Reminiscence of assignment and recognitions for a legendary aerobiologist of NE India after getting pension

Dr N Irabanta Singh *

The writer became a pensioner from the service of the Manipur University with effect from 1st March, 2015. After that he receives an assignment as honourary consultant, Forestry and Environment Science Department, Manipur University for 1 years (8/4/2015 to 7/10/2016). On 12th October, 2015 his students Ms. Jayalaxmi Ningthoujam was awarded Pd.D. degree in Ecology & Environmental Science, Assam University, Silchar on the topic "Aeromyco-diversity studies in Moreh - A border town of Manipur in the Indo-Myanmar Hot Spot Region".

She worked under the joint supervision of Prof. B.K. Dutta of Assam University, Silchar and Prof. N. Irabanta Singh of Manipur University, Canchipur. On 14th January, 2016 another two students, viz., Ms. Supriya Maimom was awarded Ph.D. degree (Eco & Env.Sc.), Assam University Silchar on the topic "Phosphate Solubilizing Fungi from soils of Ginger fields of Churachandpur districts, Manipur and their possible use as biofertilizer for sustainable Ginger cultivation".

On the same day, Ms. Yumnam Nganthoi Devi was also awarded Ph.D. degree (Eco & Env.Sc.), Assam University Silchar on the topic "Studies on Parthenium hysterophorus L. growing along the selected National and State highways of Manipur and its management through Allelopathy Approach". Both the scholars worked under the joint supervision of Prof. B.K. Dutta of Assam University, Silchar and Prof. N. Irabanta Singh of Manipur University, Canchipur.

During the last week of October, 2016, the writer received an offer from the Global Open University, Nagaland, Dimapur for the post of Controller Examination with a request to join the said post on or before 5th November, 2016. The remuneration offered was a consolidated pay of Rs. 40,000/- per month besides free of cost Type IV apartment, a vehicle and other basic support.

He replied to the offer with a request for increasing the remuneration by another Rs. 10,000 that is Rs. 50,000/- per month. In the meantime, he along with his wife, N(O). Ibempishak Devi attended the 19th National Conference of Indian Aerobiological Society (December 9-11, 2016) at the Bose Institute, Kolkata - 9.

He also chaired one of the scientific session. During the conference, the Editor, Int. J. Mendel, Bihar wanted the writer to contribute a review article for their journal. Accordingly, a review article entitled "Aerobiology in North-East India in the context of epidemiology and forecasting for fungal diseases of major crop plant" was submitted and published in Int. J. Mendel, 33(182): 63-68 (2016) (ISSN-0970-9449).

During the second week of December, 2016 an assurance letter was received from the authority of the Global Open University, Nagaland, Dimapur that the remuneration will be increased few months after joining the university. On the basis of the letter the writer decided to join the said University on 13th January, 2017.

On 12th January, 2017, the writer along with his wife left Imphal for Dimapur via Guwahati by Indigo flight. We stayed 12th January, 2017 night at Mayur hotel, Paltan Bazar, Guwahati. Next day, 13th January, 2017 by 6.30 am we left Guwahati Railway station for Dimapur by Jana Shatabdi Express and reached Dimapur Railway station by 10.40 am. At the Railway station, Dr. H.N. Dutta, VC/the Global Open University, Nagaland, along with his driver was waiting for our arrival. They picked us up and took us to the University campus.

The writer joined the University as Controller of Examination by 11.55 am. We were offered packed lunch by Dr. Imotemsu AO, Registrar/Director, the Global Open University, Nagaland, Dimapur. By 2.00 pm we shifted to the apartment allotted for us. On the 14th January, 2017 the University was closed due to Saturday. After lunch we took Informative Executive, Ms. Mhaloo Ezung and VC's driver to buy some items for our day to day requirements. 15th January, 2017 was Sunday, so we visited Bramhakumaris's Centre at Padumpukhari, Dimapur.

We had the opportunity to get Brahma Bhogon at the Baba's Centre. It was really a happy day. VC's driver dropped and picked us up from the Baba's Centre and dropped to our apartment. On 16th January 2017, the writer attended office by 10.30 am. By 2.00 pm we had a gathering at Registrar/Director's office for welcoming new Controller of Examination and gave farewell to the old Controller of Examination, the Global Open University, Nagaland. Although the University promise the writer a vehicle with a driver but it was not provided till date. During the last week of January to the 1st week of February, 2017 there were intermittent band called by Naga Civil Society in connection with holding Municipal Local bodies elections in Nagaland.

That causes a lot of hardship to everyone of us due to non-availability of eatables. On the 7th March, 2017 afternoon, we left Dimapur Railway station to Guwahati Railway station for Yaoshang Holidays. At night we halted at Mayur hotel, Paltan Bazar, Guwahati. On 8th March 2017, we left Guwahati for Imphal by Indigo flight and reached home by 10.30 am. After Yaoshang Holiday, on 27th March, 2017, the writer left Imphal alone for Dimapur by Winger (7.30am). The road was bad but anyhow, he reaches JCB showroom (6th mile), Dimapur around 5 pm. Mr. Benathung, VC's driver/peon was waiting for the writer in the front of the JCB showroom Dimapur.

