Governor attends 7th convocation of NIPER Guwahati
Calls upon young scientists to lead India towards a healthier, innovative, and self-reliant future
Asks NIPER, Guwahati to act as a bridge between traditional knowledge systems and modern science through collaborations
Guwahati, June 18: Assam Governor Shri Lakshman Prasad Acharya, attended the 7th Convocation Ceremony of the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Guwahati, held at the institute’s campus today.
Addressing the convocation, Governor Shri Acharya extended his heartfelt congratulations to the graduating students, their families, and the academic community. He said, “Convocation day is not just a culmination of years of relentless effort, but the beginning of a new chapter of responsibility and service. It is a sacred and proud moment for students, parents, and teachers alike”.
The Governor termed the North Eastern region as a treasure trove of biodiversity, traditional medicines, and indigenous healthcare wisdom. He said that institutions like NIPER, Guwahati can play a pivotal role in bringing this rich heritage to the global stage through cutting-edge science and technology.
Highlighting the region’s growing role in the development of the pharmaceutical sector, the Governor cited initiatives such as ‘Advantage Assam 2.0’ and the ‘Rising Northeast Summit’ which have attracted investments worth hundreds of crores. “Assam is rapidly emerging as a new hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and pharmaceutical excellence,” he stated.
Shri Acharya commended NIPER Guwahati for securing the 12th rank in the latest National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), calling it a testimony to its rising academic and research excellence. He praised the institute’s faculty, researchers, and students for their contributions to health science, innovation, and public service.
Reflecting on India’s long-standing medical legacy, the Governor invoked the ancient maxim, “Arogyam Paramam Bhagyam, Swasthyam Sarvarthasadhanam”, underscoring the relevance of holistic health in today’s world marked by lifestyle disorders, mental health issues, and environmental concerns. He emphasized the integration of modern medicine with Ayurveda, yoga, and indigenous practices to achieve true wellness.
“Our Acharyas like Charaka and Sushruta laid the foundations of medical science with their pioneering work in pharmacology and surgery,” he noted. “Today, under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Ayurveda and traditional Indian medicine have gained global respect, placing India at a historic crossroads of health innovation.”
Lauding India’s pharmaceutical might, Governor Shri Acharya pointed out that the country meets 20 per cent global demand for generic medicines, producing over 60,000 brands across more than 60 therapeutic categories. He also spotlighted the vital role India played during the COVID-19 pandemic and praised NIPER Guwahati for its active contributions during the crisis, for which it was honoured with the COVID Warrior Award.
The Governor moreover said that the Indian pharmaceutical industry stands as the 3rd largest globally by volume and 14th by value. As the country goes forward with flagship missions like Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Digital Health, and Startup India, young professionals like the graduates of NIPER must become catalysts of transformation,” he added.
The Governor called upon the graduates to validate and elevate traditional medicinal knowledge from the Northeast, integrating it with modern research. “Your scientific work must always be guided by compassion and ethics. Remember, the true worth of an invention lies in its service to society”, the Governor exhorted.
Shri Acharya moreover encouraged NIPER Guwahati to become a bridge between traditional knowledge systems and modern science, through collaborations with national and global bodies such as the WHO. “As you step into the world, carry with you the values of excellence, integrity, and societal service. You are the torchbearers of India’s pharmaceutical future”, the Governor advised.
It may be mentioned that a total of 366 students, including 10 Ph.D. students, 144 Postgraduate students of batch 2022-24, and 212 Postgraduate students of batch 2023-25, were awarded degrees during the ceremony.
Secretary, Dept.of Pharmaceuticals under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Amit Agrawal, Director of NIPER Dr. U.S.N. Murty, Associate Dean of NIPER Guwahati Prof. Sanjay K. Bannerjee , members of the Governing Board, Senate, and the Academic Planning and Development Committee, faculty members, along with a host of other dignitaries were present in the convocation.