Dr. Sunil S. Jalalpure

KLE University’s College of Pharmacy, Belgaum and Regional Medical Research Centre, ICMR, jointly hosted 15th Annual Conference and First International Convention of Society of Pharmacognosy from 18th to 20th February 2011 at KLE University’s College of Pharmacy Campus, Belgaum.

Dr. Prabhakar B. Kore, Hon. Chancellor, KLE University and Chairman, Board of Management, KLE Society, Belgaum inaugurated the Convention. Prof. Isador Kanfer, Emeritus Professor, Rhodes University, South Africa was the Chief Guest. Dr. Sanjiva D. Kholkute, Director, NIRRH, ICMR, Mumbai and Prof. Roderick Walker, Dean, Faculty of Pharmacy, Rhodes University, South Africa were the Guests of Honor. Prof Umesh Patil, Treasurer, Society of Pharmacognosy was also on dais.

Prof. Chandrakant Kokate, Vice-Chancellor, KLE University and National President, Society of Pharmacognosy, preside over the function. Prof. Vikash Sewram, Director, Oncology Research Unit & Cancer Research Initiative, Medical Research Council, South Africa delivered the keynote address on the Theme “Global Challenges and Opportunities in Herbal Medicines”.

Chief Guest Prof. Isadore Kanfer, inaugurated the Convention by lighting the lamp. In his inaugural speech, he focused on the quality, safety and efficacy of herbal medicines and also proper regulatory policies for their quality assurance. He mentioned about the collaboration of Rhodes University with KLE University in general and College of Pharmacy in particular about research activities in the drug design and the bioavailability studies.

Guests of Honor Prof. Sanjiva Kholkute, Director, NIRRH, ICMR, Mumbai and Prof. Roderick Walker, Dean, Faculty of Pharmacy, Rhodes University, South Africa released the souvenir.

Dr. Prabhakar Kore, Hon. Chancellor, KLE University and Chairman, KLE Society in his presidential remarks highlighted the importance of ancient science, “The Ayurveda” which is India’s gift to the mankind. It is becoming popular in the entire world.

Prof. Vikash Sewram, Director-Oncology Research Unit & Cancer Research Initiative, MRC, South Africa delivered a key note address on the theme “Global Challenges and Opportunities in Herbal Medicines”. He focused upon Best Practice of Medicine is based on evidence based knowledge incorporating indigenous knowledge.

Various International and National speakers delivered a series of plenary lectures on Natural products-Drug discovery and development, Role of ICMR in the Medicinal Plant Research including Quality Standardization, Marine Natural Products research in South Africa, Pharmacovigilance, Ayurveda- A Global Prospective, Role of Natural products in neurotoxicity, Stem cell research and Herbal Medicine & Traditional Practices in different countries.

More than 1000 delegates from India and abroad in this historic event were participated. Around 30 exhibitors were participated in the international conference from both academia and industries.

The international speakers from Canada, USA, U.K., South Africa, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Morocco, Nepal and National speakers from ICMR, industries and representatives of State Government Health Secretaries/ Drug control Departments were actively participated and delivered lectures. Scientific deliberations, interactive sessions and paper presentations are being held during this conference. Prof. Srinivas Patnala introduced all the speakers. Prof. Sunil Jalalpure, Organizing Secretary proposed the vote of thanks.