Alumni Department of Botany University of Kashmir

28/04/2026

The Department of Botany, University of Kashmir, organized an Extension Lecture today on “Plant Systematics: From Classical Approaches to AI-Driven Discovery.” The lecture was delivered by Dr. Ritesh K. Choudhary, Professor, Department of Botany, University of Delhi.
Dr. Choudhary provided a concise yet insightful overview of the transition of plant systematics from classical taxonomy to modern, AI-assisted approaches, emphasizing their role in advancing biodiversity research and species identification.

The lecture was attended by students, research scholars, and faculty members, and concluded with an engaging interaction session. The Department extends its sincere thanks to Dr. Choudhary for his valuable contribution.


AI
Kashmir Universityy

28/04/2026

One of the Faculty member of the Department

Women Scientist 👇
Dr. Riffat John is a distinguished Plant Molecular Biologist and Associate Professor at the Department of Botany, University of Kashmir, Srinagar. With over more than 15 years of experience in teaching and research, her expertise spans plant stress genomics, proteomics, genome engineering, and plant-environment interactions.

She completed her Ph.D. in Plant Biochemistry from IIT Delhi (2005) and holds an M.Sc. in Botany from Jamia Hamdard. She previously served as a Fasttrack Young Scientist at ICGEB, New Delhi and Department of Genetics South campus University of Delhi.

Dr. John has led several nationally funded research projects focused on developing stress-tolerant crops, particularly addressing drought, salinity, and cold stress in plants. Her work is widely published in reputed international journals, contributing significantly to plant stress biology and climate resilience.

She is the recipient of numerous prestigious awards and fellowships, including:
1. China-Inno Tour Travel Award (2019).
2. Indo-U.S. GETin Overseas Fellowship (2017).
3. INSA International Bilateral Scientist Exchange Program (2016).
4. Young Scientist Award by J&K Science & Technology Council (2015),
5. INSA Visiting Fellowship (2013).
6. INSA Women Associate Fellow
7. SERB POWER Fellow

She also qualified GATE with All India Rank 37, earned the CSIR Junior Research Fellowship, and received the Outstanding Speaker Award at India Habitat Centre.

An active member of national and international scientific bodies, including Council Member of India Photobiology Society and INYAS (Indian National Young Academy of Sciences) alumnus.
Dr. John is also deeply committed to science outreach, mentoring, and promoting scientific awareness among students and young researchers.

28/04/2026

The Department of Botany, University of Kashmir, extends its sincere congratulations to Dr. Bilal Ahmad Rasray (R/o A Brass, Khansahib, Budgam) on the successful completion of his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) under the supervision of Prof. Anzar Ahmad Khuroo, Centre For Biodiversity and Taxonomy

His doctoral research entitled “Ecological Studies on the Alpine Vegetation of Kashmir Himalaya” constitutes a valuable contribution to the field of plant ecology, particularly in advancing our understanding of alpine ecosystems and biodiversity in the Himalayan region. The quality and impact of his research are evidenced by publications in internationally recognized journals, including Journal of Environmental Management, Nordic Journal of Botany, Biodiversity and Conservation, and Flora.
The Department acknowledges his scholarly commitment, research rigor, and academic accomplishments, which reflect the high standards of research upheld by the University. We are confident that Dr. Rasray will continue to contribute meaningfully to scientific research and academia.
Congratulations Bilal Haider

27/04/2026

25/04/2026

🌿 Heartiest Congratulations! 🌿

The Department of Botany extends its heartfelt congratulations to all the scholars who have successfully qualified the 10+2 Lecturer Examination in Botany conducted by the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission.

This achievement reflects not only academic excellence but also your perseverance, discipline, and unwavering commitment to your goals. As you step into the teaching profession, you carry the responsibility of nurturing curiosity, promoting scientific temper, and contributing meaningfully to the understanding and conservation of plant diversity.

We take immense pride in your success and are confident that you will uphold the highest standards of knowledge, integrity, and dedication in your careers ahead. 🌱

At the same time, we extend our sincere encouragement to those who could not make it to the final list this time. Competitive examinations are often journeys of persistence, and not a single outcome defines your potential or capability. Your effort, learning, and resilience are equally valuable, and each attempt brings you closer to success. With continued dedication and belief in your abilities, brighter opportunities surely lie ahead.

Wishing success, strength, and fulfillment to all—both today and in the journeys yet to unfold.

13/04/2026

The Department of Botany extends its heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Rameez Nazir Rather from Delina, Baramulla, on his remarkable academic achievement.
Working under the esteemed supervision of Prof. Aijaz A. Wani (HOD) and co-supervision of Dr. Mehraj-ul-din Shah. He has successfully completed his research entitled “Identification of scab resistance genes from apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.) germplasm for management of apple scab.”

His dedication and scientific rigor are further reflected in his commendable research contributions published in reputed journals such as Physiological and Molecular Plant Pathology, Current Science, Scientia Horticulturae, Journal of Crop Improvement, and Indian Journal of Genetics and Plant Breeding.
This significant accomplishment marks an important milestone in his academic journey and contributes meaningfully to the field of plant pathology and horticultural science.

The Department wishes him continued success, growth, and excellence in all his future endeavors.

10/04/2026

The Department of Botany, University of Kashmir, takes immense pride in extending its warmest congratulations to Ms. Zahara sultan and Ms. Pallaki Shrikhandia on the successful completion of their Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees on 06 April 2026.

