is a testament to his outstanding academic performance, exemplary conduct, and active participation in co-curricular and extracurricular activities. The Department of Microbiology is proud of his achievement and extends heartfelt congratulations!

The Department of Microbiology has once again made history in the academic year 2024–25 by securing yet another remarkable achievement! For the second consecutive year, our students clinched First Position in Sports, Games, and Arts (including both off-stage and on-stage events) during the Inter-Departmental Competitive Festival of St. Pius X College, Rajapuram—competing against six other departments. With outstanding performances and unwavering team spirit, the Department proudly brought home the Overall Championship title once again, marking a significant milestone in our department's legacy since its establishment in 1995. Congratulations to all the students, coordinators, and faculty who made this achievement possible!

Anagha Sreedhar, Anjana MV, Arathi Krishna S, Gopika TK, Krishnapriya P, Nivedya A, Pragna N and Zaha Salam K (II DC Microbiology) were donated books to the college library on the occasion of their Birthday

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on 20/02/2025 between the Department of Microbiology, St. Pius X College, Rajapuram, and Food Safety and Environment Management Solutions (FHEMS), Ernakulam—an official training partner of FSSAI, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. The MoU aims to facilitate the annual conduct of training and certification programs for the students of the Department in the following areas: 1. HACCP Level 3 2. FSSAI – FoSTaC Supervisor Level 2 3. ISO 22000:2018 Internal Auditor (IA) This collaboration is expected to enhance students’ practical knowledge and professional readiness in the field of food safety and standards.

The Department of Microbiology, in association with the Microbiologists Society of India, conducted a four-day certification and training program on various Food Safety and Standards initiatives from 19th to 22nd February 2025. The program was inaugurated by our Principal on 19/02/2025. During the event, an official Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed with Food Safety and Environment Management Solutions (FHEMS), Ernakulam—an authorized training partner of FSSAI, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India—to collaborate on future training programs. A total of 52 students from II DC and III DC Microbiology are participating in this program. As part of the training, they will receive certification in the following modules (1)HACCP Level 3 (2) FSSAI – FoSTaC Supervisor Level 2 (3) ISO 22000:2018 Internal Auditor (IA) This program provides students with valuable industry-oriented training and strengthens their competency in food safety standards and regulatory compliance.

Sayooj S. Chandran (III DC Microbiology) was awarded seed funding of one lakh rupees by Kannur University for his startup incubated at the university. He received the fund from the Vice Chancellor of Kannur University.

Pratheetha K and Saranya C (III DC Microbiology) were donated books to the college library on the occasion of their Birthday

The Department of Microbiology, in association with the MBSI unit of St. Pius X College, conducted a two-week certificate course and training program on mushroom cultivation and spawn production for final-year B.Sc. Microbiology students, beginning on 06/02/2025. The program was inaugurated by the Principal, and Dr. Sinosh Skariyachan served as the resource person for the event. A total of 33 students actively participated in the program, and the cultivated mushrooms were distributed to various stakeholders of the college. Upon successful completion of the program, certificates were awarded to each student.

The Department of Microbiology organized an industrial visit for the final-year B.Sc. Microbiology students today (28/11/2024). The first visit was to the Milma Kasaragod Dairy in the morning, where Mr. Pramod (an alumnus of our department, 1998–2001 batch, and currently the Head of Quality Control at Milma, Kasaragod Dairy) provided a detailed explanation of the entire dairy processing workflow, accompanied by live demonstrations. In the afternoon, the students visited the Kerala Water Authority's Water Purification Plant at the Kasaragod main unit, operated by the Government of Kerala. There, they observed the complete water purification process, which directly aligns with topics covered in their curriculum. Both sessions offered students an insightful and hands-on learning experience. Concepts they had previously studied only in textbooks were brought to life, making the visit not only informative but also inspiring. The program was coordinated by Dr. Vinod N.V. (Head of the Department) and Dr. Sinosh Skariyachan. This visit served as a valuable foundation for the students' academic and professional development, broadening their understanding through real-world applications.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on 12th November 2024 between the Department of Microbiology, St. Pius X College, Rajapuram, and Feeder Roots, Calicut—a well-known manufacturer of bioorganic fertilizers. The purpose of this MoU is to foster collaboration between the two institutions, particularly in facilitating student research through sample exchange and laboratory testing. This partnership aims to enhance the development and scaling of bioorganic fertilizer production.

