The work continues; the cause endures.

The Mar. 2017 Nationally Reaccredited with B Grade (2.86/4.0) Ocean 1; Tide 2. St. Jude’s College, Thuthur Annual Newsletter of the Dept. of Zoology

Patron’s Message

I’m pleased to see the II edition of the Baleen Whale, the official newsletter of the Dept. of Zool- ogy in print. I find the entire faculty in upbeat mood, prepared to walk an extra mile. Since our II Cycle NAAC accredi- tation exercises in December 2015, it is gratifying to see meaningful initiatives sprouting; Periodic Parent-Teacher- Student Meets, Distinguished Alumni Meet , Special Lecture Series, class wise Examination and study skill workshop, From the Chief Editor’s Desk… Annual Newsletters (the Baleen Alumni and the Baleen Whale Newsletter)- to mention a few. I hasten to thank the faculty and its head for Dear readers, the collective will with which they resort to con- sistent internal reforms and innovative works; After a head start with the maiden issue of the Baleen the students for the spirit of involvement; all our Whale last year, the Department of Zoology marches alumni for the heartening support. I do fervently forward with its commitment. ‘Bloom where you are hope, the latter will continue to be a dependable planted’ is the adage we live by and each member of source of strength and support through this hum- faculty strives to walk an extra mile. ble beginning. The scholastic year 2016-‘17 was eventful with a few novel initiatives I believe setting examples rather than sermonis- besides routines like annual student study trips. Faculty Interactions ing is the need of the hour. The department of with other institutions, Special Seminars on Study and Exam Skills. It’s Zoology is on the right track, setting models a matter of honour that the department was visited by more than 30 of worth emulating. its distinguished alumni on various occasions this year and, four among In the evening of my service, let me wish the very them delivered special lectures. The Baleen Hall is a new facility addi- best to the faculty and students, especially to the tion to our department this year, thanks to the administration. outgoing young zoologists. This is the time most appropriate to thank. P. Murphy Alexander. The Heads of the Language Departments, Chemistry, Botany and Fisher- Principal and Patron. ies for the encouragement and support. The parents who turned up in The Editorial Team large numbers for the periodic meets and took counsel deserve our grati- tude; the alumni who cared to stay in touch and serve as HR; our beloved Patron: Dr.P.Murphy Alexander, Principal students, around whom all our efforts are centred. And not the least, my Staff Editors: Dr.M.Dalin Mary (Asst.Prof.) counterparts at the faculty, to work with whom is a privilege. The Prin- Dr.A.Arockia Mary (Asst.Prof.) cipal and the IQAC deserve our special appreciation and gratitude. Dr.A.Barwin Vino (Asst.Prof.) The work continues; the cause endures. Dr.J.Amala Dhas (HoD, English) Student Editors: Miss. Steffi Silva IIIDC With you in the cause of Quality Higher Education, Miss.Jiji Angel IIDC Miss: M.R.Vidhya IDC. K. Vareethiah Editor-in-Chief: Dr. K. Vareethiah Head of Zoology & Editor-in–Chief. (Head of Zoology) Page 1 Alumni Special Lecture Series Page 2 ASLS 2016

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PLATE I (Legend on P6) Page 3 Alumni Special Lecture Series 2016 Distinguished Alumni Meet (DAM 2016)

