The Department of Botany at St. John’s College, Agra, is a pioneering department with a rich history and strong emphasis on sound education and practical learning. St. John’s College itself was established in 1850 by the Church Missionary Society of England, making it an institution with a long and rich legacy in North India. The Botany Department has a long-standing tradition within this historic college and is a well-established and active Department within the Science Faculty of the College. 

The Department of Botany was established in 1906 with Botany, Zoology and Chemistry at graduation level. The department later expanded its programmes to include Master of Science (M.Sc.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). The Department was nourished by the sincere services of Prof. N. M. Mukherji, head of the department during 1942-1952 followed by Prof. Babulal Gupta (1952-1964). Prof. S. S. Bhatnagar joined the department as head in 1964 and served till 1997. Later Dr. O. A. K. Das became head in 1997. In 1999, Rev. Dr. B. Sundara Singh took over as head and continued till 2013 when Dr. (Mrs.) B. Geetha Singh took charge till 2015. Since 2015, Prof. Samuel Gorden Singh is taking care of the department as head. Presently, Prof. Manjula R. Thomas, Dr. Sakshi Walker, Dr. Rohan J. D’Souza, Dr. Smit Benjamin and Dr. Anjani Sharma are rendering their services to the Department.

The Department emphasizes an all-round approach to imparting learning with equal focus on curricular, co-curricular and extra-curricular activities for the benefit of our students. The Department pursues the mantra of holistic development of a student and inculcation of a scientific temper. This makes the learning process more collaborative and stimulating. Botanical excursions, seminars, guest lectures by eminent scientists and academicians, documentary films, quizzes, scientific debates etc. are a regular feature. Multimedia based teaching-learning including innovative methods like flipped classrooms are encouraged and soon to expand with developing technology and industrial interaction.

Milestones:

The aim of the Department is to further strengthen its core activities of teaching, training and research. Students gain theoretical knowledge in areas like Taxonomy, Morphology, Anatomy, and Reproductive Biology of Angiosperms, Phytogeography, Pharmacognosy, Phytochemistry, Ethnobotany, Ecology, Phycology, Mycology, Bryology, Pteridology, Physiology, Cell Biology, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Plant Breeding, Horticulture and conservation of Biodiversity well supported by practical exposure in the laboratory. The students are continually assessed and evaluated through regular class tests, seminars, and assignments apart from examinations at the end of the semester. Advanced knowledge in instrumentation skills, plant tissue culture techniques, molecular biology and bio-resources of Agra is imparted at the master’s level.

Post graduate students of the department have excelled in the University examinations consistently. Most of our PG students pass with first division and have been awarded the University Gold medals many times. In fact, they topped the University M.Sc. Botany Exams for five consecutive years from 2017 to 2022.

To keep pace with advances in knowledge, the department has also been organizing National/Internal Conferences and workshops regularly. This interaction with Scientists, researchers and academicians and exposure to applied aspects of the subject has helped the students further in their journey as budding botanists. 

Enriched by the legacy of renowned teachers, the department is proud to have a committed faculty which excels in research, book writing and teaching. Till date 75+ candidates have earned their Ph.D. It boasts of many eminent alumni, who occupy important academic and professional positions in India and abroad.

Uniqueness:

Holistic Approach: The department’s mission emphasizes intellectual, cultural, social, aesthetic, and spiritual development, aiming to transform students into capable, compassionate, and committed human beings.

Modern Curriculum: The curriculum balances traditional botany with modern plant sciences, integrating core, elective, and vocational papers with inter-disciplinary components and exposure to cutting-edge technologies.

Focus on Social Impact: The education provided aims at social transformation and preparing students for serving the wider community.

Highlights:

BOTSO, The Botanical Society of Department of Botany of St John’s College, strives to explore deeper into the wonders of nature, going beyond the confines of textbooks. All students of BSc and MSc courses are members of BOTSO. Society offers its members countless opportunities to expand their knowledge and contribute to their overall growth. It creates a welcoming space for young minds to connect with the real world and foster a scientific mindset. This is achieved through a range of activities such as webinars, quizzes, presentations, debates, workshops, field trips, outreach programs and various competitions. These activities not only enhance students’ understanding of their coursework but also complement traditional classroom teaching. BOTSO plays a pivotal role in personal and professional development, helping individuals learn, improve, and excel. Society’s vision is to create a space for all the students to actively engage in co-curricular activities and refine their skill sets, all while exploring potential career paths. It serves as a platform where students and teachers can connect, interact, and grow together, striving to unlock their full potential.