Ashida TV, Chaithra M, Hanna Merin Chacko, Fathimath Hasna KH, Manasa Nambiar, Neelanjana PJ, Neha NS, Sandra Sanil and Shahina V (I DC Microbiology) were donated books to the college library on the occasion of their Birthday

Revathi VV (III DC Microbiology), Agneya Francis and Sandra Sanil (I DC Microbiology) were donated books to the college library on the occasion of their Birthday

Naema CH (III DC Microbiology) and Anjitha CM, Poojitha SV and Nadha Minnath (II DC Microbiology), Rahana Ramesh T, Aparna Rajan, Anamika P (I DC Microbiology) were donated books to the college library on the occasion of their Birthday

A one-day national seminar was jointly organized by Kerala Sastra Academy and Microbiology of India on the theme" Frontiers in Biological Science and IPR" on August 22 at St. Pius X College Rajapuram with the awareness of inculcating scientific thinking skills in undergraduate students and providing new perspectives and knowledge among the society by contributing through innovative ideas of biology in all social fields. This Seminar was organized by the Microbiology Life Science and Computational Biology Departments of the college. Dr. Sinosh Skariyachan, Assistant Professor and Organizing Secretary, Department of Microbiology opened the seminar by giving a welcome speech. Dr. Biju Joseph, the Principal in charge presided over the function. Later, Dr. GM Nair, President of Kerala Science Academy, former Director of KSCSTE-TBGRI, and Advisor of Kerala Biotechnology Commission, officially inaugurated the seminar and gave the inaugural address. He explained the role of biology in developing scientific skills among the students. Prof. Dr. A.M. Deshmukh, The President of the Microbiology Society of India, shared the message of the seminar. He conveyed the importance of IPR in research studies to the students with a few examples. Dr. Vinod NV, Head of the Microbiology Department, and Dr. Shiju Jacob, Head of Life Science and Computational Department extended their greetings. Dr. Jasmine M Shah, Assistant Professor & organizing secretary, Department of Plant Science, Central University of Kerala proposed. After the inauguration, a team of scientific experts arrived to handle the scientific section, and Dr. A. G. Pandurangan, a Member of KAS, spoke on the topic "Plant Diversity in India". Prof. Rajendra Pilankatta, Central University of Kerala, delivered a talk on "Antiviral Strategies", Dr. Sreejith Parameshwara Panicker, Department of Biology, Kerala University, Trivandrum spoke on "Significance of Alternative Experimental Models in Biological Research" Dr.Jasmine M Shah, Asst. Prof, Dept. of Plant Science, Central University of Kerala, delivered a lecture on "Epigenetics, The Reinterpretation of Genes". The panel discussion started in the afternoon. Students and scientific experts discussed IPR and Patents in Biological Science. To develop scientific skills in students, a panel discussion with the students was led by a panel of eminent scientists with an emphasis on IPR & Patent in Biological Science. Prof. G. M Nair, President of KAS acted as the moderator. Dr. AG Pandurangan, Former Director, KSCSTE-JNTBGRI and EC Member, Kerala Science Academy, Prof. Dr. Rajendra Pilankata, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Central University of Kerala, Sreejith Parameshwara Panicker, Assistant Professor, Department of Biology, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, Dr. Jasmine M. Shah, Plant Science Department, Central University of Kerala, Prof. Dr. Rajesh R, Head of Department of Computer Science, Central University of Kerala, and Mr. Benny Daniel, Director of Minhana Ingredients have participated in the panel discussion. Student participation was very extensive in this panel discussion, which was conducted to expose students to opportunities in the field of science. After officially concluding the seminar, Dr. Abhini KN, Asst. Professor, Microbiology Department, proposed the vote of thanks. This one-day seminar, which was conducted on a grand scale, has achieved its noble objective and officially concluded with success.

