The National Conference on Biological Sciences - Day 2

The second day of the conference (11^thFebruary 2026) commenced with Session V, which featured invited lectures by distinguished speakers. Dr. Sanjay S. Kharat, Principal, Progressive Education Society’s Modern College of Arts, Science and Commerce (Autonomous), Pune, delivered an insightful lecture titled “Built to Steal Scales: Functional and Digestive Adaptations of a Lepidophagous Catfish.” He discussed the remarkable feeding adaptations and digestive mechanisms of scale-eating catfish species. This was followed by an invited lecture by Dr. M. A. Mujeeb, Assistant Professor, Department of Biotechnology, Khaja Bandanawaz University, on “Green Gold: Unlocking Algae for Food, Fuel and Medicine.”His presentation emphasized the immense potential of algae as a sustainable resource for nutritional products, renewable biofuels and pharmaceutical applications. The session was chaired by Dr. B. Ramakrishna Reddy, Principal, Sharnbasveshwar College of Science, Kalaburagi, while Dr. Romana Mirdhe served as the Rapporteur. The session concluded with oral presentations by participants.

Session VI was dedicated to poster presentations, providing a platform for undergraduate and postgraduate students, research scholars and faculty members to present their research findings and innovative ideas.

Session VII featured invited lectures by Dr. Shashikanth Majagi, Professor, Department of Zoology, Gulbarga University, who delivered a lecture titled“Unveiling the Marvels of Animal Science,” highlighting the fascinating aspects and recent developments in animal biology. The session also included a lecture by Dr. Shivanand S. Bhat, Associate Professor and Head, Department of Botany, Smt. Indira Gandhi Government First Grade Women’s College, Sagar, on “Eumangroves of Coastal Karnataka: Diversity, Adaptations and Significance.” The session was chaired by Dr. Ramachandra Naik M, while Dr. Wahaja Muneera served as the Rapporteur.

After the lunch break, Session VIII included two invited lectures. Dr. Divakara S. T., Assistant Professor and Head, Department of Botany, Srisaila Jagadguru Vageesha Panditaradhya College, Harihar, delivered a lecture on “Fungal Toxins in Seeds and Food: Detection and Their Control Strategies.” He discussed the occurrence of mycotoxins in food and agricultural products and the modern techniques used for their detection and control. This was followed by a lecture by Dr. Ramachandra Naik M, who presented on “Diversity Mapping and Micropropagation of Medicinally Important Carallumafimbriata Species in Karnataka.”The session was chaired by Dr. Shivanand S. Bhat and Dr. B. Jyothi served as the Rapporteur.

The conference culminated with the Valedictory Programme held from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM, marking the formal conclusion of BSEWL–2026. The session commenced with a gracious welcome address delivered by Dr. Syed Abrar, Organizing Secretary of the conference, who warmly welcomed the esteemed dignitaries, delegates, and participants present for the valedictory ceremony.The Chief Guest Address was delivered by Dr. Ramesh Londonkar, Registrar, Gulbarga University, Kalaburagi, who commended the organizers for successfully convening a scholarly platform that facilitated meaningful academic exchange and scientific dialogue. Dr. Abdul Baseer, Director – IQAC, Khaja Bandanawaz University, Kalaburagi, also addressed the gathering and reflected on the effective organization and significant academic impact of the National Conference in promoting research and innovation in biological sciences.The Presidential Remarks were delivered by Prof. Ali Raza Moosvi, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, Khaja Bandanawaz University, Kalaburagi. In his address, he emphasized the vital role of interdisciplinary research and sustained academic collaboration in advancing the frontiers of biological sciences and addressing contemporary scientific challenges.

A major highlight of the valedictory ceremony was the presentation of awards to recognize outstanding research contributions. Three Best Oral Presentation Awardswere conferred in each category, Undergraduate/Postgraduate students, Research Scholars, and Faculty Members. Similarly, three Best Poster Presentation Awards were presented in the same categories. The awardees were felicitated in the presence of the distinguished dignitaries of the National Conference, acknowledging their exemplary research work and commendable scholarly presentations.The valedictory programme concluded with a formal Vote of Thanks proposed by Dr. Romana Mirdhe, Organizing Secretary of BSEWL–2026, who expressed sincere gratitude to the distinguished guests, speakers, participants, and the organizing team for their invaluable support and contributions toward the successful completion of the conference. During the ceremony, the organizers highlighted the successful conduct of the conference and the valuable academic contributions made by participants and speakers. Awards were presented for Best Oral and Best Poster Presentationsunder the categories of UG/PG students, Research Scholars and Faculty members.