A Report on

Educational Excursion of D. Pharm 1^st year students to Tughlaqabad Biodiversity Park, Okhla Phase- II, New Delhi

    28 November, 2025

(Friday) 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

 

Organized by: Maharishi School of Pharmaceuticals

 

Objective of  the Event:
The objective of the visit was to provide students with practical exposure to medicinal and aromatic plants in their natural habitat, helping them understand plant identification, taxonomy, and traditional medicinal uses. The visit aimed to connect classroom learning with real-world botanical knowledge and enhance students’ understanding of the biodiversity and therapeutic importance of medicinal plants.

Participating  Students:
D.Pharm 1st Year students were the primary attendees of the educational excursion.

Maharishi School of Pharmaceuticals, Maharishi University of Information Technology (MUIT), Noida, organized an educational excursion for the D.Pharm 1st Year students to Tughlaqabad Biodiversity Park, Okhla Phase-II, New Delhi, on 28 November 2025. A total of 29 students participated in the visit, accompanied and guided by two faculty members, Dr. Pankaj Gupta and Ms. Mansi Chauhan. The objective of the visit was to provide students with direct exposure to medicinal and aromatic plants in their natural habitat, enabling them to understand plant identification, taxonomy, and traditional medicinal uses. The visit aimed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge of pharmacognosy and practical field experience, allowing students to observe live specimens, learn their therapeutic significance, and develop awareness about the biodiversity and conservation of medicinal plants.

During the excursion, the authorities of Tughlaqabad Biodiversity Park arranged for a botanical expert to guide the students throughout the park. The expert demonstrated the identification, morphology, and medicinal importance of various plant species found in the Aravalli region. Students were introduced to medicinal and aromatic plants belonging to several important families such as Apocynaceae, Liliaceae, and Solanaceae. This hands-on exposure helped students observe live plant specimens, understand their therapeutic properties, and appreciate the biodiversity of traditionally used medicinal plants.

Several medicinal plants were observed during the visit. These included Safed Musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum), known for lowering cholesterol levels; Kala Bansa (Barleria prionitis), used in the treatment of cough; Jamun (Syzygium cumini), widely recognized for its antidiabetic properties;

 

Aloe vera, known for wound healing; Aak (Calotropis procera), traditionally used as an analgesic; and Kachnar (Bauhinia variegata), valued for its antioxidant properties. Observing these plants in their natural habitat enriched students’ understanding of their medicinal relevance.

The excursion provided significant academic benefits, enabling students to reinforce theoretical concepts from pharmacognosy through direct observation. Interaction with the botanical expert enhanced their skills in plant identification and deepened their knowledge of the relationship between plant morphology and medicinal properties. This field experience also encouraged students to develop an interest in ethnopharmacology, herbal drug research, and the conservation of medicinal plants.

Overall, the educational excursion to Tughlaqabad Biodiversity Park was highly informative and enriching for the students. It offered valuable insights into the biodiversity of medicinal plants and strengthened their academic understanding through practical exposure. The faculty recommended conducting follow-up activities such as herbarium-based sessions, student presentations, and the creation of a digital photographic herbarium to support continued learning.