An intensive two-day workshop was conducted in the state-of-the-art Microbiology Laboratory at the Central Laboratory of Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore on 19th and 20th February 2026. The programme was designed for undergraduate and postgraduate students pursuing B.Sc. and M.Sc. (General and Medical Microbiology, Bioscience, Biotechnology, and related disciplines), and provided a comprehensive, hands-on introduction to essential microbiological techniques.
The inaugural event was presided by the Dean Dr. B. Unnikrishnan and Associate Dean Dr. Shrikala Baliga. The organizing Chairperson Dr. Sevitha Bhat, Professor & Head welcomed the gathering followed by chief guest address Dr. Rajesh Shenoy. The organizing secretary Dr. Ethel Suman proposed the vote of thanks.
The resource persons for the event were Prof. Rajesh Shenoy Director, Padmashree Group of Institutions President, KAHPA, Bangalore, Dr. Iddya Karunasagar, Advisor, Research and Patents Nitte University, Mangalore Formerly, Senior Food Safety Officer, Food and Agriculture Organisation of UN, Dr. Beena Hegde and Mr. Laxmi Narayana B (Allied Health Science Yenepoya, Deemed to be University), Prof. Shripriya H, Principal, Professor & Head Department of Microbiology, Dr. M.V. Shetty Institute of Allied Health Sciences, Mangalore, Dr. Dhanashree B, Dr. Vishwas Saralaya, Dr. Anjali, Dr. Anna Rajan Thomas Dr. Pooja H, Dr. Nivedha Srinivasan, Dr. Raechal Sanjana Hans, Mrs. Melreena Serra,Mrs. Shobha Prasada,Ms. Souharda K,Mr. Shriharsha Ganapathy Department of Microbiology, Kasturba Medical College Mangalore .
Participants gained practical experience in staining, culturing, identification of microorganisms, and antibiotic susceptibility testing. They were also introduced to modern molecular diagnostic approaches and automated culture systems. Strong emphasis was placed on foundational biosafety protocols and ethical research practices, ensuring responsible laboratory conduct.
The workshop was organized as part of a series of activities commemorating the diamond jubilee celebrations of the postgraduate course of the Department of Microbiology. Resource persons included a distinguished blend of alumni faculty from other universities (Yenepoya University, M.V Shetty institutions, RGHUS and NUCSER, Nitte university) along with members of the department. With a rich academic legacy dating back to 1956, the Department of Microbiology stands as a premier Centre for education, research, and diagnostic services.
The workshop was sponsored by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), a premier body supporting science and research in India. The workshop was inaugurated by Professor Rajesh Shenoy, Director of Padmashree group of Institutions and president of Karnataka state allied and health care professions association (KAHPA), Bangalore and Dr Unnikrishnan B, Dean of KMC Mangalore.
A total of 55 delegates attended and benefited from the two-day hands-on training. The programme provided them with first-hand experience in visualizing and utilizing advanced automated culture techniques, antibiotic susceptibility testing methods, and molecular diagnostic tools for bacterial infections. This initiative is expected to lay a strong foundation for future research endeavors and capacity building in the field of medical microbiology.
