The PG & Research Department of Microbiology proudly organized a One-Week Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness Campaign from 18th to 24th November 2024, aimed at addressing the critical global challenge of AMR and promoting awareness among students, researchers, and the public. The programme was conducted in association with the Institution’s Innovation Council (IIC) of our college. As part of the campaign, the department’s association, MICROVISTA, hosted a series of engaging intercollegiate activities, including an Essay Writing Competition and a Poster Presentation Competition. These events provided a platform for participants to showcase their ideas and creativity while emphasizing the importance of tackling AMR through education, innovation, and collaboration. The Awareness Week was inaugurated with great enthusiasm by Dr. Radhakrishnan E. K., an esteemed Associate Professor at the School of Biosciences and Director of multiple initiatives, including the Business Innovation and Incubation Centre (BIIC), Industry Academia Interface Centre (IAIC), Inter-University Centre for Organic Farming and Sustainable Agriculture (IUCOFSA), and the International Centre for Medical Innovation (NRICMI) at Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam on 18 November 2024. The highlight of the inaugural event was an inspiring and informative talk by Dr. Radhakrishnan on the topic, “Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness”. He shared groundbreaking insights into AMR, focusing on genome-based approaches to understanding and combating this pressing issue. His address not only enriched participants with novel scientific knowledge but also underscored the urgency of collective action against AMR.

The programme started with the welcome address by Ms. Grace Abraham, President, MICROVISTA, followed by the presidential address by Prof. (Dr.) Anilkumar, Principal, Sree Sankara College, Kalady. The inaugural address was given by Dr. Radhakrishnan E K. Dr. Sumi Mary George, HOD, Department of Microbiology felicitated the programme. Mr. Vishnu M, treasurer, MICROVISTA delivered the vote of thanks. The inaugural session was succeeded by Mime based on the theme of awareness to AMR- Thakshaka- The hidden curse, by talented mime artists from the I MSc Microbiology students. This was followed by the expert talk on ‘’Novel Insights into AMR Through Genome Based Annotation’ by Dr. Radhakrishnan E K. A total of 57 participants were present on the programme.