Abhishna NTK, Amrutha Pavithran, Devapriya P, Sneha NK and Sravana PV (II DC Microbiology) and Sreyna and Radhika R (III DC Microbiology) were donated books to the college library on the occasion of their Birthday

Prof. Dr. Felix Bast, Dept. of Botany, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, India, an esteemed alumnus of the Department of Microbiology, St. Pius X College Rajapuram has been invited to inaugurate the induction program of the First Year FYUGP batch and he has interacted with the students of B.Sc Microbiology after the induction program

The students from the Department of Microbiology secured outstanding results in Kannur University Examination 2024- University First Rank, 02 A+ and 6 A Grades

Seetha AV bagged the First Rank in B.Sc Microbiology (2024) from Kannur University, Kerala with 96.07 %

Gopika TK (I DC Microbiology) has contributed books to the College Library on the occasion of their birthday on 07/09/2023

Nadha Meenath (I DC Microbiology) has contributed a book to the College Library on the occasion of her birthday on 14/08/2023

The Department of Microbiology has signed a MoU with Indocert India, Kochi, Kerala on (27/06/2023)!! Expecting that this collaboration would benefit the students, alumni, faculty and researchers of our department and institution.

The students from the Department of Microbiology secured outstanding results in Kannur University Examination 2023- One Un iversity Rank, 05 A+ and 12 A Grades

ANJIMA BIJU(Reg. No. SP20CMIR25) Second Topper, B.Sc Microbiology of Kannur University (2023) with 95.92 % Marks

The Department of Microbiology, St. Pius X College, Rajapuram has conducted the awareness program of microbiological analysis of hand swabs of Kitchen staff and students of Holy family Higher secondary school Rajapuram, Kasaragod on 11 January 2023.

Ms. Anjima Biju (III DC Microbiology) and Vaishnavi Shivadas P (III DC Life Sciences and Computational Biology), who were conferred the BEST STUDENT AWARD given by Microbiologist, Society, India (MBSI) for the year 2022. The award is presented by the Principal on 17/02/2023. MBSI gives this award to the nominated best students of Microbiology/Biotechnology/Life Science dept in every college in India where MBSI units are officially registered and functions actively.

The Guest lecture series by esteemed alumni was conducted by the MBSI unit, St.Pius X College Rajapuram on 08 and 09 December 2022. Dr. Shruthi TV and Dr. Sharath Shanker (Alumni, Dept of Microbiology, St.Pius X College, Rajapuram) were invited and they delivered the lecture on various applications of Biotechnology and Applied Microbiology. The Microbiology Association of the dept was also inaugurated.

Expert Lecture by Distinguished Alumni and Inauguration of Life Sciences (Zoology) and Computational Biology Association-2022 organized by the Dept of Microbiology in association with Microbiologists Society, India (MBSI) today (17/12/2022). We sincerely appreciate and thank Dr. Bobby Paul (Associate Professor, Department of Bioinformatics, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Udupi, Karnataka-Our esteemed alumnus, 2003 passed out) for inaugurating the program and delivering excellent lectures for our students!!

The Department of Microbiology of St. Pius X College has identified meticulous school children’s from Govt. Higher Secondary School Balanthode, Kasaragod and offered projects works to the students to exhibit District and State level school Science festival. Th students were offered training by Microbiology graduates and the project work done by the students received several appreciations and awards under the guidance of the MBSI student unit Coordinators of funds to various activities of the MBSI unit

The department has organized an industrial visit to B.Sc Microbiology to the wastewater treatment plant, Kasaragod Unit on 16 & 17 November 2022. The students also visited the dairy industry the Milma, Kasaragod unit, and explored various stages of milk processing and packaging at the dairy. More than 30 students and the coordinators have participated in this program.

To showcase the scope and applications of Microbiology and provide awareness of various fields of Microbiology, a special exhibition has been conducted from August 16-22, 2022 for school children by the MBSI student unit of St. Pius X College, Rajapuram, Kasaragod. More than 100 plus students from various schools participated and got benefited from these activities.

31 newly joined first years students from B.Sc Microbiology and B.Sc Life Sciences and Computational Biology joined MBSI by enrolling as annual members. The membership details along with the fees have been sent to MBSI central committee.

