Date: March 6, 2024

Venue: SET Seminar Hall

National Pharmacy Education Day holds special significance as we honor the indelible contributions of Prof. Mahadeva Lal Schroff, whose pioneering efforts have left an indelible mark on the landscape of pharmacy education in India.

As we pay tribute to Prof. Schroff, we are reminded of the transformative power of education and its profound impact on society. His vision and dedication have inspired generations of pharmacists, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence in our profession.

At The Assam Kaziranga University, we are committed to upholding the values espoused by Prof. Schroff, and to providing our students with a holistic education that prepares them to excel in their chosen field. Through our rigorous Pharmacy programs, we strive to nurture the next generation of pharmacy professionals who will drive positive change and innovation in healthcare delivery.

The National Pharmacy Education Day 2024 was celebrated with enthusiasm and participation from various stakeholders in the field of pharmacy education and research. The event was organized at the SET Seminar Hall, and it commenced with an inaugural speech by the host, Abhisekh Guha Roy, at 10:30 am.

The ceremony officially commenced with the lighting of the lamp by all the dignitaries present, signifying the beginning of the day's proceedings. A vibrant welcome dance performed by Gayatri Gogoi set the tone for the event, captivating the audience at 10:40 am.

Dr. Sailendra Kumar Mahanta, the Dean (Ic) of Pharmacy, delivered the welcome address at 10:50 am, extending warm greetings to all attendees and highlighting the significance of the day in celebrating advancements and achievements in pharmacy education.

Following this, Dr. H Ravi Shankar Kamath, Registrar of The Assam Kaziranga University, delivered the inaugural address at 11:00 am, shedding light on the importance of pharmacy education in shaping the future of healthcare and pharmaceutical sciences.

Ms. Madhuchandra Lahon elucidated on the National Education Policy, 2020, at 11:05 am, emphasizing its implications and strategies for enhancing the quality of education in pharmacy.

The highlight of the event was the pre-workshop session by the Chief Guest, Dr. Dipanwita Banik, Principal Scientist at CSIR NEIST, who shared valuable insights into fostering synergies between academia and industry for the effective implementation of educational policies.

Hemanta Kr Gogoi delivered a speech on Prof. Mahadeva Lal Schroff, honoring his contributions to the field of pharmacy at 11:45 am, followed by Jayashree Devi's speech on the Pharmacy Council of India at 12:00 pm.

After a well-deserved lunch break, a practical workshop on "Exploring Nature's Pharmacy" was conducted by Dr. Dipanwita Banik from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm, focusing on medicinal plant field collection and herbarium sheet preparation.

During the practical workshop on "Exploring Nature's Pharmacy," Dr. Dipanwita Banik, a Principal Scientist at CSIR NEIST, engaged participants in a comprehensive session focusing on medicinal plant field collection and herbarium sheet preparation. Dr. Banik's expertise and experience in the field provided valuable insights into the meticulous process of herbarium preparation, which serves as an essential tool for documenting and preserving plant specimens for scientific study.

Dr. Banik began by explaining the importance of herbarium sheets in botanical research, emphasizing their role in accurately identifying and cataloging plant species based on their morphological characteristics. She elaborated on the significance of proper plant collection techniques, including the selection of suitable specimens, careful handling to avoid damage, and documentation of essential details such as location, habitat, and ecological associations.

Participants were guided through the process of collecting plant specimens in the field, focusing on ethical considerations, sustainable harvesting practices, and the importance of preserving biodiversity. Dr. Banik highlighted the need for adherence to legal regulations and ethical guidelines governing the collection of medicinal plants, ensuring sustainability and conservation efforts.

As the workshop progressed, Dr. Banik provided practical demonstrations on plant specimen preparation, including pressing, drying, and mounting techniques. Participants were introduced to the tools and materials required for herbarium sheet preparation, such as plant presses, drying sheets, mounting paper, and archival glue.

Dr. Banik emphasized the importance of accurate labeling and documentation on herbarium sheets, including information on plant taxonomy, collection date, location, habitat description, and collector's name. Participants were encouraged to pay attention to detail and maintain consistency in labeling to facilitate future research and reference.

Throughout the workshop, Dr. Banik actively engaged participants in hands-on activities, allowing them to practice herbarium preparation techniques under her guidance. Participants had the opportunity to gain practical experience in identifying, collecting, and preserving medicinal plant specimens, fostering a deeper understanding of botanical research methods and techniques.

By the end of the workshop, participants had acquired valuable skills and knowledge in herbarium preparation, enabling them to contribute effectively to botanical research, conservation efforts, and the advancement of pharmaceutical sciences. Dr. Banik's expertise and engaging teaching style ensured that the workshop was both informative and interactive, leaving participants inspired and empowered to explore nature's pharmacy with confidence and competence.

The afternoon session continued with an engaging quiz conducted by Mr. Bhargab Sharma at 3:00 pm, challenging the participants' knowledge and understanding of pharmacy-related topics.

A street play performed by students from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm creatively depicted various aspects of pharmacy education and its societal impact.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Sailendra Kumar Mahanta, HOD of the School of Pharmacy, expressing gratitude to all participants, dignitaries, and organizers for their contributions towards making the National Pharmacy Education Day 2024 a resounding success.

With a total of 161 student participants, the event served as a platform for fostering collaboration, sharing knowledge, and inspiring the future generation of pharmacists and researchers in advancing the field of pharmacy education.

This event exemplified the commitment of the academic community towards continuous improvement and innovation in pharmacy education, in alignment with national objectives and global standards.