Bryophytes and Beyond: My Path in the Miniature World of Plants

Born amidst the serene, verdant landscapes of a small village in the Kumaun region of Uttarakhand, I began my educational journey at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya. My school years were vibrant and filled with a multitude of activities like writing, dancing, playing sports and taking part in scout and guide programs. These activities took me across various states in India, broadening my horizons and igniting a deep-seated fascination for nature. Navodaya, often nestled away from the hustle and bustle, allowed me to connect deeply with the natural world. However, it wasn’t until college that my interest in plants truly blossomed. This awakening was sparked by an exceptional professor, Dr. S. D. Tewari. His unparalleled teaching skills transformed my perspective, revealing the intricate beauty and complexity of plants. Under his guidance, I developed a profound appreciation for bryophytes—the miniature wonders of the plant kingdom. These tiny, non-vascular plants, consisting of mosses, liverworts, and hornworts, play a crucial role in ecosystems, from regulating water cycles to serving as bioindicators of environmental health. Their resilience and diversity in harsh environments are nothing short of miraculous, making them an intriguing subject of study.

During my Master’s, I chose bryology as my special paper and completed my dissertation work on “Tufaceous Bryophytes of Corbett Fall.” Receiving the gold medal in my post-graduation marked a significant achievement, that fuelled my determination to pursue a PhD. Subsequently, I began my research journey at Kumaun University Nainital under the mentorship of Dr. S. D. Tewari, whose work in the field of bryology is unique. My journey in delving deeper into the captivating world of bryophytes starts from here. Dr. Prachi Joshi is my co-supervisor in my research work who provides invaluable support.

One of the most exhilarating experiences of my journey was a research expedition to Tunganath. Tunganath is one of the tallest Shiva temples in the world and is the highest of the five Panch Kedar temples located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand state of India.The diversity and intricate beauty of the bryophytes there captivated me completely. During my pre-PhD work, I immersed myself in the study of bryophytic diversity of Tunganath significantly advancing my research and plant identification skills. I had the privilege of learning from my guide, an expert in this field, whose guidance and insights are invaluable, deepening my passion for bryophytes. In 2020, I submitted my research synopsis and began my PhD work focusing on exploring bryodiversity and the conservation of rare hepatics of Mukteshwar (Nainital, Uttarakhand). A highlight of my research was the rediscovery of the rare Indian liverwort, Sewardiella tuberifera Kashyap. This significant finding, along with my extensive work in bryophyte exploration, earned me the Young Scientist Award in 2022. Bryophytes, with their unique adaptations and ecological significance, offer endless avenues for research. From studying their role in soil formation to understanding their response to climate change, the field of bryology is rich with possibilities. The microscopic differences in these tiny plants continually spark my interest and dedication. My guide’s exceptional mentorship has made me even more devoted to this field, and I feel incredibly fortunate to be a part of the world of bryology. Under the guidance of my mentor, I am working in the conservation field of rare bryophyte species that have become endangered due to the continued anthropogenic developmental activities in their natural habitats. My colleagues and I share a passion for uncovering the secrets of these microscopic plants which makes the laboratory environment even more interesting. As my research progresses, my fascination with bryophytes continues to grow. Each day brings discoveries and insights, further fuelling my enthusiasm and commitment. Guided by incredible mentors and driven by insatiable curiosity, my journey is a testament to the endless wonders of nature and the profound impact of dedicated scholarship. With their unwavering dedication and collaborative spirit, the community of bryologists makes this journey even more rewarding. I am very happy to be working as a research scholar in the field of bryology, dealing with the miniatures of the plant kingdom. As my journey continues, I look forward to future explorations and discoveries, contributing to the identification, conservation, and deep understanding of these remarkable plants. Next, I aspire to work as a dedicated bryologist, focusing on these Lilliputians of the plant world—bryophytes. By delving deeper into their unique characteristics and ecological roles, I aim to further our knowledge and appreciation of these tiny yet significant members of our natural environment, ensuring their conservation and enrichment for future generations.

Publications:

1. Pant, S., Tewari, S.D., Joshi, P., Bhandari, M., & Arya, R. (2022). Rediscovery of Sewardiella tuberifera Kashyap – A Long Lost Monotypic Endemic, Indian Liverwort. Journal of threatened taxa,15(2):22559-22770. DOI: http://doi.org/10.11609/jot.7981.152.22726-22730

• Bhandari, M., Pant, S., Tewari, S.D., Enroth, J. & Joshi, P.  (2023). Forsstroemia producta (Hornsch.) Paris (Neckeraceae)–New to Indian Moss Flora from Kumaun Region of Western Himalayas. Nelumbo, 65(1):153-156. DOI: 10.20324/nelumbo/v65/2023/172412

• Pant, S., Kohli, N., Hiroyuki, A., Tewari, S.D., Joshi, P. & Bhandari, M. (2022). Revisiting the identity of Pylaisiadelpha capillacea(Griff.) B.C.Tan & Y.Jia (Pylaisiadelphaceae, Musci). Journal of Bryology, 44 (2):172–174. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/03736687.2022.2122378

• Tewari, S.D., Pant, S., Bhandari, M., Joshi, P., Kohli, N. & Binwal, N. (2022). Bryocrumia vivicolor – A Rheophytic, Hypnaceous moss, New to Western Himalayas, India. Acta Botanica Hungarica,64(3-4): 411-416. DOI:10.1556/034.64.2022.3-4.12

• Pant, S., Bhandari, M., Tewari S. D., Joshi, P., Kohli, N. & Binwal, N. (2021). Aptychella planula (Bryopsida: Pylasiadelphaceae) – An Addition to the Western Himalayan Bryoflora. Journal of Economic and Taxonomic Botany, 44: 14-17.