At Night, the writer took rest after taken light dinner prepared by himself. On 1st April, 2017 the writer gave lecture on "Parthenium hysterophorusL. management in NE India" among the students and the staff of the Global Open University, Nagaland, Dimapur. It was followed by physical uprooting of the young Parthenium plants from the campus. On 2nd April, 2017 (Sunday) the writer left JCB showroom, Dimapur (6th mile) for Imphal by winger and reached Imphal by 4pm.

On the 5th April, 2017 around 2.00 pm, the writer called VC/CAU, Iroishemba and requested him to release their coauthored book "Parthenium menance in the Indo-Myanmar Hotspot Region". He agreed to release it on 15th April, 2017 at Iroishemba campus. On 9th April, 2017 Cha-umba (Anna prasana) of their grandson, Mangal-leibawas solemnized. About 50 persons were offered community feast. The writermailedan application to the Registrar/Director, theGlobal Open University, Nagaland, for 4 days (10-13 April, 2017) medical leave due to knee pain. On 14th April, 2017 (Good Friday), we enjoyed Cheiraoba (Goura) lunch at our home. All members of the family joined the big lunch.

On 15th April, 2017 our book "Parthenium menance in the Indo-Myanmar Hotspot Region - its impact on Biodiversity and Management" co-authored by N. Irabanta Singh, B.K. Dutta and Y. Nganthoi Devi; publisher - LAMBERT Academic Publishing, Germany was released by Prof. M. Premjit Singh, VC/CAU, Iroishemba. About 100 persons attended the function.

The writerpresented one copy of the book to the VC/CAU. On the 16th April, 2017 (Sunday) the writer left home by 8.00 am for Imphal Airport. Left Imphal Airport by 9.55 am for Guwahati Airport and reached Guwahati Airport by 10.45am. Night was halted at Mayur hotel, Paltan Bazar, Guwahati. On 17th April, 2017 (Monday) left Guwahati Railway Station by 6.30am for Dimapur Railway and reached Dimapur by 10.45 am by JanaShatabdi express. Mr. Benathung picked up the writer from the Railway station and joined duty by 1.30 pm.

The authority handed over a new car (Renault Kwid) with basic accessories on 24th April, 2017 which is 4 months after joining the University. On 27th April, 2017 (Thursday) evening, we (driver Benathung and myself) attended 5th Annual fashion show organized by the students of Hospitality management & Catering Technology Department, the Global Open University, Nagaland, at Hotel Acacia, Dimapur.

On 29th April, 2017 (Saturday), the writer left Dimapur for Imphal by leaving behind allotted vehicle and reached Imphal by 6.00 pm. It was tiresome journey. On 3rd May, 2017, we (the writer and his wife) left Imphal for Dimapur by winger service and reached JCB showroom, Dimapur (6th miles) by 3.00 pm.

On the 7th May, 2017 (Sunday), we spent from morning to evening at Baba's Centre, Podum pukhari along with taking "Brahma Bhogon". On the 12th May, 2017 driver S. Shyama arrived Dimapur to take us to Imphal. On the 13th May, 2017 (Saturday), we left Dimapur (7.30am) for Imphal with allotted car and reached Imphal by 4 pm.

On the 17th May 2017, we left Imphal (8.00am) for Dimapur with allotted car by hiring a driver. On 27th May, 2017 we left Dimapur for Imphal with allotted car by hiring another driver and reached home by 3.30 pm. On 1st June, 2017 we attended Murli class at R.4 Centre, Singjamei. On 4th June, 2017 (Sunday) we left North AOC/ Imphal (8.00am) for Dimapur with allotted car by hiring a driver and reached Dimapur by 3.00 pm. On 10th June, 2017 (Saturday) we left Dimapur (7.00am) for Imphal with allotted car by hiring a driver and reached Imphal by 3.00 pm. On 12th June, 2017 (Monday) we left North AOC/ Imphal (7.30am) for Dimapur with allotted car by hiring a driver and reached Dimapur by 3.00 pm.

On 19th June, 2017 Shri. T.N. Mannen, IAS (Rtd), Chancellor, the Global Open University, Nagaland, Dimapur released writer second edited book "Microbial Resources of Indo-Myanmar (Burma) Hot spot Region - Conservation & Sustainable Development with special reference to North East India" published by M/S Bishen Singh Mahendra Pal Singh, Dehradun in the presence of large gathering at the Hotel Management and Catering Technology Department, the Global Open University, Nagaland, Dimapur. It was followed by a light refreshment. The 20th June, 2017 issue of The Nagaland Postand The Morning Express published media coverage of the book released function.

On 24th June, 2017 the writer left Dimapur (7.00amP for Imphal with allotted car by hiring a driver and reached Imphal by 2.00 pm. On 2nd July 2017, (Sunday) we again left Imphal for Dimapur by hiring a driver. On 3rd July 2017, the writer attended duty and informed Registrar/Director, the Global Open University, Nagaland about his willingness to resign from the post of Controller of Examinations. On 4th July, 2017 a formal letter was submitted to the Registrar/Director, the Global Open University, Nagaland requesting them to release him from the post of Controller of Examinations by 31st July, 2017.

