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 2 1 3 4 6 7 5 9 8 10 14 15 11 12 13 16 17 50 18 19 16 20 21 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. Tamil Nadu 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, Chennai. 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, Bangalore (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, Nagercoil (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.