Yashavantha Kumar K J

[Agharkar Research Institute @ari_pune]

In Memoriam: Prof. Madhav Gadgil (1942–2026)

We mourn the passing of Prof. Madhav Gadgil, one of India’s most eminent ecologists and a visionary thinker in conservation biology and human ecology, who left us on 8 January 2026.

A founder of the Centre for Ecological Sciences, IISc Bengaluru, Prof. Gadgil shaped ecological research, education, and environmental policy in India. He began his distinguished career at the Agharkar Research Institute (ARI), Pune, and went on to build CES into a globally respected centre over more than three decades.

Prof. Gadgil played a pivotal role in establishing India’s first Biosphere Reserve (Nilgiris, 1986), contributed significantly to the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, and championed community-led conservation through People’s Biodiversity Registers. He was also instrumental in initiating the Maharashtra Gene Bank Programme at Agharkar Research Institute during 2008–2010, strengthening conservation of agrobiodiversity and indigenous genetic resources. As Chair of the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel, he articulated a science-based, socially grounded vision for sustainable development.

An internationally renowned scholar with over 250 publications, and author of influential works such as This Fissured Land, his contributions were recognised with the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, Volvo Environment Prize, Tyler Prize, and the UN Champions of the Earth Award (2024).

His legacy of integrating science, society, and sustainability will continue to guide and inspire generations.

May his soul rest in peace.

[Abhay Karandikar @karandi65]

During a short trip to Pune, I visited the Agharkar Research Institute (ARI), Pune @ari_pune, an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology @IndiaDST. Established in 1946 as the Maharashtra Association for the Cultivation of Science (MACS), the institute was renamed in 1992 in honour of its founder Director, Prof. S. P. Agharkar.

[DSTIndia @IndiaDST]

#OneDayOneResearch

@ari_pune -@IndiaDST uncovered a previously unknown species of lichen, Allographa effusosoredica, from the richly biodiverse Western Ghats, carrying within it a tale of symbiosis, evolution & resilience.

@DrJitendraSingh @karandi65
🔗https://t.co/7WoMVpCPUt

[Agharkar Research Institute @ari_pune]

New Research Publication from ARI!

The study developed a bacterial consortium for efficient dairy wastewater treatment by selecting strains based on lipolytic and proteolytic activity using diffusion-based screening. The consortium showed high COD removal, demonstrating its potential for effective biological degradation.

Read the full study:
https://t.co/uqIy1fRGfW

[Agharkar Research Institute @ari_pune]

New Research Publication from ARI!

The cultivation-based discovery of methanotrophs from Indian wetlands, especially the Western Ghats. It reports 28 cultures from seven genera—including novel strains—highlighting their potential as natural methane filters and future agents for environmental applications.

Read the full study: https://t.co/bhMZPO9PyX

[Agharkar Research Institute @ari_pune]

A series of short articles by Dr. Mandar Datar, Scientist from @ari_pune , on unique plants from around the world is being featured in the Maharashtra Times as part of a special page for kids! These articles are a wonderful blend of science and storytelling—perfect to spark curiosity and appreciation for plant diversity among young readers.

पुण्यातील आघारकर अनुसंधान संस्थेचे शास्त्रज्ञ डॉ. मंदार दातार यांनी लिहिलेल्या जगभरातील वैशिष्ट्यपूर्ण वनस्पतींवर आधारित लघुलेखांची एक मालिका सध्या ‘महाराष्ट्र टाइम्स’ मध्ये “सुपर सुट्टी’ या लहान मुलांसाठीच्या विशेष पानावर प्रसिद्ध होत आहे! ही लेखमाला विज्ञान आणि गोष्टींचे सुरेख मिश्रण असून छोट्या वाचकांमध्ये वनस्पतींच्या विविधतेविषयी कुतूहल निर्माण करण्यासाठी उपयुक्त ठरावी अशी आशा आहे.

Pitcher plant (Ghatparni – likely Nepenthes or Cephalotus in India) – Insectivorous plants with modified leaves forming pitfall traps; thrive in nutrient-poor soils by digesting trapped insects.

[Agharkar Research Institute @ari_pune]

Agharkar Research Institute (@ari_pune) showcased its contributions aligned with national missions and Atmanirbhar Bharat during the Government Achievements and Schemes Expo and Rising PSEs Expo at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi (June 21–23). ARI received Award from Hon'ble MP Mr Bhagirath Choudhary Ji @mpbhagirathbjp , Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, GoI
@itusharkaushik
@vijendra22kar

[Agharkar Research Institute @ari_pune]

Podcasting meets Science Communication!

On 18 June 2025, @ari_pune hosted an exciting ARI-ENGAGE Capacity-Building Workshop on Podcasting and Audio-Video Storytelling– a powerful blend of creativity, technology, and science outreach!

