Angiosperm Systematics

• B.Sc. (H) Botany , 2000 , Hansraj College, University of Delhi
• M.Sc. Botany , 2002 , Hansraj College, University of Delhi
• M.Phil. Botany , 2003 , University of Delhi
• Ph.D , 2008 , University of Delhi

“Veteran teacher with almost two decades of teaching experience of sujects like Biodiversity, Plant Physiology and Plant Systematics to the undergradute students. With passion for a subject like Systematics I love exploring plants and taking students along in expeditions”

Presently teaching:

• Odd Semester: Plant Physiology, Biodiversity
• Even Semester: Plant Systematics & Bryophytes, Pteridophytes and Gymnosperms

Actively engaged in guiding undergraduate students

• Deputy Dean (Admission): University of Delhi (2023-24)
• Teacher-In-Charge: Department of Botany, Hansraj College (2022-23)
• Convenor Helpdesk: Helpdesk for UG Students, Admission Branch, University of Delhi (2022-23)
• Member: Admission Branch, University of Delhi (2019-20, 2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23)
• Convenor: Building Committee (2020-2021, 2022-2023)
• Teacher-In-Charge: Department of Foreign Languages (2018-2019, 2019-2020)
• Superintendent: Practical Examinations (2018-2019)
• Assistant Coordinator: IGNOU study centre at Hans Raj College (2018-2022)
• Nodal Officer: NIRF Ranking (2017-18)
• Superintendent Entrance Examination (2016-17)
• Superintendent Theory Examinations (2016)
• Public Information Officer ( 2015)
• Teacher-In-Charge: Department of Botany, Hansraj College (2013-14 and 2014-15)
• Coordinator, Star College Scheme sponsored by Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology (Since 2014-2018)
• College Coordinator Examinations (March - August 2012)
• Superintendent Practical Examinations (2009-2010)
• Deputy Superintendent Theory Examinations (2008-09)

Accomplished Ph. D in the area of Plant Systematics from the Department of Botany, University of Delhi, Delhi, under the able guidance of Professor SR Yadav & Professor Rajesh Tandon. The work includes detailed floristic survey of trees present at the national capital territory of Delhi (NCT), enumeration of diversity, documentation of species richness. Detailed description of morphology, flowering and fruiting period, prominent locations where the species can be seen, common name, etymology and important notes pertaining the species. The work also includes identification of native, exotics, and introduced species; phenology of selected tree species was also studied; Carpological studies for selected tree species were done and they were marked with the help of Global Positioning System.

Title of the Project

1. To study the diversity of trees and document the associated ecosystem services in North Campus area of University of Delhi
2. Network Programme for Enrichment and Update of Database on Genome Related Information for Indian Spermatophyta and Archegoniatae Taxa- Phase II
3. Autotetraploid Induction ensuing heteroploid hybridization and associated rapid DNA changes as a possible means of genetic improvement of Tinospora cordifoila and Tinospora sinensis
4. Utilization of Delhi's Garden waste for renewable and sustainable energy production
5. Development of zero discharge eco-friendly, affordable and carbon neutral bio-fuel using in house horticultural waste
6. Taxonomic and Phylogenetic studies on Genus Heracleum L. (Apiaceae) in India

