Dr. K. Manikya Kumari Felicitated on Superannuation

Visakhapatnam: Indian News Times:Dr. K. Manikya Kumari, who rendered 36 years of distinguished service as Head of the Department of Botany and NSS Programme Officer at St. Joseph’s College for Women (Autonomous), Visakhapatnam, was felicitated and given a warm farewell by the Management, Principal and faculty on the occasion of her superannuation.

Dr. Kambham Manikya Kumari entered the teaching profession in 1991 and made significant contributions to teaching, research, student development, environmental conservation and community service. As Head of the Department of Botany, she introduced several innovative initiatives, including a Digital Medicinal Garden, Digital Herbarium, Eco-Park, biodiversity conservation programmes and Green Audits.

As an NSS Programme Officer, she organised blood donation camps, plantation drives, cleanliness programmes, environmental awareness campaigns and various community-service activities, thereby nurturing a strong spirit of service among students. Her guidance and contribution were significant in the college achievement in 2025, when students and faculty created 11,91,000 seed balls in one hour, contributing to two world records.

A committed academic and researcher, Dr. Manikya Kumari published 40 research papers in national and international journals and authored, edited and contributed to several books and course materials. Her distinguished contributions have earned her several prestigious honours, including the Andhra Pradesh State Best Teacher Award, Andhra Pradesh State Best NSS Programme Officer Award and Distinguished Faculty Award, among many others.

On the completion of her 36 years of dedicated and exemplary service, the college family expressed its heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Manikya Kumari for her invaluable contributions to the institution and society and wished her a healthy, happy, peaceful and fulfilling post-retirement life.

“A guiding teacher, an accomplished botanist, a dedicated NSS officer and a passionate environmentalist—Dr. K. Manikya Kumari leaves behind a lasting legacy of knowledge, service and inspiration.”