Book Release of “Textbook of Industrial Microbiology” dated on 16-4-2025

Title of the Event: Book Release of “Textbook of Industrial Microbiology” dated on 16-4-2025

Name of the venue: Life Science Auditorium

Details of the department organizing the event in collaboration with institution: Department of Studies in Microbiology, Pooja Bhagavat Memorial Mahajana Education Centre K R S Road, Metagalli, Mysuru.

Purpose and scope of the event: The Department of Microbiology proudly organized the book release function of “Textbook of Industrial Microbiology”, a scholarly work authored by Dr. Renu Agarwal, Former Scientist at the Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Mysuru. The program was conducted with great enthusiasm and reverence on 16/4/25, graced by eminent scientists, academicians, and enthusiastic students. The Program enhanced foundational knowledge, critical thinking skills, promoting independent learning with valuable reference material for the students

Details of the talk/event/activity:

• The event commenced with a warm welcome extended to the dignitaries by Ms. Kavyashree S., a student of Microbiology. Her poised and heartfelt address set a gracious tone for the program. The inauguration ceremony followed, marked by a symbolic gesture of watering a plant, emphasizing the values of knowledge, growth, and sustainability principles deeply embedded in the field of life sciences and microbiology.
• Following the inaugural, Ms. Sindhushree V. and Ms. Monisha, students of the Microbiology department, introduced the key personalities of the event. They delivered a concise yet respectful introduction of the author, Dr. Renu Agrawal, highlighting her illustrious career as a scientist at CFTRI and her valuable contributions to food microbiology and industrial biotechnology. They also introduced the chief guest, Dr. Prakash M. Halami, Head, Department of Food Microbiology, CFTRI, Mysuru, an eminent figure in the field, known for his pioneering work in microbial biotechnology and applied research.
• Dr. Prakash Halami, in his keynote address, congratulated Dr. Renu Agarwal for her accomplishment and praised the academic value of the book. He spoke on the growing importance of industrial microbiology in areas such as food processing, biopharmaceuticals, environmental biotechnology, and the fermentation industry. He emphasized that the book is not just a theoretical compilation but a practical guide that bridges the gap between academic studies and industrial applications. He urged students and young researchers to make full use of such resources to build a strong foundation in microbiology.
• The highlight of the event was the official release of the book by Dr. Vijaya Lakshmi Muralidhara, Hon. Secretary of the organizing body. She formally unveiled the book amidst a round of applause from the audience. In her remarks, Dr. Muralidhara lauded the author’s dedication and pointed out how the book will serve as an essential resource for both undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as research scholars and industry professionals.
• The event was presided over by Dr. C.K. Renukarya, Director, and Dr. S.R. Ramesh, Chief Scientist, both of whom expressed their appreciation for the scholarly contribution of Dr. Renu Agarwal. They highlighted the significance of such academic works in promoting indigenous scientific literature and making complex industrial processes accessible to learners at all levels.
• A formal felicitation ceremony followed, during which Dr. Renu Agarwal was honored for her exceptional work in the field of microbiology and her contribution to academic literature.
• Dr. Renu Agrawal then took the stage to provide a detailed insight into the contents of the book. She elaborated on the structure of the textbook, the rationale behind its organization, and the depth of topics covered — including fermentation technology, microbial enzyme production, industrial bio-products, waste utilization, bioreactor design, and modern biotechnological interventions. She shared her personal journey of writing the book, acknowledging the support of her peers, colleagues, and students, and expressed her hope that the book would serve as a valuable reference for years to come.
• The program concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Dr. Harish, who expressed gratitude to all dignitaries, the organizing committee, student volunteers, and attendees for making the event a grand success

A brief profile of the Chief Guest:

1. Dr. Renu agrawal:
   Dr. Renu agrawal, Ex.chief scientist, CSIR-CFTRI, scientist in microbiology and rural program coordinator at CSIR has microbial technologies to her credit. She has experience in advancing the CSIR-CFTRI’s technologies and fostering innovation for sustainable solutions for rural and urban India. She has contributed for research and development projects both national and International; that have an impact on the rural sector and has enhanced microbial applications for national benefit. Ph.D. in 1981 from university of Rajasthan. She has authored 6 books by CRC and Springer publications, UK. Authored books. Successfully translated microbial technologies into scalable solutions for rural communities. Initiated and led pilot projects that demonstrated the efficacy of microbial applications in improving nutritional outcomes in rural populations. Developed partnerships with government to agencies to implement rural innovation programs.Her awards and recognition includes Karamveer Chakra by REX-UN,Best Woman Scientist, NABS, Woman Achiever, International Guild of Woman Achievers. Dr Renu agrawal is a philanthropist and has been running many fellowships, National level competitions for poor meritorious students, national novel writing competitions, constructed a pre fixed auto stand in Mysore for public use, donated serum analyser for rapid detection of HIV, Paediatric HIV Kits, an ultra centrifuge and cell counter to Asha Kirana HIV hospital at Mysuru, wheel chairs to specially able and Braille kits.
2. Dr. Prakash M. Halami:
   Dr. Prakash M. Halami is an experienced scientist and academic leader with over three decades of research and development expertise. He currently serves as the Chief Scientist and Head of the Department of Microbiology & Fermentation Technology at CSIR-CFTRI, Mysuru, and as a Professor at AcSIR. Additionally, he held the additional responsibility as Head of the Department of Food Protectants & Infestation Control from 2021 to 2024. Dr. Halami was also the Nodal Officer for the CFTRI Covid-19 Testing Centre during the pandemic and has made significant contributions to public health and research during this time. Recently, with his efforts MFT department has been recognised as ‘Best R&D Department’ for the year 2023-24 by CFTRI. His Research area includes Genomics of Probiotic Bacteria Antimicrobial Resistance in the Food Chain, Gut Microbiota Studies Students. Dr. Halami has successfully guided 16 doctoral students, with six additional students currently pursuing their research under his mentorship. He has authored 140 publications in peer-reviewed international journals. Dr. Halami holds four granted Indian patents.He has presented over 200 research papers at national and international conferences, earning 27 best paper awards. He has been elected as a Fellows of Indian Academy of Microbiological Science (Formerly FAMI),Indian Association of Applied Microbiologists; National Academy of Biological Sciences, Royal Society of Biology; Biotech Research Society, India; National Environmental Science Academy, Association of Food Scientists Technologists, India & a First Fellow of Microbiologists Society, India.

No. of Participants/beneficiaries: 60