CHANDIGARH, 24.09.25-The hands-on training cum workshop was organized by the Department of Zoology, GGDSD College, Chandigarh, under the aegis of the PM USHA Scheme on the theme “*Collection and stretching technique for the Lepidoptera members*” on 24th September, 2025.* Students of B.Sc. III year took advantage of the workshop. The objective of the workshop was to acquaint the students with practical knowledge of handling butterflies and moths for research and academic purposes.
The session began with an introduction to Lepidoptera by Dr Parul Dhar, Assistant Professor, Rayat Bahra University. Dr. Dhar emphasized the importance of these lepidopterans and their ecological significance. She gave a brief talk on ‘Wings of Science: Exploring Butterfly Biology’ and made students aware of the life cycle and morphology of the butterfly. The second session was taken up by an expert, Dr. Virinder Kumar Walia, ex-dean of alumni and professor from the Department of Zoology, Panjab University, Chandigarh. Dr. Walia concentrated on the stretching techniques, demonstrating the process of mounting specimens on insect pins and positioning them on spreading boards. Participants were taught different collection methods, including the use of insect nets, bait traps, and light traps, followed by safe handling practices to minimize damage to the delicate wings.
The event concluded with an interactive session, where doubts were clarified and best practices were shared. Dr. Walia also generously donated his collection of slides to the Zoology Department. The event culminated with a vote of thanks by Dr Indu Mehta, HOD of Zoology.
Principal, Dr Ajay Sharma, and Vice Principal, Mr. Ashutosh Sharma, appreciated the efforts of the department in organizing suchan interactive workshop that could act as a torchbearer in choosing their research careers.