Discovering Bryophytes of Kerala: A Journey to the World of Microflora
Nestled in the lush landscapes of Kerala, India, I spent my childhood surrounded by the rich biodiversity of my village. Festivals like Onam celebrated the rhythms of nature, sparking my early fascination with plants and sparked a curiosity that blossomed into a lifelong passion for plant science.
This deep connection led me to pursue a degree in Botany from PSMO College (affiliated to the University of Calicut, Kerala) in Malappuram district. Professor Hamza, a visionary educator, opened my eyes to the captivating world of bryophytes – a lesser-known group of miniature marvels. He also highlighted the need for further research in this field, igniting a spark within me. The arrival of new professor, Dr. Musthafa, further fueled my academic aspirations. His emphasis on the significance of research deeply influenced me, paving the way for my pursuit of postgraduate studies.
My journey truly transformed at The Zamorin’s Guruvayurappan College (affiliated to the University of Calicut, Kerala), where I immersed myself in taxonomy. I encountered a remarkable team of experts specializing in taxonomy, pteridology, mycology, and bryology. These exceptional teachers imparted a wealth of knowledge and nurtured my research skills. My M.Sc. project, conducted under the guidance of Dr. Manju C. Nair, proved to be life-changing. Manju Ma’am, an inspiring mentor, opened the doors to the fascinating world of bryology. Documentation of bryodiversity in my native district, laying the foundation for my academic pursuit, I learned how to find them, identify them, and understand how they live. During this period the well-equipped bryology lab developed under Dr. Manju, coupled with her ongoing research projects, further created my enthusiasm for becoming a bryologist.
Following my M.Sc., I embarked on a Ph.D. journey at The Zamorin’s Guruvayurappan College under the mentorship of Dr. Manju, focusing on the taxonomy of liverworts specifically on the documentation of the family Lejeuneaceae in Kerala. This research period provided invaluable opportunities to interact with esteemed bryologists and taxonomists like Dr. Tamás Pócs, Dr. Kanchi N. Gandhi, Dr. A. K. Asthana, Dr. Ajit Pratap Singh, Dr. S. C. Srivastava, and Dr. D. K. Singh. These interactions further enriched my knowledge and motivated my passion for the field.
My research endeavours extended beyond the confines of academia. Participation in a Kerala State Council for Science Technology and Environment (KSCSTE) funded project on “The systematic studies on the bryophytes of Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary in Thrissur district, Kerala” led to a remarkable discovery – Riccia sahyadrica Manju & Cargill. This finding offered significant evidence for the theory of continental drift, supporting the connection between the Indian subcontinent and Australia. Collaborating with Dr. Chris Cargill on this research work was a truly enriching experience. My accomplishments include 19 research articles, the identification of 4 new species, and numerous new distributional records and rediscoveries. I have also actively disseminated my research findings by presenting papers at national and international conferences.
Currently, as an Assistant Professor at St. Teresa’s College, Ernakulam (affiliated to the Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala), I continue my research in bryology, focusing on documenting bryophytes in ecologically significant areas. My passion for this field extends beyond research; I am actively engaged in inspiring the next generation of young minds to explore the captivating world of bryophytes. The intricate beauty and ecological significance of these miniature plants continue to captivate me, and I eagerly await opportunities to delve deeper into the field through advanced research. The journey of a bryologist is one of meticulous observation, patience, and a deep appreciation for the wonders of the natural world. I am forever grateful to the exceptional mentors and the captivating world of bryophytes that have shaped my academic journey.