AISWARYA K V (Reg. No. SP19CMIR02) Second Topper, B. Sc Microbiology of Kannur University (2022) with 92. 44 % Marks

Membrane proteins are very important in controlling bioenergetics, functional activity, and initializing signal pathways in a wide variety of complicated biological systems especially in prokaryotic organisms. They also represent approximately 50% of the potential drug targets. The structure of membrane proteins are very difficult to elucidate through crystallization or NMR studies. Electron spin resonance spectroscopy is a very powerful and advanced biophysical tool that is used to study the structural and dynamic properties of membrane proteins. Based on the recent scope and relevance of Electron spin resonance spectroscopy on membrane transport proteins, the Department of Microbiology has organized a webinar on Membrane transport Biophysics in Google meet platform on 07-12-2020 at 2 P M. The students, faculty members, research scholars and professionals from various colleges of Kannur University and alumni members of the department from other countries who are working and doing research had participated in this program. Dr.Sinosh Skariachan (Assistant Professor, St. Pius X College, Rajapuarm) acted as the moderator and host for the program and provided an introduction of the program. Dr. Sarala Gopalakrishnan (Associate Professor& Head, Department of Microbiology) welcomed the guests and participants of the webinar. Dr. K K Anilkumar (Former HoD, Dept. of Microbiology) had given the key note address and introduced the resource person, Dr. Benesh Joseph to the audience. Dr. Asha Chacko (Vice Principal, St. Pius X College, Rajapuram) has inaugurated the webinar and she highlighted the relevance of such webinars in the time of pandemic to enrich the knowledge and awareness of students and teachers. Dr. Benesh Joseph, Ph.D, Dr.sc., Emmy Noether Research Group Leader, Institute of Biophysics, Department of Physics, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany, and an alumnus (1997-2000 Batch) of the Department of Microbiology was the resource person and he delivered the lecture on Membrane transport Biophysics. Dr. Vinod.N.V (Assistant Professor, St. Pius X College, Rajapuram) expressed the vote of thanks for the program. The webinar ended at 4.PM.

Based on the scope and relevance of Biorisk management systems in public health and society at the time of COVID19 pandemic, the Department of Microbiology, St. Pius X College, Rajapuram, Kasaragod, has organized a webinar on Biorisk Management System in Google meet platform on 19-08-2020 at 10. 00 AM. The students, faculty members, research scholars and professionals from various colleges of Kannur University have participated in this program. Dr. Vinod NV (Assistant Professor, St. Pius X College, Rajapuarm) has provided an overview of the program. Dr. Sarala Gopalakrishnan (Associate Professor & Head, Department of Microbiology) has introduced the resource person to the audience and welcomed the gathering. Dr. George Mammen (Principal in-charge, St. Pius X College, Rajapuram) has inaugurated the webinar and he highlighted the relevance of such webinar in the time of pandemic to enrich the knowledge and awareness of students and teachers. Mr. Sudheesh N (Virologist & Research Assistant, MIV (Manipal Institute of Virology), Manipal, Karnataka), who is currently a biosafety officer in MIV and an alumnus (2007-2010 batch) of the Department of Microbiology, St. Pius X College Rajapuram, was the resource person and delivered the lecture on Biorisk Management Systems. Dr. Vinod NV acted as the moderator and host for the program. Dr. Sinosh Skariyachan (Assistant Professor, St. Pius X College, Rajapuarm) expressed the vote of thanks for the program. The webinar ended at 1.PM.

As a part of Silver Jubilee Celebration, the Department of Microbiology conducted Invited lecture from Alumni member on 27th January 2020 at 10. 30 am in the college auditorium. Dr. Bobby Paul, Assistant Professor & Head, Department of Bioinformatics, Manipal School of Life Sciences, MAHE (An Alumnus from the Department of Microbiology, St. Pius X College, Rajapuram). He delivered a talk on Current Trends in Microbial Genomics. The resource person emphasized the scope and applications of Microbiology in the field of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology. The faculty members and students from the department of Microbiology were attended the program.

Department of Microbiology conducted a state level seminar on IPR.

Department of Microbiology in association with CHC Poodamkallu conducted rainy season diseases awareness programme in kallar Grama Panchayath

Department of Microbiology conducted Mushroom cultivation orientation programme for credit union members, Thabore

Department of Microbiology conducted Mushroom Cultivation Orientation Programme for Women Self Help Group of Kallar Grama Panchayathconducted Mushroom Cultivation Orientation Programme for