Biotech Park, Lucknow celebrated its Second Annual Day on Thursday, December 24, 2009. The program included a poster Exhibition, Annual Day Lecture, Quiz Contest and Painting Competition for class IX- XII students of local colleges and schools. The exhibition was organized in collaboration with the Regional Science City to showcase the scientific strength of city and to highlight the scientific activities and program of Biotech Park entrepreneurs. The exhibition consisting of 55 posters was inaugurated by Prof. S.S. Parmar, Chester Fritz Distinguished Professor and Emeritus Professor of Physiology, University of North Dakota, Trumbull, CT, USA.

Prof. G.N. Pandey, Prof. of Pharmacology, Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, USA delivered the Second Annual Day Lecture entitled “Unraveling the Neurobiology of Suicide: Implications for Early Identification and Treatment”. He emphasized that Suicide is a major public health concern worldwide and about 30,000 people commit suicide each year in USA alone. In India, the rate of suicide is estimated to be 10.7 per 100,000. He informed that several risk factors such as mental disorders, family history of suicide and early life trauma leads to suicide. Certain neurobiological factors may also lead to suicidal behavior.
Based on his studies, Prof. Pandey pointed out that the abnormalities of a neurotransmitter known as serotonin (5HT) and increase in receptor subtype known as 5HT2A derives people to suicide. Abnormalities of neuroendocrine function, especially the increased cortisol levels, have role in depression and suicide. Other important neurobiological aspects of depression and suicidal behavior are abnormalities in the immune function mediated by the release of cytokines.
	Prof. S.S. Parmar, Chief Guest of the Function in his address said that advances in the field of biotechnology are the recipe for meeting the growing need of the society in the area of health, agriculture and environment. Hence, for the prosperity of any state and country, promotion and application of biotechnology is a must. He emphasized upon the need of human resource development in closer collaboration between the institutions in Lucknow and support from the state Government. The lecture was attended by many eminent scientists, students and general public. Prof. Parmar appreciated the progress made by Biotech Park in short span of time.
Dr. H.M. Behl, Consultant Scientist, Biotech Park thanked all the dignitaries and participants for attending the lecture. The painting and quiz competition was organized to create awareness about biotechnology among young minds. Over 100 students from various schools / colleges of Lucknow participated in these events with great enthusiasm. These students also visited various facilities of the Biotech Park and also saw the poster exhibition and found the exhibition extremely useful and informative.
A panel of judges evaluated the paintings of the students. The best three paintings were awarded prizes and the best three students of Quiz also received prizes. The best two quiz contestants also received Student’s Fellowship to undertake 10 days training at the Biotech Park. The prizes were given away by Mrs. Nirmal Ohri to the winning candidates. Prof. S.S. Parmar, Prof. GN Pandey, Prof. S.A.H Abidi Formerly Member ASRB, New Delhi and Dr. W.S. Lakra, Director, National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resource, Lucknow planted saplings of Royal Palm on this occasion. The Biotech Park remained opened for the visitors. A large number of distinguished scientists, students and local press people visited the exhibition.