A pioneering initiative with the view to tapping the human First of its kind, a meet of the distinguished alumni was or- resources of our own alumni to the advantage of current stu- ganised at the department on 28.09.2016. Since its inception dents and faculty has been launched this year. The ‘Alumni in 1980, the department has produced 34 batches of under- Special Lecture Series’ seeks to tap the academic and re- graduates in zoology. Apart from current students and par- search expertise of our alumni through monthly special lec- ents of I DC class, 21 distinguished members, representing tures. The protocol of the event includes three components: various batches participated. The head of Zoology made a 30 Special Lecture on a current topical theme, Interaction with minute presentation on the profile and track record of the students on career building and Luncheon interaction with the department and displayed the note of felicitations from nine faculty members. While the first two events were motivational alumni working abroad and in far off locations in homeland. to high achievers and slow learners as well, the staff interac- Rev. Fr. Sylvester Moraise, (Founder member LACFES) and tion on academia and research openings empowers the facul- the Principal felicitated the alumni and the novel initiative. Mr. ty and fosters alumni fellowship. C. Jose and Mrs. Anitha were nominated coordinators for 19.08.2016: Dr. P. Selvaraj, Assistant Professor in Zoology, future programmes towards fostering fellowship among alum- St. Xavier’s College (Autonomous), Palayankottai delivered a ni and to support the development of the Department. It was special lecture on ‘Eco-friendly Pest Management’. resolved to produce a Zoology Alumni Directory. There was a 28.09.2016: Dr. A. Paniadima (1981-’84 Batch), Associate photo session after the meet (Plate II). Professor and Head, PG and Research Dept. of Zoology, Ala- Workshop | Lectures | Talks gappa Govt. Arts College, Karaikudi delivered a special lec- Dr. K. Vareethiah ture on ‘TRENDS IN STEM CELL RESEARCH.’. Rev. Fr. Lu- cians Thomas felicitated. 10 & 11.09.2016: Talk: Ecological Threats to TN Coastal 03.10.2016: Dr. K. Rajan (1982-85 Batch), Associate Profes- Environment. Green Artists’ Workshop. sor in Zoology, St. Joseph’s College (Autonomous), Tiruchira- Topslip, Pollachi. palli delivered a special lecture on ‘IMMUNE DEFENSE SYS- 12.09.2016 (FN): Special Lecture: Landscape interactions: TEM IN HUMANS’. Mrs. T. Jenoba (1982-’85), Headmistress, Dynamics and issues in TN Coast. Zoology Research Pius XI Hr. Sec. School, Thoothoor felicitated. Centre, Loyola College, . 05.12.2016: Mr. P. Espin, Marine Science Teacher, Hiriya 12.09.2016 (AN): Workshop conducted: Our Seas and Sea- School, Ministry of Education, Maldives, delivered a special coasts: Through the Tribal’s Eyes. Tamil Nadu Fisheries lecture on ‘TECHNOLOGY AND SMALL SCALE FISHERIES: University, Fisheries College and Research Institute, THE MALDIVIAN EXPERIENCE’. Mr. A.Shajahan, Marine Ponneri. 13.09.2016: Talk: ‘From Ennore to Enayam: Coastal Con- cerns’. Public Forum for Water. ICSA Centre, Egmore, Invited Lecture Chennai.

Marking the valedictory event of the Zoology Association for the 21.11.2016: World Fisheries Day, Thoothukudi. ‘The TN year 2016-’17, Dr. K. Sahayaraj, Associate Professor in Zoolo- Coast: Fishery Resource Politics and People’. gy and Former Dean of Sciences, St. Xavier’s College, Palay- June– 2016 to Jan. 2017: Seven sessions on ‘Marital life: ancottai delivered an invited lecture on ‘BIO-NANO MATERI- Sharing, Caring and Rights’ at monthly Premarital Train- ing Series (Episcopal Vicariate of Thoohoor, Latin Arch ALS’ on 13.02.2016 (Plate III). Diocese of Trivandrum) (Plate III). Awards / Assignments Dr. K. Vareethiah Programmes Attended

‘Mamma Ada Award 2017’, Instituted by Mamma Ada Cen- Dr. K. Vareethiah: National Workshop on the National tre, Diocese of Kuzhithurai, it carries a cash prize of Rs. Policy on Education 2016 (Draft): Prospects and Aspi- 50,000/- and a Citation). rations’ at Christ University, (08.08.2016). ‘Amudhan Adigal Literary Award 2017’, carries a cash Dr. M. Dalin Mary: National Seminar on Women Em- award of Rs. 15000 and a citation. powerment. ST Hindu College, (13.08. Expert Member, Panel of Examiners, TNPSC (2016-’17). 2016). Expert Member, Academic Audit Team at Pioneer Kumar- Dr. M. Dalin Mary:: Workshop on Biodiversity at Wom- aswamy College, Nagercoil (17 &18.06.2016) and Wom- en’s Christian College, Nagercoil (10.02.2017). en’s Christian College, Nagercoil (22&23.07.2016).

