Category: Events

Location: Kallaaham (Kaithady)
Date: 21.02.2025
Organized by: Department of Gunapadam, Faculty of Siddha Medicine

As part of the curriculum for the subject Mooligaiyeyal – II, a field visit was organized for second-year BSMS students to Kallaaham (Kaithady) on 21st February 2025, from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM. The primary objective of the visit was to provide students with practical, hands-on experience in the identification and study of medicinal plants, thereby enhancing their understanding of medicinal botany.

The field visit was conducted under the supervision of Dr. Mrs. V. Sathyaseelan, Dr. Mrs. N. Nithyakumar, and the temporary demonstrators from the Department of Gunapadam. During the visit, students actively engaged in identifying and documenting various herbs and medicinal plants, recording their Siddha names, botanical names, and therapeutic uses.

Special emphasis was placed on the study of flora thriving in saline and waterlogged environments, with insightful discussions highlighting the unique adaptations and medicinal properties of such plants. A total of 170 medicinal plant species were identified during the session. Among these, rare species such as Vishnu Kiranthi and Venkodiweli were also observed and examined in detail.

This field visit significantly contributed to the students’ academic development by bridging theoretical concepts with real-world application. It also underscored the importance of conserving biodiversity and reinforced the value of traditional knowledge in modern medicinal practices.

Location: Mattuvil Mangrove Area
Date: 03.01.2025
Organized by: Department of Gunapadam, Faculty of Siddha Medicine

As part of the Mooligaiyeyal – II curriculum, a field visit was conducted for second-year BSMS students to the Mattuvil Mangrove Area on 3rd January 2025, from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM. The primary aim of the visit was to provide students with practical experience in the identification and study of medicinal plants, particularly those thriving within mangrove ecosystems.

The visit was organized under the expert supervision of Dr. Mrs. V. Sathyaseelan, Dr. Mrs. N. Nithyakumar, and the temporary demonstrators from the Department of Gunapadam. Throughout the visit, students actively engaged in the identification and documentation of various herbs and medicinal plants, carefully recording their Siddha names, botanical names, and medicinal applications.

In addition to field observations, the visit included informative discussions on the ecological importance of mangrove environments and the specialized adaptations of plant species that flourish in saline and waterlogged conditions. A total of 156 medicinal plant species were identified during the excursion. Among these were several rare and significant species, including Mothirakkanni, Kachcholam, Sengkeelanelli, and Vishnukiranthi, which were examined and studied in depth.

This field experience greatly enhanced students’ understanding of medicinal botany and reinforced the value of biodiversity conservation. By integrating theoretical knowledge with real-world application, the field visit effectively met the educational objectives of the subject.

Location: Nagar Kovil (Paruththithurai)
Date: 07.03.2025
Organized by: Department of Gunapadam, Faculty of Siddha Medicine

A field visit was organized for second-year BSMS students to the Nagar Kovil area in Paruththithurai on 7th March 2025, from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM, as part of the Mooligaiyeyal – II curriculum. The purpose of this academic excursion was to provide students with hands-on experience in the identification and study of medicinal plants, with a focus on those found in mangrove ecosystems.

The visit was conducted under the guidance of Dr. Mrs. V. Sathyaseelan, Dr. Mrs. N. Nithyakumar, and temporary demonstrators from the Department of Gunapadam. During the visit, students actively engaged in identifying and documenting a wide range of herbs and medicinal plants, noting their Siddha names, botanical names, and therapeutic properties.

The program also included in-depth discussions on the ecological importance of mangrove habitats and the adaptive features of plants thriving in saline and waterlogged environments. A total of 186 medicinal plant species were identified during the visit. Among these, several rare and regionally endemic species such as Kadatsangan, Birami, Karandhai, Umiri, Kaliththi, Mulnilavu, and Sivanar Vembu were closely examined and studied.

This field visit significantly enhanced students’ knowledge of medicinal botany and reinforced the critical importance of biodiversity conservation. It served as a valuable opportunity to bridge theoretical learning with practical application, successfully achieving the academic objectives of the course.

Location: Kokkavil, Mullaitivu
Date: 17.01.2025
Organized by: Department of Gunapadam, Faculty of Siddha Medicine

As part of the curriculum for the subject Mooligaiyeyal – II, a field visit was organized for second-year BSMS students to the Kokkavil area in Mullaitivu on 17th January 2025, from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM. The primary objective of the visit was to offer students practical exposure to the identification and study of medicinal plants in their natural habitat.