• Anand Sonkar. 2023. “A Historical Overview on Biological Warfare and Bioterrorism During World Wars and After”. International Journal of Innovative Research In Technology, February 2023, 9(9)
• Sujata Sengupta, Sharda Mahilkar Sonkar, Nutan Rani, Anand Sonkar. 2022. “Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Chocolates: An Undergraduate Science Experiment”. International Journal of Food and Nutritional Sciences. 11(12), 2535-2550.
• Sujata Sengupta, Sharda Mahilkar Sonkar, Anand Sonkar, Romila Rawat Bisht, Richeek Debnath, Khyati Kinger, Dinesh Kumar Gautam. 2022. “Curcumin – Extraction, Synthesis and Application in Modern Drug Research: A Mini Review”. International Journal of Innovative Research In Technology, February 2023, 9(9)
• Anand Sonkar, Shalini Kaushik Love, Anjali Sharma, Chetan Pahwa, Ishika Sharma, Josemon Biju,  Sanjana Amla, Sahil Verma, Pratibha Pant, Sharda Mahilkar-Sonkar. 2022. “Effect of HCl pretreatment on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) seed germination”. International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology. 7(10). 491-494.
• Anand Sonkar, Shalini Kaushik Love, Romila Rawat Bisht, Sharda Mahilkar Sonkar, Saumya Agrawal, Gunjan Verma, Rishu Raj, Gaurav Bansal, and Nitasha, “Effect of Gibberellic Acid and Different Salt Concentrations on Germination of Cicer arietinum L. (Chickpea).” Applied Ecology and Environmental Sciences, vol. 10, no. 9 (2022): 565-567. doi: 10.12691/aees-10-9-1.
• Sharda Mahilkar Sonkar, Sujata Sengupta, Shivani Singh, Anand Sonkar, Fathima, Anjana R Chandran, Muskan Singh, Manisha, Raveena Kumari. 2022, Drug discovery and development – with special focus on COVID-19. Zeicehn Journal. 8(3), 436-457
• Singh S, Sengupta S, Sonkar SM, Sonkar A, Kaur N, Sanna RK, Sakshi, Paliwal S. 2021. Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the environment: A general review for the lockdown period in India from March 2020 to April 2020. International Educational Applied Scientific Research Journal (IEASRJ) 6:11, 1-6
• Sengupta S, Singh S, Sonkar SM, Sonkar A, Kapoor N, Tomar G, Gaur S, Bajaj A. 2021. The Chemistry of Essential Oil and Its Role as Natural Fragrances in Perfumes. International Education & Research Journal [IERJ] 7:11, 1-6
• Thakur RK, Rajpal VR, Raina SN, Kumar P, Sonkar A, Joshi Lata. 2020. UPLC-DAD Assisted Phytochemical Quantitation Reveals a Sex, Ploidy and Ecogeography Specificity in the Expression Levels of Selected Secon-dary Metabolites in Medicinal Tinospora cordifolia: Implications for Elites’ Identification Program. Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry 20, 698-709
• Kumar M, Rawat AK, Sonkar A, Kumar A, Azhar A, Kumar M. and Khan MMA. Pellet Biochar: An Environmental Remedy in VS Parmar et al. 2018. Green Chemistry in Environmental Sustainability and Chemical Education. Springer.
• Vijay Rani Rajpal, Rakesh Thakur, Anand Sonkar and S. N. Raina. 2016 “Quantitative Estimation of Berberin using TLC and HPLC in Tinospora cordifolia, T. sinensis and T. crispa.  Journal of Integrated Science and Technology 42: S1-S23, S2
• Sonkar A. Angiosperm Phylogeny Group. 2016. Swadeshi Vigyan 1(1). Online ISSN: 2456-0855
• Sonkar A and Sonkar S M. Chemotaxonomy in Gupta R. 2012. Plant Taxonomy: past, present and future. New Delhi: The Energy and Resource Institute (TERI)
• Yadav S R, Potdar G G, Kumar A, Otaghavari A M, Sonkar A. 2008. Eriocaulon epedunculatum, a new species of Eriocaulaceae from Western Ghats of India. Kew Bulletin. 63 (3): 503-505
• Sonkar A and Yadav S R. 2004. Enumeration of Trees of Delhi University. Botanica 54: 92-114

