The Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science at Assam Down Town University successfully organised Pharma Anveshan 2026 – North East Zone, bringing together academicians, policymakers, industry professionals and pharmacy students from across the region.
Held under the aegis of the Pharmacy Council of India, the event aimed to foster innovation, research and collaboration in the field of pharmaceutical sciences.
Speaking at the event, H. Lalhlenmawia, a member of the Executive Committee of the Pharmacy Council of India and coordinator of the organising committee for the North East Zone programme, emphasised the importance of platforms that connect academia, industry and regulatory bodies. He urged pharmacy students and young researchers to actively participate in research and innovation to help strengthen the future of the pharmaceutical sector.
Pharma Anveshan is organised annually to commemorate the birth anniversary of Mahadeva Lal Shroff, who is widely regarded as the pioneer of pharmacy education in India. The programme honours his legacy by encouraging young pharmacists and researchers to contribute to advancements in healthcare and pharmaceutical knowledge.
The inaugural session was attended by several distinguished guests, including the chief guest, Montu Kumar M. Patel, President of the Pharmacy Council of India. In his address, Patel underlined the importance of strengthening collaboration between academic institutions and the pharmaceutical industry to effectively address modern healthcare challenges.
He also spoke about reforms in pharmacy education, noting that a revised curriculum aligned with the National Education Policy is being introduced to make pharmacy education more interdisciplinary and skill-oriented. According to him, emerging areas such as artificial intelligence, active pharmaceutical ingredients and medical device technologies are gradually being incorporated into pharmacy programmes to better prepare students for future healthcare demands.
Patel further said that the Pharmacy Council of India is planning to introduce a single-window system to streamline institutional processes and simplify regulatory procedures for pharmacy colleges nationwide. He added that financial assistance of up to ₹1 crore may be provided to institutions to upgrade infrastructure, laboratories and digital facilities.
Earlier, delivering the welcome address, Saikat Sen, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science at Assam Down Town University and organising secretary of the event, said the platform plays a crucial role in encouraging young researchers to showcase innovative ideas and build collaborations with professionals from the pharmaceutical industry.
A key highlight of the event was the felicitation of members of the pharmacy fraternity who have successfully cleared prestigious Group A Civil Service examinations in Assam and Mizoram. Their achievements were celebrated as an inspiration for pharmacy students.
During the programme, the official newsletter of the Pharmacy Council of India titled “Pharmacy Today” was also launched. Additionally, the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science unveiled its institutional magazine featuring academic accomplishments, research activities and student initiatives.
The event also included an Academia–Industry panel discussion, where experts deliberated on emerging trends, research opportunities and the future direction of pharmaceutical education in India.
Throughout the day, participants engaged in scientific sessions, poster presentations and innovation showcases, reflecting the growing research potential among young scholars from the North East.
The programme concluded with a vibrant valedictory session that celebrated the cultural diversity of the region through traditional performances, followed by the announcement of winners of the scientific competitions.
Organisers said that Pharma Anveshan 2026 successfully provided a valuable platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration and innovation, further strengthening pharmaceutical education and research in the North East region.
