Ishwar Prakash Sharma | Medicinal Plants | Excellence in Plant Research

Dr. Ishwar Prakash Sharma | Medicinal Plants | Excellence in Plant Research

Patanjali Research Foundation | India

Author Profile

🌿 DR. ISHWAR PRAKASH SHARMA: PIONEERING BOTANICAL SCIENTIST & RESEARCHER 

📚 EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Dr. Ishwar Prakash Sharma began his journey in the field of botanical sciences with a focus on Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF). His PhD thesis explored innovative strategies for managing Root-Knot Disease in tomatoes caused by Meloidogyne incognita, highlighting his dedication to sustainable agricultural solutions. This strong academic foundation was supported by his early teaching experiences, including positions as Assistant Professor at Surajmal Agarwal Kanya Mahavidyalaya and Dev Bhoomi Group of Institutions.

🧪 PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

Dr. Sharma’s illustrious career spans diverse roles:

  • Scientist-C at Patanjali Herbal Research Division since 2021.
  • Past roles as Scientist-B in the same division under Patanjali Research Foundation and Divya Yog Mandir Trust.
  • Expertise in plant surveys, ethnomedicinal documentation, and the establishment of the PRFH herbarium, recognized by the New York Botanical Garden.

His professional contributions extend to lecturing and training programs, showcasing his commitment to disseminating knowledge in ethnobotany, plant taxonomy, and sustainable agriculture.

🔬 CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS ON MEDICINAL PLANTS

Dr. Sharma has spearheaded groundbreaking projects such as:

  1. Floral Diversity Exploration near Ganga River Banks for ethnobotanical purposes.
  2. Development of the World Herbal Forest Project in collaboration with Haryana Forest Department.
  3. Research on soil ecology, rhizosphere manipulation, and plant-microbe interactions for sustainable farming practices.

His editorial contributions include guest associate editorships for reputed journals and reviews of over 100 research articles, emphasizing his influence in the academic community.

🌍 IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

Dr. Sharma’s work bridges traditional knowledge and modern scientific applications, particularly in plant conservation, agriculture biology, and ethnomedicine. His commitment to skill development programs for regional economic growth further underscores his influence beyond academia.

📈 ACADEMIC CITATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS

Dr. Sharma has published over 40 research papers, 13 book chapters, and a book. Noteworthy publications include:

  • Research on Ethnomedicinal Plants along the Ganga River (2025).
  • Studies on Rhizosphere Microbes and Soil Nutrient Properties in Himalayan regions.

His works boast a cumulative impact factor of 37.1, marking his research’s high relevance and reach.

🏅 HONORS & AWARDS

  • Award from Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar for contributions to the World Herbal Forest (2018).
  • Multiple university-level accolades, including debate and sports events.
  • Recognized for pioneering efforts in plant taxonomy and conservation.

🌠 FINAL NOTE

Dr. Sharma’s legacy is firmly rooted in his commitment to sustainable agricultural practices, rhizosphere biology, and traditional medicinal knowledge. His ongoing projects, publications, and mentorship aim to inspire the next generation of researchers while addressing critical global challenges in agriculture and ecology.

📑 NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS 

Ethno-Medicinal Study of Traditional Medicinal Plants Used by Tribal Communities of Uttarakhand, India
  • Authors: Balkrishna, A., Sharma, I.P., Arya, V.
  • Journal: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences India Section B – Biological Sciences
  • Year: 2024
Plants Functional Traits and Photosynthetic Efficiency for Enhancing Crop Yield
  • Authors: Prachi, K., Kanta, C., Chandra, S., Sharma, I.P.
  • Journal: Plant Functional Traits for Improving Productivity (Book Chapter)
  • Year: 2024
The Interplay Between Plant Functional Traits and Climate Change
  • Authors: Kanta, C., Kumar, A., Chauhan, A., Singh, H., Sharma, I.P.
  • Journal: Plant Functional Traits for Improving Productivity (Book Chapter)
  • Year: 2024
Editorial: Rhizosphere Manipulation for Sustainable Agriculture
  • Authors: Sharma, I.P., Giri, K., Kumar, N.
  • Journal: Frontiers in Plant Science
  • Year: 2024
Effect of Altitudinal Variation on Soil Nutrient Properties at Various Sites in Garhwal Himalaya, Uttarakhand
  • Authors: Balkrishna, A., Sharma, I.P., Kushwaha, A.K., Arya, V.
  • Journal: Acta Ecologica Sinica
  • Year: 2023
Biologicals and Their Plant Stress Tolerance Ability
  • Authors: Balkrishna, A., Sharma, I.P., Arya, V., Sharma, A.K.
  • Journal: Symbiosis
  • Year: 2022

 

Pawan Kumar | Plant Genetics | Excellence in Plant Research

Dr. Pawan Kumar | Plant Genetics | Excellence in Plant Research

UNNATEE | India

Author Profile

PAWAN KUMAR: A VISIONARY IN BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION 🌱

📚 EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Pawan Kumar’s academic journey began in the scenic landscapes of Himachal Pradesh. He completed his Matriculation from GHS Saichu Nala, Tehsil Pangi, District Chamba. Excelling in academics, he pursued a B.Sc. in Medical Sciences with first division from PG College, Chamba, under HPU Shimla.

