Pharma students spend a day with nature; learn importance of various herbal plants   

For pharma aspirants, a trip to a biodiversity park may turn out to be important as it offers an immersive learning experience about medicinal plants. It enhances their understanding of botanical resources, helping them grasp the practical applications of plant-based medicines. Witnessing diverse flora in a natural setting equips students with valuable insights into sustainable pharmaceutical practices and biodiversity conservation.

The School of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Apeejay Stya University, Gurugram, understands the value of such field trips for its students. And therefore, the School recently organised a field visit to the Aravalli Biodiversity Park. Around 23 students from 1st year D Pharm programme went for the trip.

The trip started with the introduction about Aravalli Biodiversity Park, which has been developed on 699 acres of land located northwest of Vasant Vihar. Students strolled around the Aravalli Biodiversity Park to further instill their knowledge on environment awareness. 

Medicinal Garden

D Pharm students walked through the medicinal plant conservatory, which had more than 240 plant species of medicinal importance. Students learnt the usage and benefits of each medical or herbal plant. They were familiarised with the importance of these plants in the health care system. Some notable species were Asthama Bel, Brahmi, Gugal, Dardpaat, Rudraksh, Hadjod, Van tulsi, Rakt madar, Nirgundi, etc.

Conservatory of Orchids

Next was a walk to the small-mined pit that had been converted into an Orchidarium by growing shade trees and climbers. Some important orchids grown in the conservatory are Thunia alba, Vanda cristata, Aerides multiflora, Acampe praemorsa, and Coelogyne cristata.

Conservatory of Ferns

Students further visited the small-mining pits that have been developed into fernery on the similar pattern as that of Orchidarium, for the conservation of ferns such as Pteris pellucida, Polystichum sp., Actiniopteris radiata, Marsilea minuta, Pterydium esculentum etc.

Conservatory of Butterflies 

The trip concluded with students taking a tour to the Conservatory of Butterflies that  had more than 100 species of butterflies and moths. The notable species are Red pierrot, Pansies, Tigers, Grass jewel, Migrants, Common rose, Spot swordtail, Blues, Tiger moths, Skippers, Swifts, etc.

All in all, students learnt a lot during this field visit regarding the medicinal plant , wild life sanctuaries, migratory birds , butterflies and the conservation of nature.