• Attended the webinar series on “NAAC’s Assessment Criteria for Accreditation" organized by HANSRAJ COLLEGE Under PARAMARSH, a UGC scheme for mentoring NAAC accreditation aspirant institutions to promote quality assurance in higher education, held during June 8 -14, 2020
• Participated in a Three Day Webinar on “Shift in Paradigm: Online Education”, organised by Zakir Husain Delhi College, University of Delhi in collaboration with Mahatma Hansraj Faculty Development Centre Hansraj College, University of Delhi held during June 9 -11, 2020
• Organised and participated in a Two Days Webinar on “??????? ?? ????? ?? ?? ?? ?? ??????”, organised by Department of Botany and Internal Quality Assurance cell Hansraj College, University of Delhi held during May 14-15, 2020.
• Organised and participated in a Three Day Webinar on “Covid 19 : Challenges and Road Ahead” organised by Mahatma Hansraj Faculty Development Centre Hansraj College, University of Delhi  during May 7 – 9, 2020
• Attended the webinar series “Quality Assurance in Higher Education: Practices And Issues”, organized jointly with IQAC, HANSRAJ COLLEGE Under PARAMARSH, a UGC scheme for mentoring NAAC accreditation aspirant institutions to promote quality assurance in higher education, during May 4-8, 2020
• Participated in a One Day Webinar on “Leadership Role in Uncertain Times” organised by Mahatma Hansraj Faculty Development Centre Hansraj College, University of Delhi on April 30th 2020
• Participated in a One Day Webinar on “Teachers and Technology: The Road Ahead” organised by Mahatma Hansraj Faculty Development Centre Hansraj College, University of Delhi on April 25th, 2020
• Participated in the 4th India International Science Festival (IISF) and National Science Teachers Congress on 06th and 07th October, 2018 at Lucknow.
• Participated in World Environment Day, Celebration at Auditorium, Delhi Secretariat on 2nd February 2018
• Organized and attended INSPIRE  Internship Program (DST) - 2017, organized by Hans Raj College, University of Delhi, held from December 12th-16th, 2017
• Attended International Symposium on Plant Systematics: Priorities and Challenges, organized by Department of Botany, University of Delhi, India during 10th-12th November, 2017
• Attended International Conference on Green Chemistry in Environmental Sustainability and Chemical Education (ICGC-2016), organized by Daulat Ram College, University of Delhi, India during 17-18th November 2016
• Attended National Symposium on Emerging Issues of Climate Change: Sustainability and Economic Implications, organised by Shri Aurobindo College, University of Delhi on 21st and 22nd October 2016
• Attended International Conference on Innovating Education in Asia, organized by Association for Innovative  Education, from October 31st to November 2nd, 2015
• Attended Seminar on Role of Technical Terminology in Higher Education, organized by Commission for Scientific and Technical Terminology, MHRD, New Delhi  on July 23rd and 24th 2015
• Attended International Conference on Integrating Medicinal Plants with Forestry Sector, organized by National Medicinal Plant Board, Department of AYUSH, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, on November 8th and 9th 2014
• Attended National Symposium on Frontiers in Plant Molecular Biology, organized by Department of Plant and Molecular Biology, University of Delhi South Campus, on September 27th and 28th 2013
• Organized and attended National Conference on Relevance on Nanotechnology in Biology, organized by Department of Botany and Zoology, Hans Raj College, University of Delhi, on March 1st 2013
• Organized and attended INSPIRE Internship Program – 2012, organized by Hans Raj College, University of Delhi, held from December 17th-21st, 2012                 
• Attended International Seminar on Multidisciplinary Approaches in Angiosperm Systematics, organized by Department of Botany, University of Kalyani, Kalyani, West Bengal, during 11-13 October 2008
• Attended National Conference on Wetlands, Science, and Society – An Assessment of their Integration, organized by Delhi University Botanical Society, Department of Botany, University of Delhi, Delhi, during 11-13 December, 2007
• Attended International Seminar on Changing Scenario in Angiosperm Systematics, organized by Department of Botany, Shivaji University, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, during 19-21 November, 2007
• Attended National Seminar on Current Trends in Plant Sciences, organized by Delhi University Botanical Society, Department of Botany, University of Delhi, Delhi, during 15-16 March, 2007
• Attended International Seminar on Present Trends and Future Prospects of Angiosperm Taxonomy, organized by Agharkar Research Institute, Pune, Maharashtra, during 4-6 October, 2006
• Attended National Conference on Biodiversity Related International Conventions: Role of Indian Scientific Community, organized by Delhi University Botanical Society, Department of Botany, University of Delhi, Delhi, during 8-10 March, 2006
• Attended International Conference on Applied Phycology “Algae in Biotechnology and Environment”, organized by Department of Botany, University of Delhi, Delhi, during 14-15 February, 2006
• Attended National Seminar on Relevance of Botany in the Conservation and improvement of plants, organized by Delhi University Botanical Society, Department of Botany, University of Delhi, Delhi, during 8-9 February, 2006
• Attended Conference on New Developments in Rapeseed-Mustard, organized by Mustard Research and Promotion Consortium (MRPC), New Delhi on 21 January, 2006
• Attended National seminar on Emerging Trends in Plant Taxonomy, organized by  Department of Botany, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur, Maharashtra during 20-21 October, 2005
• Attended National Seminar on Genetically Modified Organisms – Biosafety Aspects, organized by Delhi University Botanical Society, Department of Botany, University of Delhi, Delhi, during 10-11 March, 2005
• Attended National Seminar on New Frontiers in Plant Taxonomy and Biodiversity Conservation  organized by Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute (TBGRI), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala during 29-31 December, 2004
• Attended National Seminar on Climate Change in India and its Impact on Plant Diversity and Productivity and Delhi University Botanical Society Paper Presentation Contest for Professor B. M. Johri Rolling Shield, organized by Delhi University Botanical Society, Department of Botany, University of Delhi, Delhi, during 22-23 December, 2003
• Attended International Symposium on Ecology of Biological Invasion organized by School of Environmental Studies, University of Delhi, Delhi, during 4-6 December, 2003
• Organized as well as attended National Seminar on Genetically Modified & Transgenic Food Crops organized by Delhi University Botanical Society, Department of Botany University of Delhi, Delhi, during 26-27 November, 2002
• Attended National Symposium on Biotechnology, Energy and Environment in the New Millennium – Indian Scenario, organized by Daulat Ram College, University of Delhi, Delhi, during 8-10 December, 1999

