Nagpur: Dr. Rajkumar R. Khapekar, Assistant professor of Botany, Sindhu Mahavidyalaya, Panchpaoli, Nagpur, was recently awarded by “Sir J.C. Bose Award for Excellence in Botany”. Sir J.C. Bose was a stalwart in the field of botany who gave us “Plant Pulsation Theory”. This award was instituted by Mahatma Fule Talent Research Academy, Nagpur. The juries of this award after going through previous experience and awards / achievements conferred Dr Khapekar the prestigious award. The award ceremony was held at the Radhikatai Pandav College of Engineering on September 07, 2014. The award was presented by former Vice Chancellor of S.G.B. Amravati University Prof. (Dr.) Kamal Singh.
Speaking with NagpurToday shared his happiness and shed insight into the field of Botany
Q 1:If you could tell us about yourself?
Ans: Myself Dr. Rajkumar R. Khapekar, I’m 36 years old, Assistant professor of Botany, Sindhu Mahavidyalaya, Panchpaoli, Nagpur. I have completed M.Sc.and Ph.D. from Department of Botany R.T.M. Nagpur University, Nagpur. Then I got selected in NEERI (National Environmental Engineering Research Institute) Nagpur. Where I worked in various divisions like Geo Environment and Management division (GEM), Environmental Impact and Risk Assessment Division (EIRA) and Environmental Biotechnology Division (EBD), where I got Fellowship from Ministry of Environment and Forest, Govt. Of India. Presently I’m working as Assistant professor of Botany at Sindhu Mahavidyalaya, Panchpaoli, Nagpur.
Till now I got Various Awards and fellowships……………
- In the year December 2007 I got Award of Research Associateship by Ministry of Environment and Forest, Govt. of India.
- In January 2008 I got “Young Scientist Award” by U.G.C.and R.T.M, Nagpur University, Nagpur
- In August 2008, Society of Environmental Sciences, India conferred him by awarding National Fellowship for outstanding contribution in the field of Environmental Sciences
- In January 2010, Government of Maharashtra conferred me by awarding Ideal Teacher Award and National Environment Friend Award.
- In October 2012 I got Prestigious “Vidarbha Bhushan Award” for outstanding achievements in the field of Education and Environment.
- In November 2012 I got Gold Medal for Young Scientist Award by International Council for Man and Nature and International Society of Science and Technology
- I have published and presented about 30 research papers of National and International repute
Q 2: you have been awarded for excellence in Botany. If you could elaborate on it?
Ans : Recently, I have been awarded by “Sir J.C. Bose Award for Excellence in Botany”. Sir J.C. Bose was a stalwart in the field of botany who gave us “Plant Pulsation Theory”. This award was instituted by Mahatma Fule Talent Research Academy, Nagpur. The juries of this award after going through my Resume regarding my previous experience and awards / achievements they conferred me this prestigious award. The award ceremony was held at the Radhikatai Pandav College of Engineering on September 07, 2014. I got an award by former VC of S.G.B. Amravati University Prof. (Dr.) Kamal Singh Madam.
Q3: if you could share with with us the research work you have done in Botany?
Ans: My area of research is Limnology, phycology, aquatic biology, water pollution and its environmental impact. The research includes the impact of urbanization, industrialization on surrounding environment, especially on aquatic ecosystem like lakes and rivers. My research also includes the impact of industrial effluents and domestic waste on aquatic flora and fauna and the impact of chemical pollutants on water bodies with respect to pollution indicator species of phytoplanktons. Based on some of my research I have published a book entitled “Ecology of Thermal Power Station”.
Q4: if you could shed some light on the subject botany. And its prevalence today in the field of science?
