The Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (MBBT) at Tezpur University celebrated DNA Day with a series of engaging discussions and presentations focused on the significance of genome sequencing in modern science and medicine on April 25, 2024. Prof Nitin Chaudhary from the Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering at the Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, was present on the occasion. DNA Day, celebrated globally on April 25th each year, commemorates the discovery of the double helix structure of DNA in 1953 by James Watson and Francis Crick, as well as the completion of the Human Genome Project in 2003.
Delivering the inaugural address, Prof Shambhu Nath Singh, Vice Chancellor of TU, said that DNA Day serves as a reminder of the immense importance of DNA, the molecule that carries the blueprint of life, and the ongoing revolution in genomics. “The discovery of the structure of DNA proved to be one of the most important discoveries of the last century,” Prof Singh further said. Delivering the guest lecture, Prof Chaudhary gave an insightful address on Genome Sequencing. He highlighted the significance of DNA Day, which he said lies in celebrating the foundation of modern genetics. “Understanding the structure of DNA unlocked a new era of scientific exploration. Along with the sequencing of the human genome, the discovery allowed researchers to decipher the genetic code, the language through which traits are passed down from generation to generation,” Prof Chaudhary said. This knowledge has had a profound impact on various fields, including Medicine, Forensics, Agriculture, Anthropology, etc., Prof Chaudhary further added.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Rupak Mukhopadhyay, Head of the Department, said that in the current era, mankind is highly dependent on biotechnological advancements, and this was evident during the Covid pandemic. During the event, Prof. Robin Kumar Dutta, Dean of the School of Sciences, was present along with the faculty coordinators of the event—Dr. Surya Prakash G. Ponnam and Dr. Sunita Kushwah of the MBBT department. A quiz was also organized on the occasion.