• Delivered a lecture on “Classification of plants - A morphological approach” in 20-days In-service programme for Trained Graduate Teachers (TGT) of Directorate of Education under SSA – 2005 organized by State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), New Delhi and Coordinated in District west by DIET Rajender Nagar, New Delhi held at Sarvodaya Co-ed Sr. Sec. School, Janakpuri, Delhi. (June-2005)

• Participated and successfully completed the Weeklong Online Workshop on Assessment and Evaluation conducted in Online Mode organized by Teaching Learning Centre, Tezpur University under PMMMNMTT Scheme of Ministry of Education, Government of India during August 24 and 29, 2020.
• Participated and successfully completed a One week Online National workshop on "Learning management System: Moodle", organized by Teaching Learning Centre, SNDT Women’s University under PMMMNMTT Scheme of Ministry of Education, Government of India during July 27 – August 2, 2020.
• Participated and successfully completed Two Weeks Online Faculty Development Programme on "MANAGING ONLINE CLASSES and CO-CREATING MOOCS", organized by Teaching Learning Centre, Ramanujan College under PMMMNMTT Scheme of Ministry of Education, Government of India during April 20 – May 06, 2020.
• Participated and successfully completed a Eight day Online national workshop on "ICT TOOLS FOR ONLINE LEARNING", organized by Teaching Learning Centre, SNDT Women’s University under PMMMNMTT Scheme of Ministry of Education, Government of India during April 20 – 28, 2020.
• Participated in Three day Faculty Development Programme on Fundamentals of Intellectual Property Rights organized by Department of Botany & IQAC (HRC) in association with Mahatma Hansraj Faculty Development Centre, Hansraj College, University of Delhi held on during January 23 and 25. 2020 
• Participated in One day workshop on Personal financial and Tax Planning organized by Mahatma Hansraj Faculty Development Centre, Hansraj College, University of Delhi on November 16th 2019 
• Participated in Short term course on Research Methodology organized by Centre for Professional Development in Higher Education, University of Delhi, Delhi during 18th December 2018 to 24th December 2018, held at Academic Research Centre, University of Delhi. Delhi.
• Participated in the Level 2 of the STEM Teacher Training Workshop on Research Based Pedagogical Tools held from December 6th to December 8th 2017 at Indian National Science Academy, Delhi, organized by Department of Biotechnology (Government of India); Newton Bhabha Fund of the British Council; Center of Excellence in Science and Mathematics Education, Indian Institute for Science Education and Research, Pune. The workshop was conducted by a team of experts from the Centre for Science Education, Sheffield Hallam University, UK
• Participated in the Level 1 of the STEM Teacher Training Workshop on Research Based Pedagogical Tools held from October 11th to October 14th 2017 at Sacred Heart College, Kochi, Kerala, organized by Department of Biotechnology (Government of India); Newton Bhabha Fund of the British Council; Center of Excellence in Science and Mathematics Education, Indian Institute for Science Education and Research, Pune and Sacred Heart College, Kochi. The workshop was conducted by a team of experts from the Centre for Science Education, Sheffield Hallam University, UK
• Participated in a Workshop on How to get published research papers in the right journals organized by Grace India Educational Charitable Trust, Delhi, on October 7th 2017 at Hans Raj College, University of Delhi.
• Successfully completed a four-week open online course (MOOC) offered by the American English Institute, University of Oregon on Introduction to Scientific Writing in April 2017
• Participated in a two day Workshop on Biostatistics organized by Department of Botany and Mathematics, Zakir Husain Delhi College, University of Delhi, from March 9th to March 10th 2017
• Participated in One week Workshop on Academic and Creative Writing organized by Centre for Professional Development in Higher Education, University of Delhi, Delhi during 20th September 2016 to 26th September 2016, held at Academic Research Centre, University of Delhi. Delhi.

