‘Prof Mahadeva Lal Schroff is the beacon of inspiration to the Indian pharmacists’

Prof Mahadeva Lal Schroff, popularly known as the Father of Pharmacy Education in India, remains an ideal to all pharmacists working in this country. He has created massive awareness for the development of pharmaceutical education of science and technology in India.

Thus, the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) has declared March 6 to be observed as the National Pharmacy Education Day in remembrance of Professor Mahadeva Lal Schroff, which is also his birth anniversary. To honour his role in founding pharmacy education in India, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (SPS) at Apeejay Stya University observed this day.   

ASU encourages aspiring researchers and scholars to pursue their research ambitions, which are aligned to the vision and the mission of the university and emerging trends in the global market. The event was organised with the vision to further strengthen the research environment at Apeejay Stya University. 

Further, SPS has also launched a Chair in the name of Prof. M.L. Schroff. This one day symposium was organised by Prof. M. L. Schroff Chair at SPS in collaboration with Indian Pharmaceutical Association (IPA), Delhi Branch, and Walter Bushnell. The symposium started with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp of Sarswati idol by dignitaries and invited guests from Indian Pharmaceutical Association, Delhi State Branch.

The technical session begun with talk by Dr. Saurabh Dahiya, Associate Professor, DPSRU on National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the integration of NEP with Pharmacy. Dr. Narender Yadav, Assistant Professor from SPS chaired this session, in which speakers discussed about the history of the education system in India – how the education policy in India has changed since independence, leading up to the current policy. One of the main highlights of the NEP is the innovative pedagogy approach, which gives equal weightage to theory and practical aspects of education, with a focus on student-centric and flexible system while emphasising on creativity and critical thinking.

Another talk was delivered by Dr. Manish Diwan, Head – Strategy Partnership & Entrepreneurship Development at BIRAC, Department of Biotechnology, Government of India.

Dr. Manish Diwan discussed the importance of fostering a thriving healthcare innovation ecosystem and BIRAC’s role in promoting India’s innovation landscape over the past decade. He also emphasised that innovation is critical to improving healthcare outcomes and access, as well as a supportive ecosystem is necessary to foster innovation.

Further, Dr. Anupama Diwan, Dean at School of Pharmaceutical Sciences also explained that BIRAC is a government of India initiative that supports and nurtures innovation in
biotechnology and healthcare. BIRAC offers a range of funding and support programmes to entrepreneurs, startups, and researchers in the healthcare and biotechnology space.

Dr. Diwan also briefed about research conducted at school and activities under Prof. M. L. Schroff Chair. She encouraged all budding pharmacists to write articles and be involved in research.

Subsequently, the talk by Dr. Neeraj Kumar, a Sr. Research Manager, Clinical Initiatives, Translumina Therapeutics LLP, Delhi Hon. Secretary, IPA-Delhi State Branch, briefed on the topic “Clinical Research in India.” He stated, “India accounts for 60% global vaccine distributor and a leading supplier of BCG, DPT and Measles. 70% of WHO vaccine is from India.” He also explained why India is a hub for conducting clinical trails. This session was chaired by Dr. Rani Mansuri, Assistant Professor at SPS.

Also Read: Apeejay professors presented research posters in the 72nd Indian Pharmaceutical Congress 

After this session, Mr. Kalhan Bazaz, President of IPA-Delhi State Branch, shared with the students the function of IPA, benefits to IPA members for career advancement, learning soft skills and attending scientific seminar and conferences at waived price. He emphasised on learning software skills like SAP and other pharma software to achieve career goal. Finally, Dr. Amit Kaur Puri, Founder AKP Healing India, shared her view on “Herbal Colours”. Demonstrating the procedure of making herbal formulations, she showcased the flower samples such as rose, butea monosperma, bougainvillea, marigold, and spinach for preparation of various herbal colours for various uses.

“Prof Mahadeva Lal Schroff is the life, which leads us to activity and devotion to work, sincerity of purpose and service to the motherland. He will remain a beacon of inspiration to the Indian pharmacists for his pioneering and dynamic leadership in the field of pharmaceutical education. He is fondly known for his contribution to this country. And so, the best way to remember him is by having the chair at ASU with his name.”

–Dr Anupama Diwan, Dean at School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Apeejay Stya University