Academic Visits 2016-‘17 I Place in Major Papers: Even Sem. 2015-’16 Dr. K. Vareethiah visited the Andamans (26 - 30th May

2016), Anaimalai Forest (10 & 11.09.2016) and Thiruvallur Miss. P. Anisha (Vermitechnology) Coast (14.08.2016) for study (Plate III). Page 4 Student-Parent- Faculty- Meet 2016 FAREWELL TO PRINCIPAL

Under the auspices of the mentor system a meet of the Parent The valedictory meet of the Zoology -Faculty- Student was organised at our department on Association was held on 13.02.2017. 22.07.2016. “Such meets are worthwhile efforts that bear fruit Dr. K. Sahayaraj, Associate Professor in terms of building positive relationships, motivating the stu- and Former Dean of Sciences, St. Xa- dents and in turn bringing better results”, said the Principal in vier’s College (Autonomous, CPE in- his presidential note. The III and II year students who secured stitution), was the chief guest. A well decorated first place in major papers in the last semester were given personality of good academic standing, Dr. Saha- yaraj lectured on ‘Bio-nano materials’, highlight- prizes and their parents were honoured by the Principal with a ing the research openings after PG. Earlier, Dr. shawl. Following the meet there were class wise sittings with K. Vareethiah, HoD, presented a detailed report parents. Reports on academic performance of students were on the activities of the department for the year shared by the mentors with the parent concerned, by the re- 2016-’17, covering the programmes, innova- spective mentors. tions, best practices and awards. The Principal presented Miss. Steffi Silva, the best outgoing student of the year a special prize. Dr. P. Murphy Alexander The students and faculty members gave toast to (Enayam, 1958) MSc., MPhil., PhD., the retiring Principal. The HoD read a note of Principal [20.02.2009 to 31.05.2017] farewell on behalf of the department. Dr. Dalin Mary (Asst. Prof.) presented a bouquet to Dr. Murphy had his schooling at Enayam Dr.Murphy Alexander; the HoD presented him a and Karungal and higher education at St. Xavier’s Col- shawl and a memento. The Principal in his reply lege, Palayankottai. After joining this college as Assis- to the toast, thanked the faculty members for the tant Professor in July 1983, he completed MPhil., (MKU, 1988) and PhD., ( MSU, 2008) under part time meaningful event and wished the students a programme. Dr. Murphy has published/ presented a bright future. The faculty members had an inter- few papers and served as Treasurer, AIACHE sponsored active session with Dr. Sahayaraj on formulation Regional Workshop on ‘Water Resources of Kanniya- of Research Proposals for funding. kumari Coast: Prospects for Millennium 2000’ organ- ised by the Dept. of Zoology (9-10 July, 1999). BEST PRACTICES [2016– 2017] Dr.Murphy represented the college in MS University Senate for a term and after assuming charge as Princi- Paper-wise Lesson Plan. Daily Class Adjustment Register. pal; he represented the MS University Principals’ Asso- Staff Log Book for Daily Notices. ciation in its Syndicate for another term when he also Student Acknowledgement of Internal Assessment. served as Member, Standing Committee for Academic Student Suggestion Box. Affairs (SCAA). Monthly updates on irregular attendance. 