Dr. Sewali Pathak is an accomplished researcher, academician, and environmental educator whose work encompasses ichthyology, aquatic biodiversity, fish conservation, environmental science, biodiversity management, and community-oriented research. Her academic and professional contributions demonstrate a sustained commitment to documenting biological resources, understanding environmental challenges, promoting scientific awareness, and supporting conservation and sustainable development, particularly in Assam and the Northeast Indian region.

Her research has focused extensively on the fish diversity of Chirang District and the Indo-Bhutan streams of Assam, including studies of ornamental fishes, freshwater fish species, fish morphometrics, endangered species, fish pathogens, and aquatic biodiversity. Her work has contributed to the documentation and understanding of freshwater fish resources in the Brahmaputra drainage and associated hill-stream ecosystems.

Research Projects & Scientific Contributions

Dr. Pathak has successfully undertaken and completed several major, minor, and special research and environmental projects supported by organizations and government agencies. Her project portfolio includes a UGC/NERO Minor Research Project on Fish Diversity in the Chirang District of Assam, a Department of Science & Technology, Government of Assam-supported project on Biodiversity and Climate Change Sensitization, and a Department of Biotechnology, Government of India-supported project on fish pathogens using Foldscope in freshwater fishes.

She has also participated in several National Green Corps and environmental education programmes, including initiatives on scientific temper, environmental and climate awareness, environment and climate cells, sustainable lifestyle, vermicomposting, solid-waste management, nature camps, and preparation of eco-friendly Holi colours. These completed projects reflect her commitment to connecting scientific research with environmental education and public awareness.

Research Publications & Scholarly Work

Dr. Pathak has an extensive record of scholarly contributions in the fields of aquatic biodiversity, ichthyology, environmental science, conservation, health and hygiene, women's livelihood, indigenous knowledge, and socio-economic studies.

Her research papers include studies on ichthyofaunal diversity, ornamental fishes, freshwater fish genera such as Olyra, Amblyceps, Pillaia, Pethia, Puntius, Labeo, Glyptothorax, and Pseudolaguvia, as well as research on fish reproduction and captive breeding. Her recent research includes work on Channa assamensis, a freshwater snakehead, and the induced breeding and reproductive performance of Macrognathus aral, accepted for publication in 2026.

Her publications also address broader environmental and social themes, including e-waste and environment, environmental health risks, ecological characteristics of Chirang, biodiversity conservation, women's livelihood, menstrual hygiene, bioresource utilization, indigenous knowledge systems, sustainable lifestyles, ethnic food and beverages, freshwater prawn utilization, and the socio-economic status of fishing communities.

Books & Edited Publications

Dr. Pathak has contributed to and edited several scholarly books and publications. Her book-related contributions include Anwesha: A Multilingual, Multidisciplinary Research Based Edited Book, as well as books on Animal Husbandry and Livestock Management, Organic Evolution, and Human Health and Infectious Diseases.

Her academic writing and editorial activities demonstrate interdisciplinary engagement spanning biological sciences, environmental studies, health, agriculture, and social dimensions of sustainability.

Biodiversity & Environmental Conservation

A significant aspect of Dr. Pathak's academic profile is her sustained contribution to biodiversity documentation and conservation awareness. Her research on freshwater fishes and aquatic ecosystems has particularly focused on the biologically rich Chirang District and Indo-Bhutan border region of Assam.

Through research projects, publications, environmental programmes, workshops, nature camps, and scientific-awareness initiatives, she has contributed to increasing understanding of biodiversity conservation, climate change, sustainable lifestyles, environmental health, and responsible utilization of natural resources.

Community Outreach & Scientific Awareness

Dr. Pathak has extended her scientific activities beyond conventional academic research through projects designed to promote scientific temper, environmental awareness, biodiversity education, and sustainable practices among communities.

Her involvement in initiatives such as Sanskar: Manuhe Mamuhor Babe, National Green Corps programmes, sustainable lifestyle workshops, vermicomposting and solid-waste management activities, nature camps, and eco-friendly Holi-colour workshops illustrates her effort to translate scientific knowledge into socially relevant environmental practices.

Recent Research & Academic Development

Her research trajectory demonstrates continued scholarly activity through 2023–2026, including publications on freshwater fish diversity, morphometric studies, endangered and newly recorded species, aquatic biodiversity, and fish reproductive biology. Her 2025 work on the occurrence of the genus Pseudolaguvia and her 2026 accepted research on induced breeding further demonstrate the continuing development of her research in aquatic biology and fisheries.

Eligibility for Women Researcher Award 

Dr. Sewali Pathak demonstrates a substantial body of research, publication, project execution, environmental outreach, biodiversity conservation, and academic authorship, making her a strong candidate for consideration for the Women Researcher Award in Scientific Laurels.

Her sustained research on freshwater biodiversity and ichthyology, contributions to the documentation and conservation of aquatic species, successful completion of multiple externally supported research and environmental projects, extensive scholarly publications, book contributions, and community-oriented environmental initiatives collectively reflect her contribution as a woman researcher in the scientific community.

Her work particularly stands out for its combination of scientific investigation, biodiversity conservation, environmental education, community awareness, and sustainable development, establishing a meaningful research profile relevant to recognition through the Women Researcher Award.