Buttermilk Drive – An Awareness Program on the Benefits of Buttermilk

Date: 7th April 2025

The Department of Microbiology, MSRCASC, organized a Buttermilk Drive on 7th April 2025 to promote the health benefits of traditional fermented drinks and the role of probiotics in maintaining gut health. The event, held on the 2nd floor of the college campus, saw enthusiastic participation from over 1000 students and faculty members.

The initiative aimed to educate the campus community on the nutritional value of buttermilk, highlight microbiological aspects of fermentation, and encourage consumption of natural, healthy drinks over artificial beverages. Preparations involved student volunteers in planning, logistics, and hygienic preparation of fresh, spiced buttermilk.

Activities included the distribution of buttermilk, display of informative posters and pamphlets explaining the fermentation process and probiotic content, and interactive sessions by faculty members on the role of beneficial microbes like Lactobacillus in gut health.

Awareness Program on Mental Health & Well-being

Date: 28th April 2025

The Department of Microbiology, MSRCASC, in collaboration with NIMHANS, organized an awareness program on Mental Health and Well-being for 50 first-year B.Sc. students. The initiative aimed to promote understanding of mental health challenges, reduce stigma, and encourage proactive wellbeing strategies among students.

During the session, mental health professionals and research scholars from NIMHANS discussed common issues such as anxiety, stress, depression, and burnout, particularly in academic settings. Students were guided to recognize early signs of emotional distress in themselves and peers and were introduced to the “Let’s Talk Life” initiative by ICMR, which provides support resources and helplines.

Highlights included personal storytelling by research scholars, guided mindfulness exercises, and an interactive Q&A session that allowed students to seek advice anonymously. Participants gained practical strategies for maintaining mental well-being and appreciated the safe, non-judgmental environment provided.

Outreach Activity – Chethana

Date: 4th March 2025

The Department of Microbiology, MSRCASC, organized “Chethana,” an educational outreach program for school students from 4th to 7th standard at the Government School, Kaivara, Chikkaballapura, on 4th March 2025. The event aimed to introduce young students to microbiology through interactive sessions, hands-on experiments, and fun learning activities, fostering scientific curiosity.

Fifteen B.Sc. II Semester student volunteers, along with coordinators Mrs. Soumya S Shanbhag and Dr. Tejaswini H K, conducted demonstrations on Gram staining, bacterial motility, and the effects of disinfectants to highlight the importance of hygiene. Students observed bacterial slides under microscopes and performed simple experiments to understand microbial growth and the role of sanitation.

For 6th standard students, a science quiz tested knowledge of hygiene and basic science through multiple-choice and rapid-fire rounds, while 5th standard students participated in a crossword activity reinforcing key scientific concepts in an engaging way. For 4th standard students, fun games and dance sessions combined physical activity with playful science learning, keeping younger children actively involved.

The program successfully engaged school students, making microbiology approachable and enjoyable while promoting awareness about microbes, hygiene, and scientific thinking. Volunteers and faculty ensured a safe, interactive, and educational experience, inspiring curiosity and a love for learning among the participants.