Driven by a passion for Botany, he obtained an M.Sc. in the subject from Punjabi University, Patiala. Pawan Kumar further enriched his expertise with a six-month Ph.D. coursework in Advances in Botany and research techniques, achieving an A grade. In 2015, he earned his Ph.D. in Botany (Life Sciences) from the Department of Botany, Faculty of Life Science, Punjabi University, Patiala.

🧪 PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

Dr. Kumar’s professional pursuits have revolved around advocating for biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable development. He has been actively involved in documenting traditional knowledge of indigenous communities, safeguarding agro-diversity, and integrating plant, animal, and fish genetic resources to secure livelihoods in fragile ecosystems.

As a Senior Research Fellow at NBPGR/ICAR, he carried out groundbreaking research on germplasm preservation and landholding surveys in the cold desert regions of the Himalayas. His internship with the State Biodiversity Board in 2020 culminated in the creation of a Plant Biodiversity Register for Chamba District, aiding in implementing the Nagoya Protocols and Aichi Biodiversity Targets.

🔬 CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS ON PLANT GENETICS

Dr. Kumar’s research addresses crucial ecological challenges, with a focus on:

  • Conservation of Himalayan flora.
  • Chromosomal diversity and plant cytogenetics.
  • Ethnobotanical studies of indigenous plant usage.
  • The environmental impacts of hydroelectric projects.

He has published 24 papers, including 23 in international journals, with significant contributions to journals like Acta Botanica Croatica, Caryologia, and The Scientific World Journal.

🌍 IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

Dr. Kumar’s work has inspired policies and research on environmental sustainability. His efforts have strengthened global biodiversity conservation initiatives, particularly in the fragile ecosystems of the Himalayas.

📈 ACADEMIC CITATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS

With 561 citations, an h-index of 13, and 16 i10-indexed publications, Dr. Kumar’s research has been a cornerstone in Botany and Biodiversity studies.
Key publications include:

  1. Chromosome Count in Hedysarum Astragaloides (Acta Botanica Croatica).
  2. Uses of Local Plant Biodiversity (The Scientific World Journal).
  3. Impact of Hydroelectric Projects (International Research Journal of Social Sciences).

🏅 HONORS & AWARDS

Dr. Kumar’s accolades reflect his contributions:

  • Member, IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA).
  • Award of Honour at the 4th Karate International Camp (2014).
  • Travel grant by SERB-DST for presenting in Taiwan (2014).
  • Second Prize for Best Permanent Slides Preparation (2008).
  • First Prize for Wildlife Quiz Contest, Chamba (2004).

FINAL NOTE🌿

Dr. Kumar’s legacy lies in his commitment to biodiversity conservation and sustainability. His work continues to guide future generations of researchers and policymakers. He remains a pivotal figure in protecting the Himalayan ecosystems, fostering global biodiversity, and advocating for sustainable development practices.

📑 NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS 

Ethnomedicinal plants of Chamba district, Himachal Pradesh, India
  • Authors : Savita Rani, JC Rana, PK Rana
  • Journal :Medicinal Plants Research
  • year : 2013
Uses of local plant biodiversity among the tribal communities of Pangi Valley of district Chamba in cold desert Himalaya, India
  • Authors : Pawan Kumar Rana, Puneet Kumar, Vijay Kumar Singhal, Jai Chand Rana
  • Journal :The Scientific World Journal
  • year : 2014
Persistent occurrence of meiotic abnormalities in a new hexaploid cytotype of Thalictrum foetidum from Indian cold deserts
  • Authors : Vijay Singhal, Pawan Rana, Puneet Kumar, Dalvir Kaur
  • Journal : Biologia
  • year : 2011
Syncytes during male meiosis resulting in 2n pollen grain formation in Lindelofia longiflora var. falconeri
  • Authors : Vijay Kumar SINGHAL, Pawan Kumar RANA, Puneet Kumar
  • Journal : Systematics and Evolution
  • year :  2011
Cytology of Ranunculus laetus Wall. ex Royle from cold desert regions and adjoining hills of North-west Himalayas
  • Authors : P Kumar 
  • Journal :Caryologia
  • year : 2011