The online invited talk titled “Science Without Walls” by AIB on 15th April 2026, aimed to promote interdisciplinary learning by integrating biological sciences with sustainable livelihood practices, with a specific focus on lac cultivation as an eco-friendly bioresource.
The session sought to enhance participants’ understanding of the biological, ecological, and economic significance of lac, produced by the insect Kerria lacca on host plants such as Butea monosperma, Schleichera oleosa, and Ziziphus mauritiana. It further aimed to encourage academic and research interest in insect–plant interactions, bioresource management, and sustainable rural development, while highlighting the potential of lac cultivation as a commercially viable non-timber forest product.
The invited talk “Science Without Walls” proved to be a highly informative and academically enriching session that effectively bridged theoretical knowledge with practical applications in sustainable bioresource management. Dr. Sandeep Kaushik’s detailed lecture provided valuable insights into the biology, life cycle, and cultivation techniques of Kerria lacca, along with the processing and industrial applications of lac. The discussion on pest challenges, including species such as Eublemma amabilis and Pseudohypatopa pulverea, and their management strategies added significant depth to the learning experience.