Acknowledgments

I express my deepest and sincerest gratitude to the Rajiv Gandhi Science and Technology Commission, Mumbai, Maharashtra. Their generous support and funding provided the foundation upon which this research was built. The Commission's unwavering commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and technological innovation has been instrumental in bringing this project to fruition. The opportunities afforded by their backing have not only allowed me to conduct this research but have also enabled the development of a valuable resource that will serve the broader scientific and local community for years to come

I am profoundly grateful to Swami Ramanand Teerth Marathwada University, Nanded, Maharashtra, my parent university, for being the academic sanctuary that nurtured my research aspirations. The university's support has been essential in providing the resources, academic environment, and scholarly guidance necessary to undertake this complex project. I am particularly indebted to the faculty and administration, whose wisdom, encouragement, and patience have been a continuous source of strength throughout my academic journey. Their dedication to fostering academic excellence has profoundly shaped my research and personal growth.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Kinwat Shikshan Sanstha, Kinwat, for their invaluable support in completing my project on the Ethno-Medicinal Plants Database.I am deeply thankful to the President and all the esteemed members of Kinwat Shikshan Sanstha for their encouragement, guidance, and continuous support throughout the development of this project. Their contributions have been instrumental in helping me achieve this milestone.This project would not have been possible without their cooperation and unwavering belief in its significance. I am sincerely grateful for the opportunities and resources provided by the organization to bring this work to fruition.Thank you once again for your trust and support in my endeavor to document the rich ethno-medicinal heritage of Kinwat Forest.

I extend my heartfelt thanks to Dr. S.K. Bembrekar, Principal of Baliram Patil Arts, Commerce and Science College, for his visionary leadership and steadfast support throughout this project. His belief in my capabilities and his encouragement to pursue this research have been a constant source of motivation. I also wish to express my deep appreciation to the Vice Principal, staff, and my colleagues at Baliram Patil College for their collaborative spirit and encouragement. Their support has not only contributed to the success of this project but has also enriched my professional experience.

I would like to acknowledge with deep gratitude the contributions of my co-investigators, Dr. S.R. Shinde and Dr. Srinivas Reddy from the Department of Botany. Their expertise in ethnobotany and their guidance throughout the research and development of the ethnomedicinal plants database have been invaluable. Their insights, rigorous scientific approach, and collaborative spirit have greatly enriched the quality of this study. The successful documentation and analysis of the Kinwat Forest Range's ethnomedicinal plants owe much to their dedication and scholarly input.

I am also deeply thankful to Dr. G.B. Lamb from the Department of Mathematics, and Dr. G.S. Wankhede Department of Hindi whose expertise was crucial in the statistical analysis and data modelling aspects of this research. His ability to simplify complex mathematical concepts and apply them effectively to the database has been instrumental in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the research findings. His contributions have not only enhanced the scientific rigor of this study but have also provided a solid foundation for future research in this area

My heartfelt thanks go to Mrs. Mamta Jonipelliwar from the Department of English for her invaluable assistance with the editing and refinement of the thesis manuscript. Her keen eye for detail, mastery of language, and thoughtful feedback have greatly improved the clarity and coherence of this work. Her support has been essential in ensuring that the research is communicated effectively to a broader audience.

Finally, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my Project Assistant, Mr. Himalaya Raut. His dedication, meticulous attention to detail, and tireless work ethic have been crucial to the successful execution of this project. From data collection and entry to assisting with technical aspects of the database development, his contributions have been invaluable. His commitment to the research process and his ability to handle challenges with perseverance and professionalism have been truly commendable.

I would also like to extend my sincere appreciation to Mr. Rohit Tadpelliwar, Laboratory Assistant, for his dedicated support throughout the laboratory work involved in this project. His technical assistance and meticulous attention to detail in the lab were instrumental in the successful completion of the experimental aspects of this research. His contributions ensured that the practical components of the study were carried out smoothly and efficiently.

Finally, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to my students, whose enthusiasm, curiosity, and support have been a continuous source of inspiration. Their involvement in various aspects of this research, whether through assisting with fieldwork, data entry, or simply providing moral support, has been invaluable. Their engagement and willingness to learn have enriched the research experience and contributed significantly to the project's success