Junior Scientist
KSCSTE-Malabar Botanical Garden & Institute for Plant Sciences, Kerala, India

I was born in 1990, in a serene village of Kerala, India. My earliest memories are rooted in the lush, verdant landscape of my village. My hometown was not just a place of residence but a canvas painted with the vibrant colours of nature with the gentle whisper of the breeze, the scent of moist earth, and the creatures of nature were the threads weaving my childhood into a frame of wonder and curiosity. My educational journey began in a nearby small school which was pulsating with its natural environment and guided by insightful teachers. It was there that my fascination with the natural world took root, blossoming into a deep-seated curiosity that would guide my path for years to come.
My postgraduate years marked a transition from merely studying to studying with a purpose. The teachers guided me towards research, emphasizing the significance of classical taxonomy in the present scenario. I decided to do my M.Sc. dissertation in bryology, and it was the starting point of my new journey to this big world of bryophytes. With the financial support of the Kerala State Council for Science Technology and Environment (KSCSTE), I did my M.Sc. dissertation on the topic “Taxonomic studies of Geocalycaceae and Lepidoziaceae of Kerala”. This project was more than an academic exercise for me, it was the beginning of a profound connection with the bryological world which was made possible only with the support of renowned bryologist and my great mentor Dr. Manju C. Nair. After my postgraduation, I qualified for the Graduate Aptitude Test for Engineering (GATE-Life Science), which paved the way for my research career. I got the opportunity to join as a project fellow in Malabar Botanical Garden and Institute for Plant Sciences under the guidance of Dr. P.V. Madhusoodanan sir which was also fortunate for me as I started thinking about the conservation aspects. Later I moved back to Manju ma’am and joined as a project fellow in a DST-SERB (Department of Science and Technology- Science and Engineering Board, Govt. of India) project entitled “Molecular characterization of the family Fissidentaceae (Bryophyta) in Western Ghats”. I found myself in the midst of a thrilling scientific adventure. This venture not only expanded my knowledge but also deepened my appreciation for the intricate biodiversity of the region where I am living. Under the mentorship of Dr. Manju C. Nair, I started my Ph.D. journey, which I initially thought I couldn’t. Although my primary focus was the taxonomy of Fissidentaceae in the Western Ghats, I also studied other bryophytes and associated plants. During that tenure, I have conducted many field explorations and I traversed the diverse landscapes of the Western Ghats, collected over 1500 specimens and contributed significantly to our understanding of bryophyte diversity. I remember the great help extended by Dr. Ida Bruggeman-Nannenga from the Netherlands during the identification of some difficult species. I am also grateful to many other bryologists, including Mr. Uwe Schwarz of Germany and Dr. L.T. Ellis, Senior Curator at the Natural History Museum, for their generous assistance. During this period, I visited most of the major bryophyte herbaria in India and received help from several prominent bryologists, including Dr. Devendra Singh of the Botanical Survey of India, Kolkata; Dr. Ajit Pratap Singh of NBRI, Lucknow; and Dr. A.E. Dulip Daniels, Dean and Professor at Scott Christian College, Nagercoil, Tamil Nadu.
After earning my Ph.D. in 2018, I transitioned to a role as Assistant Professor (on contract) at KAHM Unity Women’s College in Malappuram, Kerala. This role allowed me to share my passion for botany with students while continuing my research. My time at Mar Thoma College furthered this dual focus on education and research, culminating in the publication of my first book, Fissidentaceae (Bryophyta) of the Western Ghats, India, in 2022. The studies conducted from 2012 to 2024 have documented more than 100 bryophyte species from the Western Ghats, including four new taxa. Additionally, over 25 new records for different geographical locations were identified, including one new record for Asia. The research also revealed 13 endemic species, including a notable rediscovery after 90 years. I had the opportunity to present my research findings at various national and international conferences as well.
In 2023, I embraced a new opportunity as a Junior Scientist at the KSCSTE-Malabar Botanical Garden and Institute for Plant Sciences in Kerala, where I began my research career. I believe this position is a fortunate opportunity for me to advance my bryology research and contribute to the conservation of biodiversity around me. Reflecting on my journey, I am profoundly grateful for the foundational support of my parents, whose unwavering encouragement nurtured my early interests in the natural world. I owe a deep debt of gratitude to my mentor and teachers, particularly Dr. Rajesh K.P., Assistant Professor, The Zamorin’s Guruvayurappan College, Kerala, whose guidance during my initial period of research was instrumental in shaping my research path. I also extend my thanks to everyone who has taken steps to conserve nature in its pure form. As I continue my exploration of the bryological world, I am constantly reminded of the beauty and complexity of nature that first inspired me. Through my research, teaching, and writing, I seek to encourage others to discover and value the hidden marvels of our nature.

List of Publications:
https://scholar.google.co.in/citations?user=qdZ61swAAAAJ&hl=en