10 min Warming up ahead of morning session. The college moved forward to the I Cycle of NAAC Weekly library visit & indexing practice for III Reaccreditation after a gap of 12 years (2015) during DC Study Circle Group Seminars for III DC. his tenure in office. This massive exercise called for an Subscription to Dailies in each class. WhatsApp group for Zoology Alumni. overhauling of the functional machinery, make over in infrastructure assets and revamping of HR. Dr. Mur- phy put in his best to synergise the strengths of the Paper Presentations institution to the effect that the college finally emerged with a B grade (2.86/4.0). Dr.M.Dalin Mary: Brown mussel fishery and its conser- Dr.Murphy retires from service on the 31st of May vation’. International Conference on Environmental 2017 after holding the office of the Principal in a peri- Sustainability for Food Security, Sree Ayyappa Col- od of inclement weather for nearly nine years. He also lege, Chungankadai (22-24 Sep. 2016). held the position of Head of Zoology Department for Dr.M.Dalin Mary: ‘Population Density of mussel in a brief spell. The faculty members and students invoke Enayam Coast.’ International Symposium on Aqua- God’s blessings on him and thank him for his services. culture & Fisheries, FCRI, Thoothukkudi Adieu Professor Murphy Alexander! (23.09.2016). Dr.A.Barwin Vino (Co-author: Dr. M. Dalin Mary): I Place in Major Papers: ‘Cephalopod resource and its utilisation’. Interna- Even Sem. 2015-’16 Miss Jiji Angel tional Conference on Environmental Sustainability Developmental Zoology & for Food Security, Sree Ayyappa College, Chun- Ecology, Toxicology & Evolution gankadai (22-24 Sep. 2016). Page 5 ZOOLOGY ALUMNI FORUM DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI MEET 2016 ZOOLOGY ALUMNI FORUM Some Proposals from Mr. Louis Lobithas (1982-85), Felicitation Messages Development Consultant, International Aid Agencies, Government & NGOs. I thank all my professors at St. Jude’s who were instrumental to MISSION STATEMENT [proposed] my personal and professional growth by imparting their morals, To provide alumni with news, information, events, wisdom, knowledge and skills. programs, and opportunities to serve. Dr. Shirley A. Thomas, Chennai. SCOPE [PROPOSED] To build fraternities and proactively plan and execute activities required to build good relationship with the The three years I spent at St. Jude’s played a significant role in college administration, faculty and connect the stu- shaping my career and personality. My juniors are in the lap of a dents to the external world. great institution. SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES (PROPOSED) Dr. Manoj Kumar, A. S., [1984-’87], Constitute an administrative structure & committees Assoc. Res. Director, Reliance Life Sciences, Navi . to carry out its functions smoothly with role clarity and sharing responsibilities. The Series of Special lectures and workshops being organized Organise social events, workshops, publish newslet- (in the Dept.) expose our juniors to the new vistas in biological ters or magazines, and raise funds for the association. sciences. I earnestly appeal to fellow members of the Zoology Support new alumni, and provide a forum to form Alumnae to stand with our department in all its efforts for the wel- new friendships and extend carrier guidance with peo- fare of our juniors. ple of similar background. Dr. P. Selvaraj, Asst. Professor, Dept. of Take up activities that alumni maintain connections Zoology, St. Xavier’s College, Palayamkottai. with the college administration, department faculty, fellow graduates and students. I am honoured to be a member of the Zoology Alumnae. I extend Promote volunteer projects to improve the faculty my gratitude to my professors . My best wishes and prayers for service and bridging the gaps in the service extended your noble journey. to the students by the college administration. Ponny Mary Edwin [1989 to 1992], Maria's Tutorials, Mumbai. Promote a “fellowship fund” to support the educa- tion and carrier building needs of the poor students; Our college has taught us to respect all religions equally. Learn- and so on… ing in our college is a divine experience. From the depth of my heart, I wish to thank my professors there in this college. Without them, I wouldn’t be in such good position today. L. Damy Suraj, Correspondent, Congratulations!

