New Delhi: The Department of Pharmacognosy & Phytochemistry at the School of Pharmaceutical Education & Research (SPER), Jamia Hamdard, successfully organized the 27th Convention of the Indian Society of Pharmacognosy, along with an international conference on the role of traditional medicine and phytopharmaceuticals in healthcare for a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India). The event, held on October 4th and 5th, 2024, at the university’s Convention Centre, attracted more than 450 participants from various sectors, including industry professionals, academics, research scholars, and students from across India.
The two-day program was held under the Chief Patronship of Hammad Ahmed, Chancellor of Jamia Hamdard, and sponsored by leading organizations such as Hamdard National Foundation, Aimil Pharmaceuticals India Ltd., Q-Line Nutraceutical Private Limited, Multani Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Nutriburst India Pvt. Ltd., and Anchrom Enterprise.
The conference served as a key platform for experts, researchers, and practitioners to exchange knowledge and collaborate on integrating traditional medicine with modern healthcare systems. The event began with recitation of the Quranic verses, followed by welcoming remarks from Prof. (Dr.) Vidhu Aeri, Convener and Chairperson of the event. Prof. Aeri stressed the need to enhance research in medicinal plants and promoted a vision for sustainable healthcare that honors India’s cultural heritage.
Prof. Farhan J. Ahmed, Dean of SPER, highlighted the achievements of the school and provided an overview of the event’s objectives. The Chief Guest, Shri Satish Chandra Dubey, Minister of State for Coal & Mines, praised Jamia Hamdard’s contributions to traditional medicine and emphasized the value of integrating traditional practices into modern healthcare to improve public health.
Guest of Honour Dr. Raman Mohan Singh, Director of the Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy (PCIM&H), Ministry of AYUSH, elaborated on efforts to establish quality control standards for herbal products, advocating for the “one herb, one monograph” approach to improve the credibility of herbal medicine.
Presiding over the event, Prof. (Dr.) M. Afshar Alam, Vice Chancellor of Jamia Hamdard, spoke about the university’s commitment to advancing phytopharmaceuticals, aligning with the vision of a developed India. Esteemed speakers, including Dr. DBA Narayana, Chief Scientific Officer of Ayurvidye Trust, and Dr. C.K. Katiyar, CEO of Health Care (Technical) at Emami Ltd., shared their insights on the evolving landscape of herbal medicine and the potential of phytopharmaceuticals in modern healthcare.
The conference concluded with a vote of thanks from Dr. M.A. Sikandar, Registrar of Jamia Hamdard, who expressed his gratitude to all dignitaries, participants, and organizers for their contributions to the event’s success. The program ended on a patriotic note with the National Anthem.
