Srinagar, Oct 20: To foster deeper connections and to inspire the next generation of pharmaceutical professionals, the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kashmir University (KU) Thursday organised a grand alumni meet, marking the 40th year of its establishment here at the varsity’s Ibn-Khaldun Auditorium.
On the directions of the the Vice Chancellor, Kashmir University, Prof Nilofer Khan, the varsity is abuzz with alumni meets with the goal of nurturing connections among former students and igniting inspiration for the next generation of scholars.
KU Registrar, Dr Nisar Ahmad Mir; Dean Research, KU, Prof Irshad Ahmad Nawchoo and Drugs Controller, Drug and Food Control Organisation, Jammu and Kashmir, Lotika Khajuria besides faculty members and alumni spanning back to the department’s inception in 1983 attended the meet.
Sharing insights into the department’s history and genesis forty years ago and acknowledging the significant role of its founding fathers in establishing the department despite numerous challenges, Dean Research, Kashmir University, Prof Irshad Ahmad Nawchoo expressed contentment over the department’s progress and highlighted the substantial contributions made by its alumni towards its academic and financial development.
Highlighting the department’s pivotal role and the contributions of its alumni during the COVID-19 pandemic, Registrar, Kashmir University, Dr Nisar Ahmad Mir commended the trained pharmacists for their services in identifying and treating infected patients, reaffirming the university’s commitment to providing improved infrastructure in line with regulatory standards.
Expressing her satisfaction with the department’s alumni occupying prestigious positions in various sectors such as the Drug and Food Control Organisation, hospitals, laboratories and pharmaceutical educational institutions in India and abroad, Guest of Honour on the occasion, Lotika Khajuria, stressed the importance of collaboration between the department and the drug control organisation for human resource development and addressing critical issues like drug abuse, medicine quality, effectiveness, and pricing. She called for joint educational programmes in this regard.
Coordinator of the alumni meet, Dr Nisar Ahmad Khan delivered a comprehensive presentation on the department’s achievements, the profiles of its esteemed alumni and its remarkable evolution over four decades. This journey evoked a sense of nostalgia and emotion among all present.
Welcoming the alumni, Head of the Department and convener of the event, Prof Mubashir H Masoodi emphasised their crucial role in establishing communication networks and mentorship opportunities for current students. He encouraged the alumni to “maintain active engagement with the department and participate in decision-making activities.”
In his introductory remarks, Organising Secretary, Dr G N Bader extended a warm welcome to both in-person and remote participants.
Dr Rajiv Tukra, an alumnus who joined remotely from Jaipur, Rajasthan, also shared his thoughts and experiences.
The alumni, during the meet, shared their cherished memories and experiences, evoking nostalgia as they revisited their past.
A cultural programme presented by the department’s students left a lasting impression while mementoes were also awarded to distinguished alumni and co-organisers, Dr Syed Naiem Raza and Dr M Akbar Dar.
Prof Geer Mohammad Ishaq delivered the formal vote of thanks while research scholar at the department, Iffat Jan conducted the proceedings of the event.