On 17th July, 2017 we packed up all our belongings for transport to Imphal in the allotted car and engaged a driver for going to Imphal. On the 18th July, 2017 we left the Global Open University, Nagaland, Dimapur Campus (7.00am) and reached Imphal by 4.30 pm due to land slide. We travelled to Imphal via Wokha-Kohima Road by extending additional 60 km. on the 10th July, 2017 the writer sent a mail to the Registrar/Director, Registrar/Director, the Global Open University, Nagaland stating reason for leaving Dimapur to Imphal because of his wife sudden health problem.

On 23rd July, 2017 (Sunday) (8.00am) we left North AOC/Imphal as last trip to Registrar/Director, the Global Open University, Nagaland, Dimapur by hiring a driver. On 24th July 2017 the writer attended office and called on VC/the Global Open University, Nagaland requesting him to release the writer from the post of Controller of Examination by 31st July, 2017 without fail. He complied the request and relieved him from the post w.e.f. 31st July, 2017.

On 31st July 2017 (Monday) we packed all materials for departure to Railway Station and reached Dimapur Railway Station by 4.00 pm. Train departed Dimapur Railway Station by 4.55 pm and reached Guwahati Railway Station by 9.30 pm. We halted at Mayur hotel, Paltan Bazar. On 1st August 2017, we left Mayur hotel for Guwahati Airport and left Guwahati Airport for Imphal (11.40am). We reached Imphal Airport by 12.30 pm. Thus the writer assignment at Registrar/Director, the Global Open University, Dimapur was ended with a lot of new experience.

On 2nd August, 2017 (Wednesday), the writer joined newly established Nibiaa consultancy Pvt. Ltd. Singjamei Bazar, Imphal - 795008 as its Chairman/M.D. This was the third phase for the writer assignment after getting pension from the service of the Manipur University. During 2017, a review article entitled "Aerobiology in North East India in the context of health, heritage and environment" was published by the writer in J. Mycopath Res. 54(4): 451-459 (ISSN. 0971-3719).

The writer along with his wife attended 20th National Conference on Aerobiology (January 29-31, 2018) at the Sant Gadge Baba Amravati University, Amravati (M.S.) and delivered 3rd Prof. Sunimal Chanda Memorial Lecture on the topic "Aeropalynology in North East India"and the same was published in Indian J. Aerobiology 30(1&2): 70-81 (2017) (ISSN 0971-1546).

The writer also attended 105thIndian Science Congress (March 16-20, 2018) at Manipur University, Canchipur and chaired a session in Plant Sciences. The sectional President (Plant Sciences), Prof. Akhilesh K. Pandey presented a memento to the writer. On 17th Nov 2018, extension bulletins on "Biological based Integrated Management of Parthenium) (English, Manipuri and Meitei mayek) were released by the Administrator, Manipur University, Shri Jarnail Singh, IAS (Rtd) at the conference hall of Vice-Chancellor, Manipur University. The bulletins were prepared by Prof. N. Irabanta Singh, Principal Investigator, BDT/GOI Twinning Programme for N.E. India.

The project completion report on "Developing of Digital database on Bioresources of North-East India through a Network Approach among the North-Eastern States" (01/02/2013 to 28/11/2015) sanctioned by DBT/GOI was placed by Power point before the technical Expert committee on Energy, Environment and Biodiversity Conservation for NER during its meeting held on 19th June, 2019 at NER-BPMC, New Delhi.

The following observations and recommendations were made by the committee

The committee noted that information on 1216 plant and 195 animal species of NE has been compiled from primary and secondary sources by eight Coordinating Centers of the project. The database after due verification of the identity and nomenclature of taxa should be linked to IBIN as committed in the project.

In view of the above, the committee noted that the progress achieved under the project is "satisfactory".

The writer along with his wife, Shri N (O). Ibempishak Devi attended the 21st National conference on Aerobiology (November 18-20, 2019) at Visva Bharati University, Santiniketan (W.B.) and delivered an invited Lecture on the topic "Aerophycology in North-East India".

On 22nd November, 2019 the writer student Ms. S. Nimyaola submitted her Ph.D. thesis in Life Sciences Manipur University on the topic "Aeromycological studies over Kachai Lemon Plantation field in Ukhrul district, Manipur" She worked under the joint supervision of Prof. N. Irabanta Singh and Prof. M. Shyamkesho Singh of the Life Sciences Department, Manipur University.

Again, the writer along with his wife attended International Seminar on "Agriskills for Convergence in Research, Industry and Livelihood" (ACRIL,19) (28 November to 01 December, 2019) organized by the Crop and Weed Science Society (CWSS), Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswa Vidyalaya (BCKV), Mohanpur, Nadia (W.B.) and delivered a key note on the topic " Parthenium menance in North East India and its management through Plant biocontrol agent". He also chaired one of the scientific sessions and also acted as one of the judges for "Young Scientist Award" 2019 selection for Crop and Weed Science Society.

Conclusion : Pensioner from the service of the Manipur University, Canchipur but not retired from Academic activities.