Ms. Zahara Sultan, from Chithibandi, Bandipora, working under the esteemed supervision of Prof. Mohd. Yaqoob Bhat, has successfully completed her research entitled “Studies on rhizospheric mycobiome of two important medicinal plants, Trillium govanianum Wall. ex D. Don and Prunella vulgaris L. growing in Kashmir Valley.” Her work provides valuable insights into rhizospheric microbial diversity and strengthens our understanding of plant–microbe interactions in ecologically and medicinally important species of the Kashmir Himalaya.

Ms. Pallaki Shrikhandia, from Talab Tillo, Jammu, under the able guidance of Prof. Abdul Hamid Wani, has successfully completed her research titled “A study on the cultivation, biochemical characterization and bioevaluation of Cordyceps militaris (L.) Fr.” Her research significantly contributes to the advancement of mycology, particularly in the cultivation and therapeutic potential of medicinal fungi.
The Department commends their hard work and scholarly excellence, which will undoubtedly inspire fellow researchers and contribute meaningfully to the scientific community.

We wish both scholars continued success, recognition, and impactful contributions in their future academic and professional pursuits.

08/04/2026

Glimpses of Botanical Bullitin, recently released by Voice Chancellor University of Kashmir on 17/03/2026

02/04/2026

On 31th March 2026 ,two employees of our Department have been superannuated includes Lateif Ahmad Bhat Head gardner of Kashmir University Botanical Garden and Sr.Assistant Mr Abdul Rahman Rather who was in the CBT for 19 years. Both these employees have been felicitated by Head of Department Prof Aijaz Ahmad Wani and other staff members upon their retirment at a heartfelt ceremony 31-03-2026 for his honesty, kindness, and student-friendly attitude upon retiring from service at CBT. Hod said that Retirement is a significant milestone, marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another filled with new adventures, relaxation, and time spent with loved ones. Retirement marks a major milestone, a time to reflect on a career filled with achievements and to look forward to a future of new opportunities and relaxation.

31/03/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Showkeen Ahmad Lone from Melahura, Sangam (District Shopian) on the successful completion and defense of his PhD in the Department of Botany. His doctoral research, titled “Ecological impacts of invasive Leucanthemum vulgare Lam. and habitat restoration”, was conducted under the guidance of Anzar Ahmad Khuroo and co-supervision of Irfan Rashid.
Dr. Lone’s research focused on Leucanthemum vulgare (ox-eye daisy), a highly invasive alien plant species that has extensively spread across the alpine and sub-alpine meadows of the Kashmir Himalaya. His work provides a detailed assessment of how this species impacts native plant diversity by reducing species richness, altering community composition, and disrupting key ecosystem functions such as productivity and nutrient cycling.

A major component of his study involved evaluating practical restoration strategies, including manual removal, mowing, and herbicide-based interventions, to manage the spread of "L. vulgare" and promote the recovery of native vegetation.
The quality and impact of his work are reflected in its dissemination through reputed international journals such as Biological Invasions, Oikos, Journal of Applied Ecology, and Journal of Ecology. His PhD completion stands as a well-deserved recognition of years of dedicated fieldwork and rigorous scientific inquiry carried out in the challenging environments of the Kashmir Himalaya.

Wishing Dr. Lone continued success in his future academic and professional endeavors.

Kashmir Universityy
UGC
Greater Kashmir
CSIR, India
Alpine

Congratulations Dr. Showkeen Ahmad

30/03/2026

The Department of Botany celebrates the distinguished achievement of "Dr. Haris Yousuf Lone" from Ushkara, Baramulla, on the successful completion of his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from the Department of Botany, University of Kashmir.

His doctoral research, entitled “A Study on Biochemical and Molecular Aspects of Flower Senescence in Select Ephemerals,” under the joint supervision of Prof. Inayatullah Tahir and Prof. Aijaz Ahmad Wani (Head, Department of Botany), his research embodies a significant and timely contribution to the fields of plant physiology and molecular biology. The study advances our understanding of the intricate mechanisms governing flower senescence, particularly in ephemeral species, and holds potential implications for both fundamental research and applied horticultural sciences.

Demonstrating academic excellence and research proficiency, during his PhD tenure he has published his findings in several reputed international journals of high standing, including Physiology and Molecular Biology of Plants, Ornamental Horticulture, The Journal of Horticultural Science and Biotechnology, and Journal of Plant Growth Regulation. These publications reflect the quality, originality, and broader relevance of his research work.

The Department of Botany takes immense pride in this noteworthy accomplishment, which not only brings honor to the institution but also serves as a source of inspiration for emerging scholars and researchers. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Haris Yousuf Lone and wish him continued success, excellence, and impactful contributions to the scientific community.

19/03/2026

The Department of Botany, University of Kashmir, extends its heartfelt congratulations to Prof. Zahoor Ahmad Kaloo on being conferred the prestigious S.P. Vij Memorial Award (2026) by the Orchid Society of India (TOSI). This esteemed recognition, awarded during the International Conference-cum-Workshop on “Orchid Diversity, Conservation and Resource Development in Changing Global Climate” held at Panjab University, Chandigarh (March 13–15, 2026), is a testament to his outstanding contributions to the field of Indian Orchidology.