Report on

Intensive Introductory Workshop in Palaeosciences

Date of Workshop: 12^th September 2025

Organised by: Maharishi School of Sciences (MUIT Lucknow Campus) in association with IQAC

Objective: The Intensive Introductory Workshop in Palaeosciences was organised by the Maharishi School of Sciences (MUIT Lucknow Campus) in association with IQAC on 12 September 2025. The workshop aimed to introduce the core concepts of palaeontology, palaeobotany, stratigraphy, and palaeoecology, while familiarizing participants with the geological time scale, fossil records, and evolutionary patterns.

Participating Students: Undergraduate and postgraduate students of Biological Sciences, Maharishi School of Sciences.

Event Details: The workshop began with a traditional lamp-lighting, pooja and felicitation of the Guest Speaker Dr. Gaurav Srivastava (Scientist E, Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences, Lucknow) , followed by welcome addresses from Dr. Nishant Kumar (Dean, MSOS) and Prof. Neeraj Jain (Dean Academics, MUIT).

The workshop led by Dr. Srivastava introduced the core concepts of palaeontology, palaeobotany, stratigraphy, and palaeoecology, and familiarized participants with the geological time scale, fossil records, and evolutionary patterns. It also highlighted the applications of palaeosciences in geology, archaeology, climate studies, and natural-resource exploration. Dr. Srivastava  also explained the fossilization process, and fossil types.

The highlight of the workshop was the second part in which the participants were shown and guided through several notable fossil specimens, including Palm fossil wood from the Deccan Intertrappean sediments of central India (65 million years), an Ammonite fossil from Jurassic sediments, an Amber fossil from 54 million-year-old sediments of Gujarat, an Ipomoea leaf fossil from 57 million-year-old sediments of Meghalaya, a Mesua fossil fruit from 25 million-year-old sediments of Assam, and a Dicot leaf impression from 10 million-year-old Siwalik sediments, gaining first-hand experience with real palaeontological materials, assisted by his research scholars Ms. Harshita and Mr. Sadanand.

The workshop concluded with an interactive question–answer session, followed by a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Madhu Prakash Srivastava and the National Anthem.

Students’ Feedback: Students’ Feedback: The students expressed that the workshop was highly informative and engaging, helping them connect classroom concepts with practical insights.
They appreciated the live fossil demonstration, which gave them valuable hands-on exposure to real palaeontological specimens.

Acknowledgment: The Maharishi School of Sciences conveys its deep appreciation to Dr. Gaurav Srivastava, Scientist E, BSIP, Lucknow for delivering an intellectually stimulating session that seamlessly integrated theory with practice.

We extend our gratitude to Hon’ble Vice Chancellor (Prof. Bhanu Pratap Singh), Registrar (Dr. Girish Chhimwal), Dean Academics (Prof. Neeraj jain), Dean (Dr. Nishant Kumar) and Dy. Dean (Dr. Kanchan Awasthi) for their support and encouragement. The school also acknowledges the efforts of the coordinators Dr. Kanchan Awasthi and Dr. Madhu Prakash Srivastava, for organising and ensuring the smooth conduct and success of the workshop.

Heartfelt thanks to all faculty, staff, and Sr. AO (Mr. Rajesh Singh) and the IT Cell for their dedicated efforts.