PULWAMA: The Department of Biotechnology, Government Degree College (GDC) Pulwama under the aegis of Indian Immunology Society today celebrated ‘International Day of Immunology 2024' on the theme ‘Immunity Through the Ages: Navigating the Science of Aging and Immunology', at the Conference Hall within the college campus, here.

Principal, Prof. (Dr.) Haris Izhar attended the event as patron.

Dr. Niyaz Ahamd Naikoo, Organizing Secretary of the event gave a detailed introduction about the International Day of Immunology 2024 and contribution of Immunologists worldwide in developing life-saving vaccines, and pioneering groundbreaking therapies that transform the landscape of modern medicine.

Prof. Irfana, Vice-Principal (Govt. Degree College Pulwama, J&K) formally welcomed the resource persons of the event. In her welcome address, Prof. Irfana emphasized on the critical role that immunology plays in combating emerging pathogens and safeguarding public health.

Dr. Khalid Hussain (Division of Basic Sciences, SKUAST-K J&K India) delivered a lecture on ‘Role of gut microbiome on immunity during aging'. In his lecture, Dr. Khalid gave a detailed account on the role of gut microbiome in health and disease. The lecture was followed by an interactive session in which Dr. Khalid answered student queries regarding the importance of gut microbiome in ageing.

Dr. Manzoor Ahmad Mir (Head, Department of Bioresources, University of Kashmir) delivered a lecture on ‘Immunodiagnostics in Healthcare' which was followed by an interactive session in which students put forth their queries pertaining to various immunological diagnostic techniques and their importance in healthcare.

Dr. Khalid and Dr. Manzoor Ahmad Mir were felicitated by the Vice-principal of the host Institution.

Third lecture was delivered by Dr. Ishraq Hussain (Professor, Division of Biochemistry, SKUAST-K, J&K India). He deliberated on the topic ‘Immunosenescence'. Dr. Ishraq began his talk with a discussion on various factors leading to immunosenescence which was followed by an interactive session.

Dr. Ishraq was felicitated by Principal of the host institution

Earlier, the proceedings of the day were started by Dr. Iqra Hameed (Lecturer, Department of Biochemistry).

Dr. Qudsia Rashid, from the Department of Clinical Biochemistry was the rapporteur of the event.

The final session of the day was an interactive quiz on Immunology. Dr. Shah Ubaidullah of the department of Biotechnology moderated the quiz. Six teams from various institutes of J&K participated in the quiz competition and team from Govt. Degree College Pulwama was adjudged with rank 1st, Govt. Degree College Shopian adjudged with rank 2nd and Islamia College of Science and Commerce adjudged with rank 3rd.

The other teams stood as runner ups. All participating teams were felicitated by the Patron of the host Institute Prof. (Dr.) Haris Izhar with certificates and cash prizes.

Certificates were also distributed among the registered participants.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Shah Ubaidullah followed by refreshment to all the participants.