BioQuest-2026

“State level elocution competition entitled, BioQuest-2026”

PREAMBLE:State level elocution competition entitled, BioQuest-2026  was conducted on March 19, 2026 by Dept. of Biochemistry (UG &PG).The program was conducted as part of academic activityfor the students of both postgraduate & undergraduates of St. Philomena’s College (Autonomous), Mysore.

AIM OF THE PROGRAMME

The program was conducted as a core academic activity designed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and communication. The competition saw active participation from:

• Postgraduate (PG) students
• Undergraduate (UG) students

REPORT

The Department of Biochemistry (UG &PG) conducted a state level elocution competition entitled, BioQuest-2026 for the students of both postgraduate & undergraduates inviting students from different UG & PG colleges across state.

The program was initiated with a formal inaugurationin the presence of Dr. Ravi JD Saldanha,Principal, Dr. Noor Mubasheer CA, PG Coordinator, judge-Mrs. Kavitha K R, Associate Professor ,Department of Biochemistry, Maharanis Science College for Women(Autonomous), JLB road, Mysore and chief guest, Dr. Subbarao V. Madhunapantula, Professor of Cellular and Molecular Biology  Center Of Excellence in Molecular Biology and Regenerative Medicine (CEMR) Laboratory Department of Biochemistry, JSS Medical College, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research

The program master of ceremony was Ms.Samyukta Madhav Joshi, Assistant professor of the UG department of biochemistry who gave a brief introduction about the event. Students of PG Biochemistry presented the invocation song.The welcome address was given by Ms. Shruthi G, HOD and Assistant professor of UG &PG Biochemistry department who welcomed the dignitaries and the gathering inclusive of participants.Presidential address was given by the principal which embraced on the events need.The introduction to the chief guestwas given by Mrs. Blessy George, Assistant professor of UG Biochemistry department, who briefed the students about the need of knowledge on the trending topics:

FOR UG STUDENTS:

1.Antioxidants: Myth or Miracle

2.Biochemistry of stress & sleep

3. Biochemistry & climate Change: Hidden Connections

4.Nanobots as therapeutic agents 5.Nutrition, Metabolism & Mental health

FOR PG STUDENTS:

1.Role of AI in Biochemical Research

2.Personalized Medicine: Biochemical basis

3. Sustainable Biochemistry and Green technologies

4.Phytochemicals as therapeutic agents: Evidences Vs Hype

5.Biochemical approaches to antimicrobial resistance.

The inaugural programme was ended with the vote of thanks proposed by Mrs. Lydiya Vandana, Assistant professor of PG Biochemistry department followed by a tea break for ten minutes.

                                                Images of inaugural program

There were 26 registered candidates out of which 24 were present from different parts of Karnataka inclusive of an UG engineering candidate from Hassan with special permission. Each candidate spoke competitively.

This was followed by valedictory function, In the presence of PG coordinator, Dr Noor Mubasheer C A, St. Philomena’s College (Automonous), Mysore. Judges were felicitated by presenting a Memento, and they expressed gratitude to the management for being invited. Finally few students were called on stage and they expressed their experience.  The feedback from the students was collected by means of Google forms. Certificates were distributed based on the marks provided by the judges based on student performances. Cash prizes were deposited to the 6 prize winners. The programme was ended with the vote of thanks proposed by Ms. LydiyaVandana. Finally, MsSamyuktha, the master of ceremony, thanked everyone in the audience for their participation and making the event successful.

Student feed back

Feedback was taken from students about their experience on workshop as represented in the graph below.

Conclusion

The State Level Elocution Competition BioQuest 2026 was successfully conducted with active participation from students across the state, providing a vibrant platform for young minds to articulate scientific ideas with clarity, confidence, and critical insight. The competition effectively fostered scientific temper, analytical thinking, and communication skills among participants, aligning well with the broader objective of promoting science education and awareness.

The enthusiasm and preparedness demonstrated by the participants reflected their keen interest in contemporary scientific issues and their ability to present complex concepts in an engaging and coherent manner. The insightful evaluation and constructive feedback provided by the esteemed judges greatly enriched the learning experience and encouraged participants to further refine their scientific expression.

BioQuest 2026 not only served as a competitive event but also as an interactive academic forum that inspired intellectual exchange and innovation. The collective efforts of the organizing committee, faculty members, and volunteers ensured the smooth conduct and overall success of the programme.

In conclusion, BioQuest 2026 proved to be a meaningful and impactful initiative, leaving a lasting impression on the participants and reinforcing the importance of effective scientific communication. The event stands as a testament to the institution’s commitment to nurturing talent, promoting academic excellence, and encouraging a culture of inquiry and innovation among students.