Louis James Group of institutions. University Rank 2016 Miss X Tenisha of 2015- ’16 UG This event…will provide a solid platform for making a network of Zoology Batch secured XVII Rank. professionals to share their vocational experience and profes- sional expertise with the current students, the young ambassa- dors of St. Jude’s. P. Espin, Marine Science Teacher, Hiriya School, Ministry of Education, Male’ Rep Maldives. Best Outgoing Student 2017

The dedicated service of its management and staff has produced Miss Steffi Silva. many multi talented people in various sectors. I Place in Genetics C. Antony Das, Assistant Teacher, Republic of Maldives. My earnest appeal to the faculty is- educate the students on the latest trends in science & technology like conducting Hats off to all my beloved professors who taught and guided me. science exhibitions fully loaded with recent trends and infor- Without your effort I wouldn’t have achieved what I have today. mation in collaboration with Research institutions for future Gracious, C. L. [1993-1996], Abu Dhabi Health Service -SEHA, prospects of the young talents. Abu Dhabi, UAE. Sheri C. Kumar, [1993-1995] Mumbai.

This Alumni meet would definitely provide scope to all past stu- The formation of an Alumni Forum exclusively for our depart- dents from Zoology department to cherish the reminiscence of ment is a wise idea and I am thrilled of exploring opportunity the eventful past days. Sorry for missing this event. to rebuild relationship and fraternity with hundreds of gradu- D.M.Cibi, (Biotech) [2003-2006], Research Associate, Dept. of ates, friends and sons and daughters of my soil. Cardio-Vascular and Metabolic Disorders, Louis Lobithas (1982-85), Development Consultant, National University Singapore. International Aid Agencies, Government & NGOs. Page 6

Dr.M.Antony, PTA Secretary Miss. Vijila, IIIDC Miss. Jiji Angel, IIDC

PTS Meet 2016 Mrs. Kalai Selvi Dr.A. Arockia Mary Miss. Veena Chandran, IIIDC

DAM 2016 The BALEEN CHRONICLE 2016-2017

22.07.2016: Student Parent Faculty Meet (SPFM 2016). 17.08.2016: Study Trip to Tenkasi (III DC Students). 19.08.2016:Alumni Special Lecture Series (APLS-2016) launched. APL I: Dr. P. Selvaraj: Eco-friendly Pest Management. 06.09.2016: Apiary Visit to YCWA Martandam. 28.09.2017: APL II: Dr. A. Paniadima: Recent Trends in Stem Cell Research. 28.09.2017: Distinguished Alumni Meet (DAM 2016). 21.09.2016: Faculty Interactive Meet with NMCC Martandam Counterparts. 03.10.2017: APL III:Dr.K.Rajan: Immune Mechanisms in Human. 05.12.2017: APL IV: Mr. P. Espin: Technology and Small Scale Chatham Saw Mill, Port Blair. Fisheries: the Maldivian Experience. 22.12.2016: Christmas Crib & Carrol Competitions. Cellular Jail, Port Blair, Andamans 18.01.2017: Study Trip to Vizhinjam, Trivandrum, Thumba & Veli Tourist Village (I DC Students). 03.02.2017: Inauguration of the Baleen (Departmental Seminar) Hall. Launch of Baleen Readers’ Club, Readers Fortnight 13.02.2017: Valedictory Event: Invited Lecture: Dr. K.Sahayaraj. 13.02.2017: Departmental Farewell to Principal.

LEGEND | PLATE I 1. Dr.A.Paniadima. 2.Dr.P.Selvaraj.3.The Baleen Choir. 4. Mr.P.Espin. 5. Dr.K.Rajan. 6. Fr. Lucians Thomas. 7.Deepthi. 8. Mrs.T.Jenoba. 9.Jiji Angel. 10. Dr.P.Murphy Alexander. 11.Dr.M.Dalin Mary. 12.Dr.A.Barwin Vino. 13.Steffi Silva. 14.Froniya William. 15.Mr.A.Shajahan. 16. Dignitaries -ASLS II. 17.Dignitaries -ASLS III. 18-21.Student Interaction.

PLATE II 1&2. Audience 3. Presidential address. 4.Fr.O.Sylvester Moraise (Founder Member LACFES). 5.Dr.K.Vareethiah. 6.Dr.A.Barwin Vino. 7.Mr. Christopher(Parent). 8.Faculty, alumni & parents. 9.The faculty members with some stu- dents. 10.Mr.S.Unni Krishnan. 11.Mrs.Jasmine. 12Mrs.Resseal Rani. 13.Mrs.Antonydasy. 14.Mr.Harikumar. 15.MrC.Jose. 16. The Baleen Choir. 17.Dr.M.Dalin Mary. 18.Mr.Fazil Dheen. 19. Mr.L.Damy Suraj.

PLATE III 1-5: Farewell to the Principal and invited Lecture(13.02.’17). 6,7,10-12: Parent-Teacher-Student Meet 22.07.’16. 8,9,13: Launch of the Baleen Readers’ Forum (03.02.’17). 14-18,22&24: III DC study trip to Tenkasi, Kanniyakumari (17.08.’16). 20,21&23: I DC Field trip to Vizhinjam, Trivandrum (18.01.’17). 25,29,30,34&35:Dr.Vareethiah’s visit to the Andamans (26-31 May 2017). 27. Visit to Anaimalai Reserve Forest10-11.09.2017). 31&32: Visit to Fisheries College, Ponneri (12.09.2017). 26&33: Visit to Loyola College, Chennai (12.09.2017). 36.Visit to Ennore Thermal Plant. Page 7

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