60th National Pharmacy Week celebrations at UIPS, Panjab University

Chandigarh, November 27, 2021: University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Panjab University, in association with Indian Pharmaceutical Association (IPA), Punjab Branch and MHRD Institution’s Innovation Council (IIC-UIPS) celebrated 60th National Pharmacy Week 2021 keeping up with the theme ‘Pharmacists: Integral Part of Healthcare’ from 21st - 27th November 2021. 
 
The celebrations comprised of week-long online competitions and guest lectures, organized under the leadership of Prof. O. P. Katare (President, IPA, Punjab branch), Prof. Bhupinder Singh Bhoop (Vice President, IPA, Punjab branch), and Prof. Indu Pal Kaur (Chairperson UIPS; President, IIC-UIPS; Secretary, IPA, Punjab branch).
 
The week commenced with online competitions, beginning with poster competition on 22nd November, which observed enthusiastic participation. This was followed by a quiz competition and a debate on 23rd and 24th November respectively, with an estimated 100 participations from across the nation. The alacrity with which the students participated was beyond comments.
 
The week concluded with a Valedictory Function on 27th November with a Valedictory talk on the theme 'Pharmacist: Integral part of Healthcare' by guest speaker Professor Rajendra B Kakde, Advisor- I, Approval Bureau Head, All India Council for Technical Education, New Delhi
 
The Valedictory function began with a welcome address by Professor Indu Pal Kaur followed by the presidential remarks by Professor O P Katare. Professor Poonam Piplani, Convenor, Lecture organising Team introduced the esteemed chief guest and hosted the entire event.
 
 The occasion was graced with the presence of Professor Vivek Ranjan Sinha, Dean of University Instruction, Panjab University. 
 
With a rich experience of more than 25 years in academic and industrial areas, Professor Rajendra B Kakde has published more than 125 national and international research papers with his area of research surrounding impurity profiling, bioanalysis, bioactive compounds, natural products, etc. Professor Kakde highlighted the responsibilities of a Pharmacist and various avenues in the profession of Pharmacy. He emphasized the emergence of pharma companies, domestically as well as internationally, and encouraged the students to explore different opportunities in this sector.
 
The winners of different competitions were felicitated at the end of the ceremony with certificates and cash prizes, followed by a vote of thanks by Professor Bhupinder Singh Bhoop. 
 
Around 180 participants attended the valedictory function, including distinguished guests and UIPS faculty.