The visit was conducted under the expert guidance of Dr. Mrs. V. Sathyaseelan, Dr. Mrs. N. Nithyakumar, and temporary demonstrators from the Department of Gunapadam. During the visit, students actively participated in identifying and documenting a variety of medicinal plants, recording their Siddha names, botanical names, and known medicinal properties.

A key feature of the visit was the exploration of mangrove ecosystems and their ecological importance. Discussions were held on the adaptive features and therapeutic potentials of plants growing in saline and waterlogged environments. A total of 110 medicinal plant species were identified during the field study. Among these were several rare and noteworthy species, including Mothirakkanni, Muthirai, Semmanaththi, Mul Nilavu, Kadal Raanji, Vel Velan, Kalmuresu, Kal Iththi with aerial roots, Vishnu Kiranthi, and a localized population of Sivanaar Vembu.

The field visit greatly enriched the students’ understanding of medicinal botany and emphasized the significance of preserving plant biodiversity. It effectively complemented classroom learning, bridging theoretical concepts with real-world application, and successfully fulfilled the learning outcomes of the subject.

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Location: Kunjikulam, Mannar
Date: 31.01.2025
Organized by: Department of Gunapadam, Faculty of Siddha Medicine

As part of the Mooligaiyeyal – II curriculum, a field visit was organized for second-year BSMS students to the Kunjikulam area in Mannar on 31st January 2025, from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM. The objective of this visit was to provide students with practical exposure to the identification and study of medicinal plants, with a specific focus on species found in mangrove ecosystems.

The visit was conducted under the guidance of faculty members from the Department of Gunapadam. During the excursion, students engaged actively in identifying and documenting various medicinal plants, including their Siddha names, botanical names, and therapeutic applications.

A major component of the field trip was the exploration of the ecological roles of mangroves and the distinctive adaptations of flora that thrive in saline and waterlogged environments. A total of 236 medicinal plant species were identified during the visit. Notable among these were several rare and significant species such as Katkaarai, Thenthookki, Theendavaadi, Surulipattai, Valampuri, Pirambu, Perumthumbai, Peruthuththi, Sitramatti, Muthirai, Karunchembbai, Mayiladikurunthu, and Neerkadambu.

This field study not only deepened students’ understanding of medicinal botany but also emphasized the importance of biodiversity conservation. By bridging theoretical concepts with practical application, the visit effectively fulfilled the academic and experiential learning outcomes of the subject.

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Date of Visit: 14^th June 2025

Time: 8.30 A.M to 12.45 P.M.

Location: Kannaki puram, Punkudutivu, Jaffna District, Sri Lanka.

Organized by: Faculty of Siddha Medicine, Department of Gunapadam

Participants: 2^nd BSMS Students

Supervisor: Dr.Mrs. V. Sathiyaseelan, Dr. Mrs. N. Nithiakumar,

Guide: Mr. A. Sanjayan, Mr, J. Eugin Benat, Miss. A. Mayoori.

The field visit was organized as part of our curriculum under Mooligaiyeyal – II to enhance practical exposure to the identification and study of medicinal plants, with a specific focus on species found in scrubland, salt marshes, and intertidal areas, in addition to mangrove vegetation. It was conducted during the academic field hours of 2nd BSMS students guided by academic staff and temporary demonstrators of department of Gunapadam.

The objective was to identify and document medicinal plants growing in a specific region, along with their therapeutic uses, life cycle, toxic properties, and useful parts. Also understand the ecological and medicinal significance of various plant species used in siddha healthcare systems.

The field visit commenced at 08:30 AM and concluded at 12:45 PM. During the walk, we observed and documented nearly 102 species of medicinal herbal plants. We identified their botanical names and plant families, noted the parts of the plants used in medicine, and studied the ecological and medicinal significance of various species used in the Siddha healthcare system. We also noted botanical features (such as leaf shape, flowers, and bark), and their habitats. Notable among these were several rare and significant species such as Cassia obovate, Colocynthis vulgaris, Gemlila asiatica, Randic dumetorum, Aristolochia bracteolate, Lumnitzera racemose, Launaea pinnatifida, Emilia sonchifolia, Carmona retusa, Enicostemma litterate. Some plant specimens were also collected for nursery preparation, while others were gathered for herbarium specimen preparation and medicinal use.

This field study not only deepened students’ understanding of medicinal botany but also emphasized the importance of biodiversity conservation. By bridging theoretical concepts with practical application, the visit effectively fulfilled the academic and experiential learning outcomes of the subject.

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