Four-day meet of microbiologists starts at Guru Jambheshwar varsity

The 65th Annual International Conference of the Association of Microbiologists India (AMI) commenced at Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar (GJUST), today. The four-day conference on the theme ‘Perspectives of microorganisms for human welfare’ is being organised jointly by GJUST, AMI and Academy of Microbiological Sciences (AMSC).

Prof BR Kamboj, Vice-Chancellor, Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University (HAU), Hisar, was the chief guest of the inaugural ceremony held at Chaudhary Ranbir Singh auditorium of the university. Prof Narsi Ram Bishnoi, Vice-Chancellor of the university, was present as the patron-in-chief of the conference. The conference was presided over by Prof SK Khare, Director of Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Kolkata.

More than 50 international speakers from 35 countries, including the USA, the UK, Germany, South Africa and Australia, are participating in the conference. Five Padma Bhushan, six Padma Shri and four Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar award winners will participate in the conference.

Prof BR Kamboj said earlier, microbes were only known to cause diseases, but now they are considered to be a medium to cure diseases. The microbes were being used to improve health and to identify diseases in India. Since ancient times, fermented food is being made with the help of micro-organisms, which was very beneficial for human health. Giving the example of curd, he said that curd was made with the help of lactic acid bacteria. He said that bio-fertilisers were beneficial for improving the quality of the soil.