• Organized and Attended National Workshop on Ethnobotany, organized by Department of Botany, Hansraj College, University of Delhi and Institute if Life Long Learning, University of Delhi, from September 16th to 17th, 2016
• Attended a National Workshop on Training the Trainers: IPR Workshop, organized by IPR Chair and CIC-CSEC in Collaboration with Ramjas College, University of Delhi, from August 11th to 13th, 2016
• Attended Indo Portuguese Workshop on Emerging Trends of Nanotechnology in Chemistry and Biology, organized by Department of Chemistry, Hans Raj College and Deshbandhu College, University of Delhi in association with Centro de Química da Madeira University da Madeira, PORTUGAL, from February 12th to 13th, 2016
• First Knowledge Conclave for Colleges and Universities organized by Centre for Science and Environment, Tughlakabad, New Delhi on January 28-29, 2016
• Workshop on RTI on International RTI day organized by RTI Institute of India, New Delhi on September 28th 2015
• National workshop on Evolutionary perspectives in modern biological teaching and research organized by Institute of Life Long Learning, Centre for Science Education and Communication & Acharya Narendra Dev College, University of Delhi, Delhi, during 9-10 May, 2011
• Workshop on Content Creation for e-Learning (Enabling Teaching and Learning), organized by Campus of Open Learning, University of Delhi, Delhi, during 25-27 August, 2006
• Workshop on hands on training for digital video camera, organized by Centre for Science Education and Communication, University of Delhi, Delhi, during 8-9 July, 2005
• Workshop on the “Essentials of Biology” Foundation Course paper, organized by Centre for Science Education and Communication, University of Delhi, Delhi, during 5-6 May, 2005
• Workshop on Implementation of new curriculum in B. Sc. (H) Botany and B. Sc. Gen Group-B, organized by Centre for Science Education and Communication, University of Delhi, Delhi, during 25-28 April, 2005.
• Training Programme on Biosafety Concerns of Transgenics and Detection of LMOs, organized by National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, Pusa Campus, New Delhi, during 14-21 March, 2005.   

EDUCATIONAL & FIELD TRAINING PROVIDED

• Resource person for “Preparation of an inventory of trees and perennial plants in the college” at Ramjas College, University of Delhi on September 27th, 2017
• Involved in imparting field training to the students of Eco-club of Shyama Prasad Mukherji College. Punjabi Bagh, University of Delhi, Delhi, regarding the Identification and Nomenclature of Trees of their College campus. (Jan-Feb 2016)
• Involved in imparting the educational training and important information to the students of ETE, regarding the Identification, Classification, and Nomenclature of Angiosperms of Todapur forest area, at District Institute of Education and Training (DIET), Rajinder Nagar, Delhi.
• Provided field training to the Trained Graduate Teachers (TGT) about the identification of plants based on morphological characters at 20-days In-service programme for Trained Graduate Teachers (TGT) of Directorate of Education under SSA – 2005 organized by State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), New Delhi and Coordinated in District west by DIET Rajender Nagar, New Delhi held at Sarvodaya Co-ed Sr. Sec. School, Janakpuri, Delhi. (June-2005)