Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, MS University, Vadodara assigned project to raise Giloy seedlings under national campaign "Amrita for Life"

As part of the national campaign of "Amrita for Life" run by the National Medicinal Plant Board, a project has been given to grow giloy seedlings in the Botanical Garden of the Botany Department of Faculty of Science of MS University, Vadodara.

Two lakh seedlings of Giloy are being prepared under this project. Currently 1.50 lakh seedlings have been prepared during the last six months and are being distributed free of cost near the Pandya Bridge of the University Head Office from Gate No. 2 opposite the Polytechnic college every day from 4 to 6 p.m. Two saplings per family and 50 saplings are being given to institutions and school colleges. Free seedlings can be obtained by registering with name, mobile number and Aadhar card number.

This project has been implemented under the leadership of Dr. PS Nagar of the Botany Department. Roshan Parmar is working as the project coordinator.

Under this campaign, a workshop will be organized in the near future for the purpose of creating public awareness about giloy i.e. herbaceous plant and its use. Apart from this, animation movies and folk dramas have also been prepared to create awareness among children and youth.

These seedlings have been prepared by collecting cuttings and seeds from 14 districts of Gujarat to prepare Giloy seedlings. Giloy has proven to be very useful in the ongoing Corona epidemic. Drugs made from it are also in high demand.

Giloy is believed to boost immunity and also useful in relieving fever, jaundice, diabetes, allergies, joint pain and stomach upset.

M.S. University's Botanical Garden was established in the 1920's and spread over 2.5 acres. Students from many schools, ayurvedic universities and even pharmacy colleges visit the park frequently to understand the botany and maternal nature.

It is a university level recognized medicinal garden by the National Medicinal Plant Board and has been recommended by the Botanical Survey of India. The park is home to about 680 species of covered seedlings, 11 species of uncovered seedlings and 23 species of triangular species.

The park serves as conservation as well as a breeding ground for plants. Cactus House, Cycas and Palm plots are also there. The Arboretum Madison Plant Garden was established around 1962. There are about 1200 species of plants, of which 30 species are local. The garden is spread over 2.5 acres, with an artificial lake, a greenhouse and a glass house. In addition, there are more than 200 medicinal plants. A medicinal plant has been set up here in the year 2009 with the financial assistance of the National Medicinal Plant Board.

There is also an interpretation room, an open class room. Attempts are also being made to cultivate 41 wonderful species of lotus and others. In addition, the collection of unusual plants includes Google, Ashoka and others are also included here. Approximately more than five thousand visitors visit this medicinal plant every year.