Public Awareness Programme on Food Adulterants – Detection and Control

Date: 7th April 2025

The Department of Microbiology organized a public awareness programme on “Food Adulterants: Detection and Its Control” on 7th April 2025 as part of its ongoing health and hygiene initiatives. Guided by Dr. Prasanna Srinivas R (HOD) and supported by faculty mentors Dr. Nimita Venugopal C, Dr. Vemula Vani, and Dr. Snehalatha V, the session aimed to educate students and the public on identifying common food adulterants using simple and cost-effective techniques. First-year M.Sc. Microbiology students actively demonstrated various qualitative tests to detect adulterants such as starch, synthetic colours, detergents, and iron filings in everyday food items. The programme emphasised the importance of consumer awareness, food safety, and the role of scientific knowledge in preventing health hazards associated with adulterated food. The hands-on demonstrations not only enhanced students’ practical skills but also strengthened their ability to communicate scientific concepts to the community, making the event both educational and impactful.

World Health Day: Awareness on Health and Hygiene

Date: 5th April 2025

The Post Graduate Department of Microbiology, MSRASC, in association with the National Service Scheme (NSS), organized an awareness programme on “World Health Day: Awareness on Health and Hygiene” on 5th April 2025 in the Louis Pasteur Laboratory. The session was specially conducted for the non-teaching staff to promote hygienic practices and create awareness about cleanliness and disease prevention.

The two-hour session included demonstrations and discussions led by faculty and first-year M.Sc. Microbiology students. Participants were briefed on safe cleaning practices for washrooms, corridors, and common spaces using disinfectants such as phenyl and Dettol. Basic microbiology concepts—including microorganisms, cross-contamination, and sterilization—were explained in simple terms to ensure easy understanding. The importance of handwashing, personal hygiene, and safe waste disposal, especially in laboratory environments handling biohazardous materials, was strongly emphasized.

Awareness on Tuberculosis

Date: 24th March 2025

The Department of Microbiology, in association with NSS and IIC, conducted an extension activity on World Tuberculosis Day to create public awareness regarding TB infection, its symptoms, prevention, and control. A total of 31 M.Sc. Microbiology students participated by preparing and displaying informative posters at Mathikere residential area and BEL Road signal junction. The awareness was delivered in multiple languages including Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and Hindi, reaching nearly 200 people. The activity emphasized health, hygiene, early diagnosis, and prevention, with active participation from BBMP workers who interacted with the students to understand the importance of maintaining cleanliness and controlling the spread of TB.

Cancer Awareness Programme – World Cancer Day 2025

Date: 4th February 2025

The Department of Microbiology organized a Cancer Awareness Programme on 4th February 2025 in observance of World Cancer Day. A total of 68 participants, including Final Year B.Sc. and First Year M.Sc. Microbiology students, attended the session. The programme aimed to educate students on the causes, symptoms, prevention, and early detection of various types of cancers. Faculty members conducted interactive discussions, presented informative slides, and highlighted the importance of lifestyle modifications, regular screenings, and awareness in reducing cancer risk. The session also focused on breaking myths associated with cancer and encouraging students to spread awareness within their communities. The event successfully enhanced scientific understanding and promoted a proactive approach toward cancer prevention and health consciousness.

Awareness on HIV and AIDS Infection – World AIDS Day

Date: 5th & 6th December 2024

The Department of Microbiology conducted a two-day extension activity to create awareness about HIV infection and AIDS among students and the general public. On 5th December, M.Sc. Microbiology students educated MBA and M.Com students of MSRCASC using posters and banners explaining the symptoms of HIV, progression to AIDS, the importance of early testing, prevention measures, and ways to support affected individuals. On 6th December, the team reached out to the public and street vendors at Mathikere residential and signal areas, spreading awareness in multiple languages including Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and Hindi. Around 150 people were sensitized about HIV infection, reduced immunity, and control measures. The use of placards and posters helped reinforce the significance of maintaining health, hygiene, and early diagnosis.

Awareness Program on Dengue and Malaria

Date: 10 July 2024

The Department of Microbiology, MS Ramaiah College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Bengaluru, organized a Dengue and Malaria Awareness Program on 10 July 2024 in the residential areas and local market of Mathikere. Second Semester M.Sc. Microbiology students, accompanied by faculty members Dr. Prasanna Srinivas and Dr. Nimita Venugopal C, actively participated in the outreach activity. The initiative aimed to educate the public on the symptoms, transmission, and preventive measures related to these vector-borne diseases. Students distributed informative pamphlets, displayed creative charts, and delivered slogans in Kannada to effectively communicate the importance of mosquito control, hygiene practices, and early diagnosis. The program successfully enhanced community awareness, empowered students with practical public health experience, and fostered collective responsibility in preventing Dengue and Malaria.

World No Tobacco Day Awareness Programme 2024

Date: 31st May 2024

The Department of Microbiology, in association with NSS and under the DBT-STAR College Scheme, organized a World No Tobacco Day Awareness Programme on 31st May 2024 at Mathikere Market, Bengaluru. Faculty members and around 30 UG and PG students actively engaged the public through informative sessions, distribution of educational materials, and interactive discussions on the harmful effects of tobacco. The outreach initiative successfully created awareness in the community while providing students valuable hands-on experience in public health advocacy.

Outreach Visit to Little Sisters of the Poor Old Age Home

Date: February 23, 2024

Faculty members Dr. Nimitha V. C and Dr. Vidya J, along with 15 M.Sc Microbiology students, visited the Little Sisters of the Poor Old Age Home in Bangalore as part of an outreach initiative. The visit aimed to offer companionship and support to the elderly residents. The team interacted with Sister Noyla, who guided them through the facility and introduced them to the 50 residents. Students engaged in meaningful conversations with the elderly, learned about their daily routines, and listened to their experiences at the home. Essential items such as toiletries, clothing, and fruits—donated by the department’s faculty and students—were distributed to support their well-being. The residents warmly expressed their joy and blessed the students for their future success, making the visit a touching and enriching experience for everyone involved.