DATE: Monday, 17 August 2026
NAME OF THE ACTIVITY: How Animals Get Their Shape
STUDENTS WHO ATTENDED: Classes X – XII
REPORT
“It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is most adaptable to change.”— Charles Darwin
An interactive and engaging guest lecture was conducted by Dr. Surendra Ghaskadbi, a highly distinguished cell and developmental biologist. Dr. Ghaskadbi currently serves as the President of the Indian Society of Cell Biology and has contributed over three decades of ground breaking scientific research at the MACS–Agharkar Research Institute (ARI) in Pune. His extensive body of work primarily investigates cell signalling, pattern formation, and evolutionary developmental biology, utilizing primitive model organisms to unlock the mysteries of tissue regeneration. The interactive talk was attended by the students of classes X to XII along with their teachers.
The event commenced with a warm, formal welcome extended to Dr. Surendra Ghaskadbi. Our respected Principal then felicitated the esteemed guest with a token of appreciation on behalf of the entire institution.
The session focused heavily on the mechanics of how animals develop physical traits, exploring the intersections of Darwin’s Theory of Evolution, hybridisation, and modern genome altering. Dr. Ghaskadbi highlighted the historic achievements of pioneering scientists while walking the audience through complex genetic concepts. A major highlight of the presentation was the remarkable zebrafish, an organism originally native to South Asia. The audience was introduced to the mind-blowing regenerative capabilities of this specimen, which is capable of completely restoring up to 80% of its damaged heart tissue.
Advanced Biotechnology and Regenerative Mechanisms
The narrative then shifted to landmark breakthroughs in cellular reprogramming, most notably the story of Dolly the sheep, which stands as the world’s first successful mammal cloning attempt from an adult somatic cell. The speaker emphasized that the absolute foundation of both cloning and organ regeneration lies in stem cells—the specialized, unprogrammed cells present in the body that hold the unique power to divide and morph into any tissue type. Ultimately, the session provided attendees with an enriching experience, leaving them with a profound appreciation for the beautiful, intricate world of biology and modern genetic engineering.
The session successfully bridged the gap between foundational evolutionary theories and cutting-edge genetic applications, sparking deep academic curiosity among both students and faculty members. To conclude the proceedings, a formal vote of thanks was proposed, expressing sincere gratitude to the guest speaker for his time and invaluable insights, to the institution’s administration for organizing the event, and to the active audience for their enthusiastic participation. The wonderful session by Dr. Surendra Ghaskadbi left everyone with this wonderful thought –
“Nature is a wizard of regeneration. Biology gives us the tools to understand this magic, and biotechnology gives us the power to replicate it.” – Scientific Proverb
Report Compiled by:
Ms. Shaheen Chaiwala
