Khaja Bandanawaz University organised International Microorganisms Day 2026 recently to highlight the importance of microbes in science. Students showcased creative models on biotechnology and health. Chief guest Dayanand Agsar said, "Microorganisms could play an important role in building a healthy and sustainable future." Winners also got prizes for their work.

The Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Khaja Bandanawaz University (KBN University), organised International Microorganisms Day 2026 recently, featuring an expert lecture and a model exhibition by students.

The programme was aimed at introducing students to the world of microorganisms beyond classroom learning and highlighting their importance in human health, food, agriculture, biotechnology and environmental sustainability.

Dayanand Agsar, CEO of Ecoink Organics Pvt. Ltd., Kalaburagi, and former Vice-Chancellor of Gulbarga University, was the chief guest. KBN University Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Dean of the Faculty of Science Syed Ashfaq Ahmed presided over the programme.

Mr. Agsar drew upon his research experience in actinobacteria to explain the potential of microorganisms and their applications in medicine, biofertilisers, bioremediation, wastewater treatment and biofuels. He said microorganisms could play an important role in building a healthy and sustainable future.

As part of the programme, a model exhibition and competition was organised to encourage scientific thinking and creativity among students. BSc and MSc Biotechnology students prepared and displayed models demonstrating various practical applications of microorganisms.

The models on recombinant insulin production using E. coli, bacteriocin-producing bacteria, microbiomes, microbial fuel cells, plastic-degrading bacteria and microbial wastewater treatment attracted attention.

Asma Farheen of the Department of Microbiology, Gulbarga University, served as a judge for the model-making competition. Cash prizes were presented to the winners.

Geetanjali R. Kamble, Neelam Mishra, Jahan Ara Qudsi, Jahan Ara Qudsi, Badarinath Kulkarni and M.A. Mujeeb were among the present.