The Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Paavai Engineering College, organized a three-day workshop on “Sustainable Utilization and Marketing of Medicinal Plants through Awareness and Training for the Benefit of Tribal People in Kolli Hills”, catalyzed and financially supported by the Tamil Nadu State Council for Science and Technology, Department of Higher Education, Government of Tamil Nadu, from 18th to 20th September 2025.
The workshop aimed to build awareness on medicinal plant resources and develop practical skills in identification, conservation, drug formulation, quality control, marketing, and regulatory processes. A key objective was to empower the tribal communities of Kolli Hills by integrating their traditional knowledge with scientific approaches to promote sustainable livelihood opportunities.
A total of 140 participants attended the inaugural function, while 48 trainees, including tribal representatives and students from nearby colleges, actively participated in the technical sessions and hands-on activities. The event featured ten expert-led sessions covering community-based conservation, types of medicines, drug targets, formulation science, pharmacology, quality assurance, regulatory affairs, intellectual property rights, and field-level plant identification. Demonstrations on locally available herbal plants and their medicinal applications further strengthened the participants’ practical understanding.
The workshop was inaugurated by Dr. K. Ramasamy, Director–Administration, Paavai Institutions, in the presence of Dr. M. Premkumar, Principal, Paavai Engineering College, and other academic leaders. Dr. Reji Joseph Varghese, Madras Christian College, served as the Chief Guest and released the Workshop Manual on Medicinal Plants and Conservation, emphasizing the importance of community-driven conservation and traditional medicinal knowledge.
Resource persons included Dr. Reji Joseph Varghese, Dr. S. Parthasarathi, Mr. G. Adaikala Selvan, Dr. H. Harikrishnan, Dr. S. Nandagopal, Dr. R. Praveencumar, Mr. M. G. Karthih, Dr. Y. Justin Koilpillai, Dr. K. Sampath Kumar, and Dr. M. Masilamani Selvam, who delivered insightful lectures, demonstrations, and interactive discussions.
A plantation activity at the Herbal Garden encouraged participants to plant medicinal saplings, fostering conservation awareness and environmental responsibility. The workshop concluded with a valedictory session led by Dr. Arumugam, Scientist, Botanical Survey of India, Coimbatore, who highlighted the importance of precise plant identification using morphological, microscopic, and molecular tools such as DNA barcoding. Certificates were awarded to all participants.
The workshop successfully strengthened participants’ knowledge on the sustainable utilization and marketing of medicinal plants and enhanced their skills through hands-on exposure. It reinforced the connection between traditional tribal practices and modern scientific methods, contributing to sustainable development and improved livelihood opportunities for the tribal communities of Kolli Hills.
