SMVDU Katra, December 2019. Ms. Shivi Badyal, student, M.Sc. Biotechnology (Semester III) from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Katra (J&K), brought laurels to the university by being adjudged as the best student for First Prize in “Voice for BT”- a National level Intercollegiate Public Speaking Contest on Biotechnology organized by Association of Biotechnology Led Enterprises (ABLE) and supported by Novozymes South Asia held on 6th December, 2019 at VIT University, Vellore, Tamil Nadu. The event is conducted in all the four regions in India and the first two winners from each region were selected to compete in the final event. The jury comprised of eminent scientists, academicians, industry leaders to select the winners. Earlier, she was selected as the topper of the North-zone contest organized at Amity University, Noida, in October, 2019 and was awarded a cash prize of Rs. 20,000/- and an Internship Program at the Research and Technology (R&T) facility of the Indian branch of the Global Biotechnology Company – Novozymes at Bangalore for a tenure of six months leading to a potential full time career. A total of eight national finalists, the respective toppers from each zone of different universities all over the country participated in the event and were evaluated by a team comprising of six members from Novozymes and ABLE. Padma Shri Prof. Ravindra Kumar Sinha, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, SMVDU, congratulated and praised Ms. Shivi for her efforts and was of the opinion that by encouraging such student activities, they are motivated to excel in their academic and co-curricular activities and are an inspiration to other students of the university and the region for participation in such national level events. The participation of Ms. Shivi in the event was supported technically and administratively by Prof. VK. Bhat, Dean, Faculty of Sciences; Dr. Yugal Khajuria, Dean, Student Welfare; Dr Sharada M Potukuchi, HoD, School of Biotechnology; Mr. Vinod Sharma, Administrative Officer; Mr. Romesh Singh, KAS, Finance Officer and Mr. BK Bhatia, Training & Placement Officer, SMVDU who praised the student for her persistent participation and excellent oratory skills.
