Dr Jaspal Singh recited the couplets of renowned Punjabi Poet Bhai Vir Singh emphasising the importance of conservation of plants and environment for human existence.

On the occasion, Dean Academic Affairs Prof SS Gill briefed delegates about the university and its contribution in imparting education in Punjab. Noted plant scientist Prof SN Raina of Delhi University delivered the key note address. Prof. Raina discussed the chronological development of cytogenetics from classical cellular to modern day molecular cytogenetics.

He emphasised the need to establish an advanced centre for molecular cytogenetic research in plants in the region to train science scholars to take up the challenge of making the second green revolution a reality.

The inaugural function of the two-day symposium was presided over by the noted crop geneticist Prof MS Kang, Vice-Chancellor of Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. More than 100 plant cytogeneticists from different regions of India participated in the symposium. The symposium provided a common platform for scientific deliberations on four major areas of plant cytogenetics covering chromosomal explorations, chromosomal manipulation, molecular genetics and plant breeding.