Release of "Commelinaceae of India" Celebrated at Shivaji University On May 16, 2024, Shivaji University's Botany Department hosted a significant event at the Neelambari Auditorium to mark the release of the book "Commelinaceae of India" (a plant group commonly called Kena) by Dr. Mayur Nandikar and Professor Rajaram Gurav. The book was unveiled by Dr. Ritesh Kumar Choudhary, Scientist E at Agharkar Research Institute, Pune, in the presence of the Honourable Vice Chancellor of Shivaji University, Professor D. T. Shirke, and Emeritus Scientist Professor S. R. Yadav. The ceremony began with a briefing by Dr. Manoj Lekhak, Associate Professor in Botany at Shivaji University, highlighting the historical importance of the day for Indian botany. The authors, Dr. Nandikar and Professor Gurav, emphasized the significance of their work. Dr. Nandikar described the book's relevance and the 15-year journey leading to its publication.
The book, published by Parambi Plant Research & Education Foundation, Pune, covers the diversity of the Commelinaceae family in India, including 125 species, along with notes from Africa and Southeast Asia. It features photographs, illustrations, and IUCN threat assessments, making it valuable for conservationists, botany students, and plant enthusiasts. He added that the foreword is written by Scottish botanist Dr. Henry Noltie, Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh.
Professor Gurav shared insights on the book's development, showcasing mentorship and student enthusiasm. He highlighted stories behind various species, including Commelina youngii, described from a specimen collected in 1879. The book addresses the botanical legacy in Western India and the challenges of studying short-blooming plants. Chief Guest Dr. Ritesh Kumar Choudhary praised the continuity of botanical contributions, referencing his own work on the Flora of Kolhapur districts.

Vice Chancellor Professor D.T. Shirke concluded the event by congratulating the authors and inspiring the present researchers. He lauded Dr. Nandikar's dedication since completing his doctorate in 2013, reflecting on the patience and focus required for such a comprehensive work. He hoped that this publication will be an inspiration for such innovative writings in the future, and that the young researchers present will take note of this. The event, attended by ex-professors, plant enthusiasts, wildlife experts, faculty, and students from Kolhapur and surrounding areas, concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Ghane, Associate Professor in Botany at Shivaji University.
Key Highlights of the book: • Monumental work after monograph on Commelinaceae by CB Clarke (British botanist) in 1881. • 12 new names and species • 13 new synonymous species • Classification of 108 binomials • 516 binomial entries for 131 names • Plants of the Kena group (Commelinaceae), their territoriality and identity • Number of chromosomes • Over 100 drawings and photographs • More than 50 herbaria from around the world were studied for this writing, including the British Museum in London and Kew, England.