Ans : Now a day’s researchers carry out very advance research in Botany. Botany is not just a study of flowers and leaves. Botany is the scientific study of plants—how plants function, how they look like, how they are related to each other, where they grow, how people make use of plants and how plants are evolved. Botany often includes the study of algae, fungi and bacteria. Plants are essential to the lives of humans, providing all our food (either directly or indirectly) as well as the oxygen we breathe. In addition, the plant kingdom is nature’s medicine cabinet because plants are the source of many of the most important remedies used today. Some plants produce beautiful flowers for which people pay hundreds of rupees. Plants are the foundation of all terrestrial communities, and they dramatically affect the world’s climate, the global cycles of nutrients and water, as well as the lives of animals every day. So this field of science is equally important as compared to other fields of science.
Q5: what are the research’s going on in Botany.and what new research’s are coming out in this field?
Ans : Very vast research is going on various fields of botany in various National and International laboratories and institutes. Some of the main areas of research are……….
| Plant Ecology, | Plant Anatomy |
| Economic Botany | Plant Molecular Biology |
| Ecosystem Ecology | Plant Physiology |
| Paleobotany | Plant Systematics |
| Plant-Animal Interactions | Field Biology |
| Cell Biology | Plant Reproductive Biology |
| Genetics | Biology Education |
| Global Change Biology | Plant Care and Cultivation |
| Plant Ultrastructure | Plant Development Biology |
| Environmental Biology | Sexual Plant Reproduction |
| Biotechnology | Phycology |
Q6: how will these researches benefit the society?
Ans : All these research are very useful to mankind. Plant breeders developed new varieties of plants which having the high yielding capacity and minimum maturation period, which definitely help economy of our country. By using many plants and microbes we can develop very low cost water treatment processes. Study and research of medicinal plants, pollution ecology, biotechnology helps the society in various ways. Also research acts as a myth busters and help to destroy various misconceptions of society.
Q7: how inclined are the student’s towards this particular subject?
Ans : Now a days after studying Botany various fields are open for students where they can make their carrier . Some important fields are….
ü Schools, Colleges, Universities and various Research Centers
ü Botanical gardens and museums
ü Indian Forest Service
ü Ecological consulting companies
ü Petrochemical, chemical, and lumber and paper industries
ü Pharmaceutical, food, seed and nursery, fruit growers, biological supply houses, and biotechnology firms
ü Environmental and biotechnical regulatory agencies
ü Environmental impact specialist, Greenhouse technician
ü Landscape management and design
ü Consultant, Botanist, Horticulturist, Ecologist, Plant Specialist
ü National Park Service Employee
ü Marine/freshwater biologist
ü National forestry or conservation expert
ü Science Columnist
ü Biological photographer
ü High School Biology Instructor
ü Agricultural Research Service.
Q8: are the student’s interested in the field of research?
Ans : Yes, there are so many students who have interest to carry out research in various fields of Botany because, the field are very challenging and having lots of opportunities. After doing good research various National and International laboratories and organization ready to absorb them as a scientist, research associates etc.
Q9: Tell us about your experiences working teacher’s?
Ans : Working as a professor / teacher is an excellent experience. Since from 2001, I am in the field of research and teaching. While teaching, I learn various new things every day. My experience as a researcher / scientist helps me a lot while elaborating many complicated issues to students. I am an author of a book entitled “College Botany – Viruses, Prokaryotes and Algae” I’m so fortunate that I’m in such a noble profession.
Q10: Describe your philosophy of teaching and your views on the education system of today?
Ans : The role of the teacher is very important to build the nation. Many students reciprocate the teacher’s style and habit, hence its teacher’s duty to set a good example before students as a responsible citizen. Professors are not only for making students gradates and post graduates, but they must build strong and responsible citizens who can move forward and take responsibility on their own shoulders to put our INDIA at a higher altitude.
If I am talking about today’s education system, there is much scope for betterment. Our syllabus must be research oriented and also according to the needs of various industries. Policy makers should pay attention towards the primary and secondary level of education because this level is the foundation level of a student’s future.
Q11: your message to the student’s and teacher’s?
Ans : Students are the building blocks of our country. While studying they must be aware about the environment, politics and many other social issues. The Teacher and students must educate the society regarding environmental and political pollution. They must try to break the walls of caste and religion and put their hands together to fight against various atrocities of society and become good and responsible citizens of INDIA.
.. As told to Charles Salve
