Dr Kanad Das — In a landmark development for Indian botanical and fungal research, Dr. Kanad Das has been appointed as the new Director of the Botanical Survey of India (BSI), making history as the first mycologist to head the prestigious institute since its establishment in 1890. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) cleared his appointment on September 6, 2025, marking a transformative moment for fungal taxonomy and biodiversity research in India.
About the Botanical Survey of India (BSI)
The BSI, under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), is the country’s premier institute for the study, documentation, and conservation of plant diversity, including fungi, algae, and bryophytes. Headquartered in Kolkata, the BSI has regional centers across India, conducting extensive surveys of India’s flora and publishing research to aid conservation efforts.
Since its independence-era leadership, BSI has been a hub for taxonomic research. Dr. Das’s appointment as the 13th Director underscores the institute’s growing emphasis on mycology—a field historically overshadowed by vascular plant research.
🔗 For more on BSI’s mission and activities, visit the official BSI website.
Dr Kanad Das: A Pioneering Mycologist
Dr. Kanad Das, originally from Kolkata, has had a long-standing association with the BSI, joining the Northern Regional Centre in Dehradun as a Junior Research Fellow in 1999. Over the past two decades, he has become a leading authority in fungal taxonomy, combining classical taxonomy with modern molecular phylogeny techniques to explore India’s rich fungal diversity.
Notable Contributions:
- Discovery of New Species: Dr. Das has discovered two new genera and 165 new species of wild mushrooms across India.
- Research Publications: He has published over 170 papers in internationally recognized journals, including Nature Portfolio (Scientific Reports), Fungal Diversity, and Mycologia.
- Books and Literature: Authored eight books on wild mushrooms, significantly contributing to mycological literature in India.
- Recognition in Nomenclature: Four fungal species have been named in his honor, a rare recognition of contribution in the field of mycology.
🔗 For an understanding of fungal diversity and taxonomy, see resources from the International Mycological Association.
Historical Context: First Mycologist at the Helm
Before Dr. Das, the BSI was primarily led by botanists specializing in flowering plants and general plant taxonomy. He is also the fourth Bengali to head the institute, following:
- Dr. J.C. Sengupta (1955–1961)
- Dr. S.K. Mukherjee (1968–1971)
- Dr. P.K. Hajra (1993–1998)
His appointment reflects a broader recognition of fungi’s ecological and scientific importance, highlighting their role in nutrient cycling, ecosystem functioning, and potential biotechnological applications.
The Vision Ahead: Expanding Fungal Research
As Director, Dr. Das is expected to:
- Strengthen Mycology Programs: Develop initiatives to document and conserve India’s understudied fungal species.
- Integrate Molecular Tools: Promote the use of DNA barcoding and genomic studies for accurate classification and phylogenetic studies.
- Encourage Regional Surveys: Expand field studies in biodiversity hotspots such as the Himalayas, Western Ghats, and Northeast India, regions rich in endemic fungi.
- Public Awareness and Education: Lead outreach programs to educate communities and researchers about the ecological importance of fungi and sustainable collection practices.
🔗 For global perspectives on fungal biodiversity and conservation, refer to FAO’s Forest and Fungal Biodiversity Resources.
Mycology’s Emerging Role in Science and Conservation
Historically, mycology has been underrepresented in India’s botanical research. Dr. Das’s leadership could redefine fungal research priorities, particularly in areas such as:
- Medicinal Mushrooms: Exploring fungi for pharmacological and nutraceutical applications.
- Environmental Monitoring: Using fungi as bioindicators for ecosystem health.
- Climate Change Studies: Understanding fungi’s role in carbon cycling and soil health.
The BSI under Dr. Das is poised to become a global reference center for taxonomic and ecological mycology, aligning with international conservation goals.
🔗 For insights into fungi and their ecological roles, see the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF).
Institutional and Scientific Impact
Dr. Das’s appointment is expected to catalyze institutional modernization, including:
- Digitalization of BSI herbarium and fungal specimen records.
- Collaborative projects with universities and research institutes in India and abroad.
- Increased participation in international biodiversity initiatives, including Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) programs.
His experience in fieldwork, molecular research, and taxonomy positions him to lead BSI into a new era of integrative plant and fungal research.
Public and Academic Reception
The appointment has been widely welcomed across scientific circles:
- Academics and Researchers: Praised the recognition of mycology as a critical field in biodiversity research.
- Students and Young Scientists: Inspired by Dr. Das’s achievements and his emphasis on mentorship and research excellence.
- Conservationists: See potential for enhanced studies in forest ecosystems, fungi conservation, and sustainable utilization of wild mushrooms.
Dr. Das has also expressed commitment to collaborative research, aiming to involve citizen scientists in fungal surveys to broaden the scope of biodiversity data collection.
Significance for Indian Biodiversity
India is home to over 27,000 species of fungi, many of which remain undocumented. Dr. Das’s appointment may accelerate:
- Identification of new species and their ecological roles.
- Development of fungal conservation strategies integrated with national biodiversity goals.
- Encouragement of biotechnological and pharmaceutical research based on fungal resources.
🔗 For national biodiversity statistics and policies, refer to the National Biodiversity Authority of India.
Conclusion
Dr. Kanad Das’s appointment as Director of the Botanical Survey of India is not merely administrative—it represents a paradigm shift in India’s botanical research, elevating mycology to the forefront of biodiversity studies. With his vast experience, scientific expertise, and vision, Dr. Das is expected to steer BSI towards greater scientific excellence, enhanced conservation efforts, and global recognition.
This milestone reinforces the critical role of fungi in ecosystems, conservation, and research innovation, setting a benchmark for future generations of mycologists in India and worldwide.
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