History of the Department

Department of Botany was established in 1958 under the Headship of Dr.Ms Adilakshmi. From a humble beginning, the department has come a long way, journey new milestones over the years. Later the Department made marked progress under the systematic and most disciplined leadership of Mrs.Chandraprabha and budded into one of the best departments of CH.S.D.St. Theresa’s Autonomous College for Women. Later the department made progress under most disciplined leadership of Rev Dr. Sr. Vencenza. Later due to diligent and systematic leadership of sequential Heads and faculty members, Mrs.B.Sita Guneswari, Mrs.Akila Bhanu, Mrs.N.Padmavathy, Dr.V.Swarna Gowri, Mrs.K.Sri Lakshmi, Mrs.U.Swarupa Rani and Dr.N.Nagavardhanam laid strong foundation to the department. The strongholds of the department are promoting excellence in teaching methodologies, encouraging practical orientation in the core subject, development in the field study and equipping the students with research.

Department has made its vision to unravel the wondrous mysteries of the plant sciences to students. Botany is a part of nature study and basic life science it promotes research culture in students. From time to time the syllabus and core structure of the syllabus have been changed and revised. The present syllabus is updated and relevant to the needs of the students. The Department is currently headed by Dr. B.B.R.G. Vijaya Lakshmi who runs the department efficiently with her band of dedicated faculty, Mrs. G.Rani and B.Asha Latha, all are alumnae of the College.

Highlights of the Department

• Smt C S Ramalakshmi is the First Women Officer in the Indian Forest Service is our Botany student.
• Dr. V. Swarna Gowri is a awardee of Best thesis from Andhra University and Dr.N.Nagavardhanam is state best N.S.S Program officer.
• The department equipped with well-developed Museumholds a unique array of specimens covering all plant groups and majority of the specimens collected and preserved by botany faculty and students. It provide wealth of information to support research and learning.
• The department is equipped withHerbaria units consist of specimens that have been collected over broad geographic ranges and over many years.
• The Department Collaborates with Y.S.R Horticultural University, Tadepalligudem, Agricultural Department, W.G.Dt,Vanamtaram Foundation, Addategala, E.G.Dt, Gopala Krishna Gosala, Nachugunta and promote sustainable environment.
• Green house was established in 2014 and renovated in 2020
• Herbal medicinal garden was developed in 2004 and renovated in 2020
• Azolla cultivation unit was established in 2014 and create awareness on eco-friendly practices in surrounding areas.

Objectives of the Department

• To achieve academic success of students.
• To offer need based education in the subject, which would be useful to take up self employment (or) higher education.
• To encourage healthy interaction among students and also enable them to interest with society by periodic community extension programmes.
• To familiarize the students to natural habitats of plants by organizing, botanical field trips and excursions.
• To provide exposure to the students with eminent persons by conducting guest lectures.
• To create awareness of research methodology by encouraging the students to take up project works.
• To equip students with aptitude and respect for nature
• To empower them with life skills and develop entrepreneur capability.