Best Practice

2019-20

Title of the Practice- Marian Monsoon Fest

The fest is conducted for raising funds for welfare of student community. It also aims for development of entrepreneurial skills among students

The Context

The College has large number of students from diverse backwards. Many students are really in need of financial support. Though College provides support in form of scholarships and free ships the need kept increasing. Considering this College IQAC decided to organise a fest to raise funds. After discussion with stakeholders it was finally decided to conduct Marian Monsoon Fest with participation of all stakeholders- Students, parents, Alumnae, and Staff.

Marian Monsoon Fest is initiated in 2014 as a Fest for Student Entrepreneurship and Welfare. Every year as the name signifies the fest is conducted in the months of July or August (during Monsoon).The entire college partakes in the activities in varying capacities. Students prepare themselves for the Fest weeks before to do their best. Self made ornaments, decors, embroidery items, processed food etc are the highlights of student entrepreneurship skills. The student entrepreneurs also take orders for stitching, doing embroidery, etc which they continue throughout their period of study. Students do take the opportunity of presenting their skills like mehandi designing , nail art, hair designing and so on. Food stalls and Vegetable sale are also run by Staff, alumnae and parents.

Medical camps, educational fairs, film shows, personality development sessions are the other highlighted activities. Various College level and intercollegiate level competitions are organised to keep up the spirit of the Fest. All the proceeds of the fest are utilized for student welfare. The percentage share of amount obtained is allotted to students on basis of different heads. A sum is deposited each year and interest allotted to the students. The allocation is as follows- 30percent – scholarship, 30percent- medical assistance of students and parents, 20 percent for students to participate in sports and 20 percent for students to participate in D Zone and interzone competitions.

The increased participation of students is the evidence of success. Every year the good sum of money is collected for welfare activities and the increased participation of public is a good sign

There are many deserving students in the College and providing all of them with financial support is a difficult task. Organizing a Fest for 2 days alone will not be able to raise required funds. More programmes or year long programmes need to be initiated to raise funds.

The Title of the Practice- Marian Centre for Advanced Research

To carry out scientific research with ethical considerations and creative ideas To bring forward science and research to address societal needs, education and service Take the research problems from the society and find solutions in the lab To carry out sponsored research projects, sponsored fellowships/ assistantships To promote the college-industry interaction by collaborations and MoUs.

The idea of a common research Centre under the banner of St. Mary’s College was conceived during late 2017 and was materialized in 2018. The major objective of such research facility was to coordinate and conduct inter disciplinary research projects. Marian Centre for Advanced Research was thereby initiated. It works with its major objective, that of promoting science into day today life, bridging the gap between academia and society. MCAR emphasizes on the research activities focusing on the current issues in the field of life sciences. The centre is equipped with experienced faculty members specialized in various domains of biotechnology carrying out domain specific and multidisciplinary research. The areas of focus are computational biology, toxicology, Biochemistry, Nanotechnology, plant biotechnology, Physiology and molecular biology. The division has unique facilities with respect to research activities and with the state-of-the-art laboratories. The research projects carried out are outcome-based, addressing the current challenges and problems faced by the society. At MCAR, we firmly believe that R&D is a key ingredient in the all round development of students. Keeping this in mind, the college has been providing state of the art laboratories and instruments for the students to sharpen their research skills. The faculty constantly strives to inculcate a research oriented approach in students. This begins with the planning aspect of doing research and culminates in the successful completion of the research projects.

Marian Centre for Advanced Research provides an excellent and colossal opportunity for aspirants in the field of science research. We support research community providing a platform to exchange their views and interact for a more productive futuristic development in their fields. MCAR-Research Support Services (RSS) provides students of our college and neighbouring institutions with personalized assistance and consultation throughout the complete cycle of their research efforts. RSS at MCAR helps our researchers navigate the breadth of internal and external resources to maximize our collective potential.

We offer appropriate support for the Scientists, Researchers, Scholars and industrialists in their individual or institutional academic/scientific necessities. We host scientific events throughout the year by ourselves as well as in association with other scientific societies or institutions. MCAR –Internship Program offers students with research interest to get involved in internship in Plant Biotechnology, Pharmacology, Nanotechnology, Bioinformatics, Applied Microbiology and Silico drug development in our facility. MCAR has facilitated interns from all over India for two to twelve weeks period.

MCAR initiative for development of sustainable agriculture products develops new low cost supplementary products for organic farming, such as enhanced compost, flowering enhancers and microbial bio fertilizer.

The links established with other institutions enables transfer of technological skills and development of research aptitude in the participants and the extensive popularization of new products is a novel venture to enhance agricultural outputs.

However our primary objective devoted to strengthen practical knowledge in academics and research cadres thereby bridging the gap between academics, industries and society.

Approximately 140 students have successfully completed their academic projects at MCAR. During 2019-2020 around 50 students did their academic projects in association with MCAR. In current academic year 2020-2021 70 students are doing their academic projects at MCAR.

The bacterial based bio-fertilizer SMCNPK18 was developed and successfully distributed to 5000 farmers through Unnat Bharat Abhiyan Scheme. MECSMC11-Microbially treated compost that reduce the required water for the growth of a plant, GEMS14(Growth Enhancing Microbial Solution)- a flowering agent, to ensure economic viability by organic farming, VERMITOL - advanced bio fertilizer developed using earth worm as an incubator for soil enriching bacteria are some of the other products developed through the venture.

Currently the major problem encountered is the lack of research funding for advanced research.