Experts - Mr. Omkar Jadhav & Mr. Shardul Kadam, co-founders of the acclaimed Amuk Tamuk Podcast Network (@amuk_tamuk), brought their signature energy and insights into the world of Marathi digital storytelling.

The session was conducted like a real podcast, moderated by Dr. Mandar Datar (@naigavkar), Scientist, ARI – giving participants a first-hand experience of the storytelling process.

@pkdhakephalkar, Director, ARI, delivered an inspiring keynote on the role of podcasts in regional languages for impactful communication in today’s dynamic landscape.

The interactive Q&A and enthusiastic participation made the session truly memorable – sparking ideas and igniting voices for science!

[Agharkar Research Institute @ari_pune]

New Research Publication from ARI!

Development of a zebrafish xenograft model using human cardiomyocytes, demonstrating partial synchronization between host and transplanted cells, with potential applications in heart regeneration research by Dr. Chinmoy Patra and team

Read the full study: https://t.co/aLrLGzHtnz

[Yashavantha Kumar K J @YashavanthKJ]

Congratulations Dr Velu. It's great to glimpse your contributions sir.

[Bram Govaerts CIMMYT @bramaccimmyt]

👏Congrats to Dr. Velu Govindan @WheatVelu on receiving the 2025 Derek Tribe Award! His impactful research has led to the release of 25 improved wheat varieties that benefit millions of farmers in India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Ethiopia & Mexico.
https://t.co/PLRVzT1Uf0 👏

[CIMMYT @CIMMYT]

Today we honor the birth of #CIMMYT’s founder, and the Father of the Green Revolution, #NormanBorlaug. 🌾 His work revolutionized global agriculture, helping to combat hunger and ensure #FoodSecurity for all.
His legacy and impact will live on!🌱🎉

[Velu Govindan @WheatVelu]

Over 60 public-private NARES partners participated @BISA__India Jabalpur wheat field day today & partners selected promising wheat lines from @CIMMYT Mexico for their breeding programs @Pradeep42259103

[Agharkar Research Institute @ari_pune]

On 7th March 2025, Agharkar Research Institute, Pune, & KVK Baramati organized a Wheat Post-Harvest Management Training & Input Distribution under Scheduled Caste Sub Plan (SCSP).

Fifty SC farmers received training & essential agri-inputs to enhance wheat productivity. This initiative empowers farmers with the tools for better post-harvest care & growth!

#FarmersFirst #InclusiveAgriculture #AgriInnovation @ICARIIWBR @kvkbaramati

[Agharkar Research Institute @ari_pune]

@IndiaDST @karandi65 @pkdhakephalkar @DrJitendraSingh Story from Genetics and Plant Breeding Lab and Hol farm of ARI.

Stay tuned. #WeAtARILab #NationalScienceDay2025atARI

[Agharkar Research Institute @ari_pune]

Agharkar Research Institute proudly participate in #IISF2024 at IIT Guwahati (Nov 30 - Dec 3)!

It is an incredible opportunity to showcase our groundbreaking research and connect with brilliant minds. Thanks to all who visited us!

[Agharkar Research Institute @ari_pune]

🌟 A proud moment for Agharkar Research Institute at the @IISF_2024 !

Hon’ble Minister of Science & Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, interacted with our scientists and applauded their impactful research for societal benefit.

Dr. Kalaiselvi, DG CSIR, also commended ARI for its significant scientific and technological contributions. Grateful for the inspiration to continue driving innovation for a better tomorrow! 💡🔬

[Agharkar Research Institute @ari_pune]

Agharkar Research Institute proudly showcased its innovations at the @IISF_2024 at @IITGuwahati!

ARI-developed wheat & soybean varieties impressed local communities, while microbial processes sparked curiosity among students & researchers.

Grateful to @IndiaDST, @CSIR_IND, @icarindia, & industry partners for their generous support in advancing science for societal benefit! 🙏

[Agharkar Research Institute @ari_pune]

#SpecialCampaign4

[Agharkar Research Institute @ari_pune]

#SpecialCampaign4
स्वच्छ भारत के प्रति हमारी प्रतिबद्धता!
स्वच्छता ही सेवा अभियान के तहत @ari_pune ने 24 सितंबर 2024 को माध्यमिक विद्यालय, सोर्टेवाड़ी, तालुका बारामती, जिला पुणे में घर, गाँव और स्कूलों में स्वच्छता के बारे में अनुभव, प्रश्न और बातचीत पर केंद्रित एक आकर्षक सत्र की मेजबानी की। इस कार्यक्रम में कक्षा 7 से कक्षा 10 तक के 220 छात्रों ने भाग लिया और हमारे दैनिक जीवन में स्वच्छता को बढ़ावा देने के व्यावहारिक तरीकों पर चर्चा की!

[Agharkar Research Institute @ari_pune]

#SpecialCampaign4