Annually, society publishes its E-magazine ‘The Seed’, to bring students closer to the subject and provide a platform for self-expression. The supportive environment within society cultivates teamwork, confidence, creativity, dedication, sincerity, time management, leadership, and curiosity, bringing out the best in everyone.

Infrastructure:

Science Block: The Department of Botany is a part of the dedicated Science Block constructed on the western side of the main M.G. road campus. A Bio-Sciences Wing has also been added recently.

Well-equipped Facilities: The Department boasts good infrastructure with well-equipped classrooms and three laboratories for practical sessions. The department focuses on all-round development, with students and faculty participating in various activities and receiving recognition within the college and wider university system.

Laboratories: All three laboratories are well equipped for students to perform various practicals which are necessary for the study of the structure, properties and biochemical processes of all forms of plant life as well as plant classification, plant diseases and the interaction of plants with their physical environment. The laboratories are well-ventilated and equipped with the necessary instruments such as pH meter, spectrophotometer, computer, laminar air-flow, autoclave, centrifuges, PCR, gel documentation system, ice flaking machine, water bath, hot air oven, deep freezer and electronic balance. Besides this, Botany laboratories are also supplemented with charts, specimens, glass slabs and permanent slides to understand structure of various bio molecules and plants. used regularly in practical classes. Special care is taken for safety measures for the students to perform various activities in laboratory. Laboratories are well equipped with fire extinguishers and fire exits. These measures ensure the well-being of the students during their laboratory activities.

Research Laboratory: The Department of Botany has already been recognized as the Research Department under Dr B R Ambedkar University, Agra and carries out PhD programme in Plant Systematics Phytochemistry, Microbiology & Plant Pathology. The equipments available at the Research Laboratory are sufficient for carrying out research programmes in Reproductive Botany, Palynology, Cytology, Biochemistry, Anatomy, Ethnobotany, Ethnopharmacology, Microbiology and Molecular Biology.

Museum and Herbarium: The department boasts of a dedicated museum with a diverse array of specimens and models related to Algae, Fungi, Bryophytes, Lichens, Pteridophytes, Gymnosperms and Angiosperms. The Herbarium compiled over the years from plant specimens collected and preserved by the faculty and students is our pride and joy.

Botanical Garden: A botanical garden housing an appreciable variety of ornamental and medicinal plants along with wild native species are maintained. It also boasts of a small pond with aquatic plants. A compost-pit is managed by the students where all the organic waste of the department as well as domestic waste collected by students is composted. Students also gain exposure to biodiversity conservation initiatives and organic farming within its green confines.

Library: The department has a well-stocked library with a huge number of books and a few scientific journals. Apart from departmental library, a students’ library is also maintained for the benefit of students. These books are collected from our personal copies, specimen copies and donated books by senior colleagues. The departmental and students’ libraries fulfil the requirements of the faculty members and students in addition to central library. Several reference books and access to online journals are also available. Furthermore, the department takes pride in its well-managed library, ensuring that students have access to valuable resources.

Support Facilities: Students have access to a large central library with Wi-Fi, good medical facilities, and large well-maintained playgrounds for sports.

Vision:

• The vision of the department is to develop scientific and technical capabilities to become centre of excellence in plant sciences and provide expert services to research organizations, industries and educational institutes in various aspects of Botany.
• To be distinguished as a renowned academic institution recognized for its innovation, excellence and inventions; producing the best human resources in the field of Plant Sciences and helping them to realize their full potential in ways that benefit the society.

Mission:

• To make a significant contribution to the national goals of promoting knowledge society through high quality education, innovative research and services to the society in the field of plant sciences.
• To produce highly qualified post graduate and Ph.D. students in the field of plant sciences that serve in academic and research institutions.
• To serve the society’s needs and contribute to transforming the society into a knowledge society.
• To serve society’s needs and contribute to transforming society into a knowledge society.